Choosing a headstone for a loved one is an important decision that should be made with care. Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult and stressful things someone can experience, and choosing gravestones or memorials can be emotionally challenging. For headstone suppliers, funeral directors and other professionals, helping your customers make a headstone choice requires sensitivity and care. Our article provides a complete guide to how you can help your customers select the right headstone for their loved one. To learn more about guiding your customers to making a choice of memorial, keep on reading our blog.
Supporting Your Customers
When it comes to helping anyone pick out a gravestone, headstone or type of memorial for their loved one, it's crucial to stay professional and sensitive. Grief is one of the most difficult experiences, and the funeral process, as well as funeral preparation can be extremely difficult for families and friends. Some of the key ways that you can remain sensitive to those going through this process include:
Acknowledging The Loss - Sometimes it can be difficult to approach individuals and families who are grieving, but a key step in opening the conversation can begin with acknowledging their loss. Saying things like 'I'm sorry for your loss' and empathising with the tragedy that they're going through can help them feel seen and heard.
Actively Listening - During such a challenging and turbulent time, listening to your customers and allowing them to express their wants and needs is very important. Ensuring that they feel heard can go a long way. Whether they're asking for guidance, customisable options, or other services, you can stay professional and sensitive by allowing them to vocalise their needs.
Be Compassionate With Words - Words carry more weight than we realise, and during emotionally challenging times, it can be helpful to be compassionate with your words. Enforcing support and using gentle language with your customer can help them feel more settled throughout such a difficult process. Avoiding cliche sayings like 'They're in a better place' can also showcase your sensitivity towards the situation.
Create A Welcoming Environment - Creating a calm and welcoming environment can also put your customers at ease. Coming to choose headstones for memorials and making any funeral arrangements can be overwhelming, and putting your customers at ease can make a huge difference for them during this time. They can ask you for guidance, advice and recommendations that support their needs the best.
Headstone & Memorial Options Available
There are a vast selection of gravestone and headstone options out there, and choosing one for your loved one can seem like a big choice. With so many options, it can be overwhelming for individuals to choose, but helping them understand their options can help them come to a decision. We've outlined some of the 5 key options that are most popular, which you can relay to your customers.
Granite Headstones For Memorials
Granite is one of the most popular choices for headstones. Not only is it a durable choice, but it allows a range of aesthetics too. Granite is highly resistant to harsh weathering conditions such as rain and sunlight, meaning a granite headstone will stay strong for the years to come. They come in many different colour variants. and they have a polished, clean surface. Headstones can be engraved with names, dates, quotes and any other messages the family wishes to include. Granite headstones can also be combined with statues and other elements, to pay tribute to a loved one in a more personalised way.
Marble Headstones For Memorials
Marble headstones are another example of traditional and polished headstones. Marble has a smooth texture and a classic aesthetic, bringing elegance to your loved ones grave. While it is softer than granite, marble is a viable choice for your loved one, and is known for its white or grey appearance. If you're looking for something timeless, marble can be a smart decision, and its softer nature makes it easier to carve clear inscriptions or religious motifs. Marble is also frequently used for statues and custom additions to a memorial, which can be personalised based on your customers needs.
Memorial Tree
A memorial tree is another beautiful, eco-friendly way to honour a loved one. A remembrance tree is a beautiful and sentimental way to remember the deceased. Many families decide to scatter ashes when the tree is planted, and it gives families a place to visit and remember their loved one. Memorial trees can be planted by the family themselves, in a private space, but they can also dedicate a tree to a loved one in public spaces too. There are many organisations who will take donations and organise the planting of a memorial tree for you.
Memorial Plaques
A memorial plaque, or any kind of commemorative plaque can be another effective way to honour a loved one after they have passed away. Memorial plaques are often bronze, or made from stone. They can be personalised with an inscription, a sentimental message or just the name of your loved one. Memorial plaques can be placed on a headstone, or on the grave itself without a headstone. They can also be attached to a memorial bench or a memorial tree. Your customers may want to honour their loved one without a headstone, and a memorial plaque is the perfect way to do so.
Statues
For those who don't want to commit to a full headstone, or to add a more personal touch, statues and sculptures can be a beautiful way for families to add a more visual touch to a headstone or memorial. Sculptures are often made from marble, granite or bronze and can be personalised in many ways. Often, people have sculptures of angels, cherubs and other emblems. Doves, hands and other figures can also be made.
Benches
If you're looking for a type of memorial that is not a headstone or a grave, a memorial bench is a great alternative that can honour your family. Customers may be looking for something that can be used, or give back to the community, and a bench is the perfect way to do just that. Benches can be placed in public spots, or in more private, secluded areas where people can sit on them. A bench can be elevated with a plaque or an inscription, so that the memory of your loved one can continue on.
Cremation Memorials
For families who have had their loved ones cremated, they may be looking for a way to honour their loved ones ashes. There are several ways that families can do this, and there are memorial headstones, vases and plaques available for urns and those who have had their loved ones cremated. If you have customers who are looking for something other than a memorial, cremation jewellery is another option that they could explore.
Customisation Options
It’s also key to make your customers aware of any customisable options out there. When it comes to honouring a loved one, many families and friends want to take the opportunity to create something more personal and meaningful. When it comes to headstones and memorials, there are many ways to customise these memorials, helping your customers honour their loved one. We’ve outlined some of the key ways you can customise your memorials below.
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