Headstone Inscriptions: Examples of wording for headstones

Choosing the right words for a headstone inscription is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make when creating a memorial for someone you love. These carefully selected words will stand as a lasting tribute for generations to come, offering comfort to visitors and keeping precious memories alive.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate every aspect of headstone wording, from understanding the components of an inscription to finding the perfect phrases for your loved one. Whether you’re looking for traditional opening lines, heartfelt tributes organised by relationship, or guidance on what’s permitted in UK burial grounds, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorial inscription that truly honours your loved one’s memory.

The words you choose should reflect the person being remembered whilst providing comfort to those who visit. With over 250 carefully curated examples and practical guidance throughout, this guide will support you through this important process with compassion and care.

Before You Start: Essential Considerations

Take Your Time

There’s absolutely no need to rush your decision about headstone wording. In most UK burial grounds, headstones aren’t installed until at least 6-12 months after burial to allow the ground to settle properly. This waiting period gives you valuable time to consider your options carefully and ensure you’re completely satisfied with your choices.

Use this time to reflect on memories, discuss options with family members, and find words that truly capture your loved one’s essence. A hasty decision made during the intense grief of early bereavement might not feel right once emotions have had time to settle. The inscription will be there for centuries, so it’s worth investing the time to get it exactly right.

Involve Family and Friends

Memorial inscriptions often benefit from family collaboration. Different family members may remember different aspects of your loved one’s character, and their input can help create a more complete tribute. Share your ideas with others who were close to the person being remembered, and be open to their suggestions.

If disagreements arise, it can help to have one family member take the lead in coordinating everyone’s input whilst ensuring all voices are heard. Sometimes a compromise that incorporates elements from different suggestions creates the most meaningful result.

Check Cemetery or Churchyard Rules

Before finalising any inscription, you must check what’s permitted at your chosen burial ground. Rules vary significantly depending on whether the ground is:

Church of England Churchyards often have strict guidelines. Many dioceses require inscriptions to be ‘simple, dignified and reverent’, avoiding overly sentimental phrases. Some prohibit informal terms like ‘Nan’ or ‘Grandad’, requiring formal names instead. The Diocese of Birmingham states that inscriptions must not be ‘tactless’ or ‘draw comparisons’ with others buried in the churchyard. The Diocese of Norwich encourages ‘brief epitaphs with biblical or well-known hymnal words’.

Catholic, Jewish, and Other Religious Grounds each have their own requirements. Jewish cemeteries often incorporate Hebrew text and specific religious symbols. Islamic burial grounds follow their own traditions. Always consult with the appropriate religious authority before finalising your inscription.

Council-Run or Municipal Cemeteries tend to be more relaxed, though they still prohibit offensive language or content. Your local council can provide specific guidelines for their burial grounds.

Private Burial Grounds or Churchyards may have individual rules set by the landowner or parish council.

Haven Memorials can guide you through the requirements for your specific burial ground, ensuring your chosen inscription will be approved.

Double-Check Everything

Headstone inscriptions are extremely difficult and costly to change once carved into stone. Before giving final approval, carefully verify:

• Spelling of all names (including middle names if used)
• Dates of birth and death (day, month, and year)
• Grammar and punctuation
• Consistency of formatting

Ask multiple family members to review the final inscription. Fresh eyes often catch errors that you might miss when you’ve been looking at the same text repeatedly. Even a small mistake can cause lasting regret, so this step is absolutely critical.

Consider Space and Memorial Type

The type of memorial you choose will influence how much text can comfortably fit. A small cremation memorial has less space than a traditional upright cemetery memorial. Book memorials offer more surface area for longer inscriptions, whilst heart-shaped memorials may require shorter, more concise wording.

If you’re choosing a memorial for two people (such as a married couple), remember to leave adequate space for the second inscription to be added later. Many families underestimate this and find they’ve used too much space on the first inscription, leaving insufficient room for a proper tribute to the second person.

Understanding Headstone Inscriptions

A traditional headstone inscription typically includes several distinct components, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding these elements will help you craft a complete and meaningful memorial.

The Components of a Headstone Inscription

Top Line or Opening Phrase – This sets the tone for the entire inscription. Traditional examples include ‘In Loving Memory Of’ or ‘Rest in Peace’. This appears before the name and establishes the sentiment of the memorial.

Name – The deceased’s full name, though sometimes nicknames or familiar names are included. Some families prefer formal names (‘Elizabeth Jane Smith’) whilst others use how the person was commonly known (‘Betty Smith’ or ‘Lizzie Smith’). Check your burial ground’s rules as some prohibit informal names.

Dates – Birth and death dates, usually shown as day, month, year. These can be formatted in various ways:

• Full dates: ’17th July 1930 – 14th October 2017′
• Years only: ‘1930 – 2017’
• Age: ‘Aged 87 years’

Descriptive Line or Relationship – This identifies who the person was to their loved ones: ‘Beloved wife, mother and grandmother’ or ‘Devoted father and grandfather’. This helps visitors understand the relationships that mattered most.

Epitaph or Personal Message – The closing tribute that captures something special about the person or expresses your feelings. This might be ‘Forever in our hearts’, a favourite quote, a line from a poem, or a personalised message.

Example of a Complete Inscription

In Loving Memory Of

Margaret Rose Thompson

17th July 1930 – 14th October 2017

Beloved wife of John
Devoted mother and grandmother

Forever in our hearts

This example demonstrates how all components work together to create a cohesive, meaningful memorial inscription. You can include all these elements or choose to use only some of them, depending on your preferences and available space.

Inscriptions for Different Memorial Types

Different memorials accommodate different amounts of text:

Upright Headstones (cemetery memorials) – These offer the most space and can accommodate longer inscriptions, multiple epitaphs, or additional elements like favourite verses or quotes.

Lawn Memorials – Flat or slightly raised stones with more limited space, best suited to concise inscriptions.

Book Memorials – These offer excellent space for longer tributes, with two ‘pages’ available for text. Many families use one page for each person in a couple.

Cremation Memorials – Typically smaller, requiring brief, carefully chosen wording.

Kerbed Memorials – The full-length surround offers space for longer inscriptions across the headstone and kerbs.

Top Line Opening Phrases

The opening phrase sets the tone for your memorial and appears before the name. Whilst ‘In Loving Memory Of’ remains the most popular choice in the UK, there are many beautiful alternatives to consider. Here are over 60 options organised by sentiment:

Traditional and Classic Openings

In loving memory of In memory of In loving remembrance of In remembrance of In cherished memory of In treasured memory of In beloved and abiding memory of Sacred is the memory of In ever living memory of In honoured memory In eternal memory of In everlasting memory of

Religious and Spiritual Openings

Rest in peace At peace In God’s care Gone to be with God Together again in Heaven In eternal life With the angels Reunited at last At rest in the Lord Safe in the arms of Jesus

Celebratory and Uplifting Openings

A life well lived A beautiful life A life of love and laughter Celebrating the life of In celebration of Forever remembered Happy memories of Precious memories of Fond memories last forever Treasured memories last forever Cherished memories of

Affectionate and Personal Openings

Our beloved [name] Dearly beloved Dearly loved Much loved Always loved Forever loved Beloved by all who knew them Loved and missed always Eternally loved and missed

Enduring Connection Openings

Forever in our hearts Always in our thoughts Always in our hearts Gone but not forgotten Gone but never forgotten Never forgotten Once met, never forgotten Forever missed Till we meet again Until we meet again Together again

Unique and Contemporary Openings

A shining light A shining star A gentle spirit A gentle soul A beautiful soul A heart of gold A true friend Forever young

Your choice of opening phrase will depend on the overall tone you wish to create. Traditional phrases offer timeless dignity, whilst more contemporary choices might better reflect a unique personality. Consider what would have resonated with your loved one and what will bring comfort to visiting family members.

Headstone Wording by Relationship

Finding the right words to describe your loved one and express your relationship with them is deeply personal. This section provides over 200 examples organised by the relationship you shared, helping you find wording that captures the unique bond you had.

Inscriptions for Both Parents

When memorialising both parents together, the inscription should honour their partnership and their role in your life. Many families choose wording that emphasises unity and enduring love.

Opening and Descriptive Lines:

• Beloved by all who knew them
• Our beloved parents
• Beloved mother and father
• Treasured memories of our dear parents
• In loving memory of our devoted parents
• Dearly loved parents
• Together in love, together in peace

Complete Tributes:

• Ours is love everlasting
• Death cannot part them
• Forever together, Mum & Dad
• Always together, never apart, joined as one heart
• Life is not forever, love is
• United in love, forever and always
• Together in eternal peace
• Their love shines on in our hearts
• Forever cherished, forever missed
• Their love will guide us always
• In their love, we find strength
• Their love story never ends
• Their love left footprints on our hearts
• A life well lived, a love well remembered
• A legacy of love and kindness
• Their love was the foundation of our lives
• In their love, we find solace and peace
• Their love was a gift that will never fade
• In our hearts, their love will forever reside
• Forever grateful for their love and guidance
• A love that transcends time and space
• Their love lives on in the memories we share
• Married [number] wonderful years
• Goodnight and God bless you both
• Until we meet again
• Missed by all who knew them

These examples can be used following the parents’ names and dates, creating a complete and meaningful tribute to both.

Inscriptions for Fathers

Honouring your father’s memory requires words that capture his unique character, the role he played in your life, and the impact he had on those around him.

Descriptive Opening Lines:

• Our loving father
• Beloved father
• Devoted father
• Dearly loved father
• A cherished father
• Much loved father and grandfather
• Loving husband and devoted father
• Beloved husband, father and grandfather

Character and Legacy Tributes:

• A guiding light in our lives
• Your legacy lives on
• An irreplaceable father
• A father’s love is forever
• Forever in our hearts
• Your love will always be remembered
• Your presence is deeply missed
• Always in our thoughts
• Gone but not forgotten
• Beloved by all who knew him
• A man of honour and integrity
• His strength was our foundation
• His wisdom guides us still
• A gentleman in every sense
• His kindness touched all he met
• A devoted family man
• He gave us everything
• The best father anyone could wish for
• Greatly loved, sadly missed
• His memory is our treasure
• A life of service and love
• Deeply missed, forever loved
• Cherished memories never fade
• Always remembered, never forgotten
• His love lives on
• In our hearts, always

Complete Memorial Phrases:

• In loving memory of [name]
• Rest in peace, dear father
• A father beyond compare
• Forever grateful for his love
• His love remains our guiding light
• Gone from our sight but never our hearts
• A wonderful father and friend
• His courage and strength inspire us still
• In God’s care now
• At peace at last
• Until we are together again
• Sleep peacefully, Dad
• We will love you always

These can be combined with the descriptive lines to create a full inscription. For example: ‘Beloved Father / A guiding light in our lives / Forever in our hearts’.

Inscriptions for Mothers

A mother’s inscription should reflect the special bond, unconditional love, and nurturing spirit that defined her role in your life.

Descriptive Opening Lines:

• Our loving mother
• Beloved mother
• Devoted mother
• Dearly loved mother
• A cherished mother
• Much loved mother and grandmother
• Loving wife and devoted mother
• Beloved wife, mother and grandmother

Character and Legacy Tributes:

• A mother’s love lives on
• A mother’s love is eternal
• Forever cherished, never forgotten
• The heart of our family
• An angel among us
• Her love lives on in our memories
• A mother’s love knows no bounds
• Remembered for her kindness and grace
• A life well lived, a mother well loved
• An eternal bond that death cannot break
• A mother’s love, a priceless gift
• Our guardian angel, forever watching over us
• A mother’s legacy, a lasting impact
• In honour of a devoted mother
• Forever grateful for her love and guidance
• A life of love and legacy
• In celebration of a remarkable mother
• A guiding light and source of strength
• Dearly loved, deeply missed
• Her gentle spirit lives on
• The finest mother
• Her warmth and love will never fade
• Always in our hearts and thoughts
• She gave us roots and wings
• Her love was our foundation

Complete Memorial Phrases:

• In loving memory of [name]
• Forever in our hearts
• Beloved by all who knew her
• Gone but not forgotten
• Rest in peace, dear mother
• A treasure beyond measure
• Her love shines on in us
• At peace in the arms of the angels
• Sleep well, Mum
• Until we meet again in Heaven
• Always loved, deeply missed
• Our inspiration, our strength
• Forever remembered with love
• Her memory is a blessing

Combine these elements to create an inscription that captures your mother’s unique qualities. For instance: ‘Beloved Mother and Grandmother / The heart of our family / Forever in our hearts’.

Inscriptions for Spouses and Partners

Memorialising a beloved spouse or partner requires words that honour both the love you shared and the person they were.

Descriptive Opening Lines:

• Beloved husband
• Dearly loved husband
• Devoted wife
• Cherished wife and mother
• My beloved [name]
• My darling wife
• My dear husband
• Beloved partner

Tributes to Partnership and Love:

• Reunited with [spouse’s name]
• Together forever
• My soulmate
• My one true love
• Forever yours
• The love of my life
• My heart belongs to you
• Until we meet again, my love
• Married [number] wonderful years
• A marriage made in Heaven
• Our love is eternal
• Part of my heart lives in Heaven
• My world changed when you left
• Gone too soon from my arms
• Forever in my heart
• Not a day goes by
• Your love lives on in me
• My yesterday, my today, always
• Death cannot part us
• Loved beyond words
• Missed beyond measure
• Together again in God’s grace
• My constant companion
• My best friend, my love

Complete Memorial Phrases:

• The light of my life
• My beloved [name], at rest
• Sleep peacefully, my darling
• Wait for me in Heaven
• Our love story continues
• Together in eternal peace
• I carry your heart with me
• Always and forever
• Goodnight, my love
• Until we dance again
• You were my everything
• My rock, my love, my life
• Forever my Valentine
• Loving you always
• Missing you always
• Safe in the arms of the Lord
• At peace, my beloved
• Rest well, my dear
• All my love, always
• Yours eternally

These inscriptions work beautifully on husband and wife headstones where one spouse is being added to an existing memorial. They can also be used on individual memorials to honour a beloved husband or wife.

Inscriptions for Grandparents

Grandparents hold a special place in family life, and their inscriptions should reflect the unique joy and wisdom they brought.

Descriptive Lines:

• Beloved grandfather
• Cherished grandmother
• Devoted grandparents
• Much loved Nan and Grandad
• Dearest Granny
• Our wonderful Grandpa
• Treasured grandparents

Legacy and Memory Tributes:

• The best grandparent anyone could have
• Their grandchildren were their pride and joy
• Forever in the hearts of their grandchildren
• Loved and remembered by all their grandchildren
• Their stories live on in us
• Wisdom, love and laughter
• The heart of our family
• Creating precious memories
• Always there with love and hugs
• Their love shaped who we are
• A lifetime of cherished moments
• Teaching us by example
• Love beyond measure
• Safe harbour in any storm
• Their legacy lives in us

Inscriptions for Siblings (Brothers and Sisters)

The bond between siblings is unique, and memorial inscriptions should capture both the relationship and the individual being remembered.

For Sisters:

• Beloved sister
• Our dear sister
• A cherished sister
• My beautiful sister
• Dearest sister

Sister Tributes:

• Forever in our hearts
• Gone but never forgotten
• A sister like no other
• Your memory lives on
• Missed forever
• An irreplaceable bond
• Always in our thoughts
• A bond that death cannot break
• Sisters forever
• My best friend, my sister
• Lovingly remembered
• Treasured memories remain
• A beautiful soul, now at rest
• Your spirit forever shines
• In the arms of angels
• Rest in peace, dear sister
• Gone from our sight, but not our hearts
• Forever loved, forever missed
• A sister’s love never dies
• In the light of your love
• Your love is our guiding light
• Forever grateful for your presence
• My sister, my friend

For Brothers:

• Beloved brother
• Our loving brother
• My dear brother
• Dearest brother
• A brother beyond compare

Brother Tributes:

• Forever in our hearts
• Gone but never forgotten
• A brother like no other
• Your memory lives on
• Missed forever
• An irreplaceable bond
• Always in our thoughts
• Cherished memories of our brother
• Until we meet again
• In loving remembrance of our dear brother
• Fondly remembered, deeply missed
• A brother’s love knows no bounds
• Gone too soon, but never forgotten
• Your legacy will forever inspire us
• Forever cherished, forever loved
• Resting peacefully, forever young
• Your love echoes through eternity
• May your soul find eternal peace
• Remembered with love and affection
• A shining star in our lives
• Your spirit will forever guide us
• In the embrace of Heaven
• Brothers forever

Inscriptions for Friends

When memorialising a dear friend, the inscription should honour both their character and the special friendship you shared.

• A true friend
• A loyal friend
• Our dear friend
• A faithful friend
• A friend beyond compare
• In memory of a special friend
• A cherished friendship
• Once met, never forgotten
• Forever our friend
• A kind and gentle soul
• Your friendship was a gift
• Loved and remembered by friends
• In the hearts of friends
• A light to all who knew you
• Your kindness lives on
• Remembered with affection
• A life lived in friendship
• Friend, mentor, companion
• Loyal, loving, missed

Inscriptions for Children and Babies

Creating an inscription for a child or baby is one of the most difficult tasks a parent will ever face. The words should honour their precious life whilst acknowledging the profound grief of losing them far too soon.

Gentle and Tender Tributes:

• Our precious [name]
• Our little angel
• Forever our baby
• Too beautiful for Earth
• God’s little angel
• Our treasured child
• Taken too soon, loved forever
• Brief was your time, eternal is our love
• Forever young, forever perfect
• Forever in our hearts
• So dearly loved, so sadly missed
• A lifetime of love in [time period]
• Our shooting star
• Born sleeping but forever loved
• In the arms of angels
• Safe in God’s care
• Your tiny footprints on our hearts
• Short in life, eternal in memory
• Forever our little one
• Loved from the first moment
• Missed every moment since

For Babies and Infants:

• Our little miracle
• Briefly held, forever loved
• An angel lent, not given
• Too perfect for this world
• A moment in our arms, forever in our hearts
• Our tiny treasure
• Heaven’s newest angel
• Slipped quietly into Heaven
• Gone from our arms, never our hearts
• Sleep peacefully, little one
• Sweet dreams, precious baby
• Born into Heaven
• Our beautiful angel [name]
• Loved beyond words
• Safe in the arms of Jesus
• Forever our sunshine
• Our littlest love

For Children:

• A childhood cut short
• Memories of laughter and love
• Your smile lives in our hearts
• Forever young, forever missed
• A precious soul, touched countless lives
• Your spirit dances with the butterflies
• From the moment you were born, you filled our hearts with love
• Your memory brings us solace, your love gives us strength
• Though your time was short, your impact was profound
• Our beautiful child, now at peace
• Run free in Heaven, darling
• Play with the angels
• Your light still shines
• Loved more than life itself
• Forever our child

Haven Memorials offers compassionate support and specialised children’s memorials designed with care for the smallest members of our families.

Religious Inscriptions and Bible Verses

Many families find comfort in including religious verses or spiritual sentiments on memorial inscriptions. These words can reflect faith, offer hope, and provide solace to those who visit.

Christian Biblical Verses

Comfort and Eternal Life:

• ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he lives.’ (John 11:25)
• ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.’ (John 14:6)
• ‘The righteous shall go into life eternal.’ (Matthew 25:46)
• ‘I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Psalm 23)
• ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ (Psalm 23)
• ‘The Lord bless you and keep you.’ (Numbers 6:24)
• ‘Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.’ (Psalm 31:5)
• ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ (Matthew 25:21)
• ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.’ (John 14:27)
• ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.’ (Acts 16:31)
• ‘For God so loved the world…’ (John 3:16)
• ‘Greater love hath no man than this.’ (John 15:13)

Faith and Comfort:

• ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ (2 Timothy 4:7)
• ‘The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another.’ (Genesis 31:49)
• ‘I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.’ (Psalm 34)
• ‘Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house.’ (Psalm 26)
• ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ (Psalm 46:10)
• ‘God is our refuge and strength.’ (Psalm 46:1)

For a more comprehensive collection, visit our guide to Bible verses for headstones.

Other Religious and Spiritual Inscriptions

Islamic:

‘To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.’ (Quran 2:156) ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ ‘May Allah have mercy on them.’ Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

Jewish:

May his/her memory be a blessing May his/her soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life Peace be upon him/her Remembered with love Of blessed memory

General Spiritual:

At peace In God’s care With the angels In eternal light Safe in the arms of God Gone to a better place At rest with the Lord In the presence of the Divine Reunited in Heaven Resting in eternal peace

Quotes, Poems and Literary Inscriptions

Sometimes the perfect words have already been written by poets, authors, or songwriters. These literary inscriptions can capture complex emotions beautifully.

Famous Quotes for Memorials

Philosophical and Reflective:

• ‘Where there is love there is life.’ (Mahatma Gandhi)
• ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.’ (William Shakespeare, As You Like It)
• ‘Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room.’ (Henry Scott Holland)
• ‘How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!’ (Henry Scott Holland)
• ‘Heaven, the treasury of everlasting joy.’ (William Shakespeare)
• ‘Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.’ (Thomas Moore)
• ‘Where there is much light, the shadows are deepest.’ (Goethe)
• ‘Death is the golden key that opens the palace of Eternity.’ (John Milton)
• ‘The end and the reward of toil is rest.’ (James Beattie)

Song Lyrics and Modern Quotes

• ‘I did it my way.’ (Frank Sinatra)
• ‘We’ll meet again.’ (Vera Lynn)
• ‘Somewhere over the rainbow.’ (Judy Garland)
• ‘What a wonderful world.’ (Louis Armstrong)
• ‘Give me the beat boys and free my soul.’ (Dobie Gray)
• ‘The Best is Yet to Come.’ (Frank Sinatra)
• ‘My Way.’ (Frank Sinatra)

Poetry Excerpts

From ‘Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep’ by Mary Elizabeth Frye:

‘I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow.’

‘I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.’

From ‘Funeral Blues’ by W.H. Auden:

‘He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest.’

From Shakespeare’s Sonnets:

‘Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks, within his bending sickle’s compass come.’ (Sonnet 116)

‘If you read this line, remember not, the hand that writ it; for I love you so, that I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot, if thinking on me then should make you woe.’ (Sonnet 71)

From Various Poets:

‘Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me.’ (Emily Dickinson)

‘Our two souls therefore, which are one, though I must go, endure not yet a breach.’ (John Donne)

‘Miss me a little, but not for long, and not with your head bowed low.’ (Christina Rossetti)

‘Peace, peace! He is not dead, he doth not sleep, he hath awaken’d from the dream of life.’ (Percy Bysshe Shelley)

For more inspiration, explore our collection of memorial quotes and short beautiful words for gravestones.

Practical Guidance for Creating Your Inscription

Combining Elements Effectively

A complete headstone inscription typically combines several of the elements we’ve discussed. Here are examples showing how to combine top lines, descriptive phrases, and epitaphs:

Example 1 – Traditional and Formal:

In Loving Memory Of
Elizabeth Jane Thompson
1st March 1945 – 12th November 2023
Beloved wife, mother and grandmother
Forever in our hearts

Example 2 – Warm and Personal:

Our Beloved Mum
Sarah Louise Harris
Always in our thoughts
Forever in our hearts

Example 3 – With Religious Element:

Rest in Peace
William George Davies
Devoted husband and father
'The Lord is my shepherd'
At peace at last

Example 4 – Contemporary and Unique:

A Shining Light
Thomas Richard Brown
1970 – 2024
True friend to many
Your kindness lives on

Character Count and Space Considerations

Different memorial types accommodate different amounts of text. As a general guide:

Small memorials (such as cremation memorials): Aim for 100-150 characters maximum, requiring very concise wording.

Standard upright memorials: Can accommodate 200-400 characters comfortably, allowing for a top line, name, dates, relationship, and a short epitaph.

Larger memorials (including book memorials and kerbed sets): Can fit 400-600+ characters, permitting longer epitaphs, multiple verses, or additional elements.

Remember that different fonts and letter sizes will affect how much text fits. Your memorial mason can provide guidance on what will work aesthetically for your chosen memorial style.

Personalising Your Inscription

The most meaningful inscriptions often include personal touches that make them unique to the person being remembered. Consider incorporating:

Hobbies or Passions: If your loved one had a well-known hobby or passion, a subtle reference can be touching. For someone who loved fishing: ‘Gone fishin”. For a keen gardener: ‘Now tending God’s garden’.

Nicknames: Where permitted by burial ground rules, using how someone was affectionately known (‘Our beloved Nan’ rather than ‘Nancy’) can feel more personal.

Favorite Sayings: If your loved one had a phrase they often used, including it can keep their voice alive.

Professional Achievements: For someone defined by their vocation: ‘A devoted teacher who inspired generations’ or ‘A skilled craftsman’.

Personal Qualities: Highlighting defining characteristics: ‘Her kindness touched all she met’ or ‘A gentleman in every sense’.

What to Avoid

Whilst inscriptions are deeply personal, some considerations can help ensure your chosen wording stands the test of time:

Avoid overly trendy phrases that may feel dated in years to come. Classic, timeless language tends to age better than contemporary slang.

Be cautious with humour. What feels funny in the midst of grief may not feel appropriate years later. Gentle, affectionate humour that reflects the person’s character works better than jokes.

Keep it timeless. The inscription will be there for centuries. Consider whether the wording will still feel appropriate and meaningful many years from now.

Respect burial ground rules. Some phrases, whilst meaningful to you, may not be permitted. Check regulations before your heart is set on specific wording.

Consider all family members. Whilst one person often takes the lead, inscriptions that will be read by multiple generations should reflect the family’s collective feelings where possible.

Understanding Rules and Regulations

Church of England Guidance

The Church of England maintains guidelines across its dioceses to ensure headstones and their inscriptions remain dignified and appropriate for consecrated ground. Requirements vary by diocese, but common themes include:

Simplicity and Reverence: Most dioceses require inscriptions to be ‘simple, dignified and reverent’, discouraging overly sentimental or emotional language.

Biblical or Hymnal References: Many dioceses encourage brief epitaphs drawn from scripture or well-known hymns, though this isn’t usually mandatory.

Avoiding Comparisons: Some dioceses prohibit any wording that might be seen as comparing the deceased with others buried in the churchyard.

Approval Process: The incumbent (vicar or rector) typically reviews and approves all proposed inscriptions. In some cases, the Diocesan Advisory Committee may also be involved.

Restrictions on Informal Names: Some churchyards don’t permit familiar or informal names (like ‘Nan’ or ‘Grandad’), requiring proper given names.

Always consult with your parish church before finalising any inscription for a Church of England churchyard.

Catholic and Other Christian Denominations

Catholic cemeteries often have their own guidelines, which may differ from Church of England rules. Other Christian denominations, including Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches, each maintain their own burial ground regulations. Contact the relevant religious authority for their specific requirements.

Jewish Cemeteries

Jewish burial traditions include specific customs around memorial inscriptions:

Hebrew Text: Many Jewish headstones incorporate Hebrew inscriptions, either alone or combined with English text. Common phrases include traditional blessings and references to the deceased being ‘of blessed memory’.

Religious Symbols: The Star of David, Menorah, or other Jewish symbols are commonly incorporated into the memorial design.

Dating: Jewish gravestones often include dates according to both the Gregorian and Hebrew calendars.

Inscriptions: Traditional epitaphs often include religious texts or Jewish sayings appropriate to the person’s life and faith.

Haven Memorials creates world language memorials incorporating Hebrew and other languages with expertise and respect for tradition.

Islamic Burial Grounds

Islamic cemeteries follow their own traditions and requirements for memorial inscriptions, often including:

Quranic Verses: Appropriate verses from the Quran, particularly the verse ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return’ (Quran 2:156).

Arabic Text: Inscriptions may include Arabic script for religious phrases.

Simplicity: Islamic tradition often favours simple, modest markers.

Specific Orientation: Islamic graves and markers have specific orientation requirements.

Consult with the cemetery authority or local Islamic centre for guidance on appropriate inscriptions.

Municipal and Council Cemeteries

Council-run burial grounds in the UK typically have more relaxed requirements than religious grounds. However, they still maintain standards:

No Offensive Language: Any inscription containing offensive language or inappropriate content will not be permitted.

Respectful Content: Inscriptions should be respectful and appropriate for a public burial ground.

Size and Design Limits: Councils often have regulations about memorial size, materials, and design rather than strict inscription requirements.

Environmental Considerations: Some newer cemeteries have restrictions on materials and designs for environmental reasons.

Contact your local council’s bereavement services for specific guidelines for their cemeteries.

Companion Headstones and Future Inscriptions

Many families choose to purchase a memorial for two people, typically for a married couple or partners. These companion memorials require careful planning to ensure adequate space for both inscriptions.

Planning for Two Inscriptions

When the first person dies, their inscription is added to the memorial, but space must be left for the second person’s inscription to be added later. Common approaches include:

Side-by-Side Layout: The two people’s names and dates appear side by side on the memorial, with a shared epitaph below both.

Vertically Stacked: The first person’s inscription appears above, with space left below for the second. A shared phrase or epitaph may appear at the bottom.

Book Memorials: Each ‘page’ of the book memorial can be dedicated to one person, offering equal space and dignity to both.

Example Layouts

Layout 1 – Side by Side:

John Edward Smith          Sarah Louise Smith
15.3.1942 – 12.7.2023     8.9.1945 – [space left]

Devoted husband and wife
Married 54 wonderful years
Together in love, forever in our hearts

Layout 2 – Vertical:

In Loving Memory

John Edward Smith
15th March 1942 – 12th July 2023
Beloved husband, father and grandfather
Rest in peace, dear Dad

[Space left for second inscription]

Reunited in eternal love

Important Considerations

Leave Adequate Space: Many families underestimate how much space the second inscription will require. Consult with your memorial mason to ensure sufficient room.

Consistent Style: Plan for both inscriptions to use the same font and general format for visual coherence.

Shared Elements: Consider including a shared epitaph that applies to both people, placed where it will work regardless of when the second inscription is added.

Flexibility: Leave room for the second person’s dates and relationship descriptions, which you won’t know at the time of the first inscription.

Haven Memorials specialises in husband and wife headstones with carefully planned layouts that honour both partners equally.

Creating a Timeless Memorial

The words you choose for your loved one’s headstone will stand as a tribute for generations. By taking your time, involving family, checking regulations, and selecting wording that truly reflects the person being remembered, you can create a memorial inscription that offers comfort and keeps precious memories alive for years to come.

Remember that you don’t need to make this decision alone. Haven Memorials’ compassionate team has decades of experience helping families create meaningful memorial inscriptions. We understand the importance of getting every detail right and are here to guide you through each step of the process.

Whether you’re looking for traditional wording, contemporary phrases, or something uniquely personal, the perfect words exist to honour your loved one’s memory. Use this guide as inspiration, adapt examples to suit your needs, and create an inscription that feels right for your family.

If you need assistance choosing the perfect wording for your memorial, or if you’d like to discuss the wide range of beautiful memorials we create, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you create a lasting tribute that honours your loved one with dignity, care, and respect.

For further inspiration, explore our comprehensive guides to epitaphs for headstones and what to write on a headstone. You might also find comfort in our collection of memorial quotes and heartfelt sympathy messages.

Haven Memorials creates beautiful, lasting tributes in stone, crafted with expertise and compassion. Explore our range of cemetery memorials, cremation memorials, children’s memorials, and other memorial types to find the perfect resting place for your loved one’s memory.