Most headstone inscriptions follow a simple pattern: an opening line, the name, the relationship, the dates, and a few closing words. You do not need anything more than the name and dates, and any further words can come in their own time. Below are traditional phrases families often use, and some guidance on getting the wording right.
What do you put on a headstone?
A headstone inscription usually has five parts. Not every stone uses all of them, and the order can change, but this is the shape most families start from.
- An opening line. A short phrase such as "In loving memory of".
- The name. The full name, or the name they were known by. Some families include a maiden name or a nickname in brackets.
- The relationship. For example "a dear husband, dad and grandad" or "beloved wife of".
- The dates. Date of death, and often date of birth or age. Some families give only the years.
- Closing words. A short line, a verse reference or a family phrase.
If you are finding it hard to know where to begin, begin with the facts. The name and dates are enough for a memorial to be complete and dignified. Everything else is a choice, not a requirement.
Traditional opening phrases for a headstone
These are the openings we are asked for most often. They are traditional and free for anyone to use.
- In loving memory of
- Treasured memories of
- In cherished memory of
- In proud and loving memory of
- Remembering with love
- Sacred to the memory of
- In memory of
"In loving memory of" remains the most familiar. "Treasured memories of" feels a little warmer and more personal. Where a stone is shared by a couple or a family, the opening often covers everyone, for example "In loving memory of" followed by each name in turn.
Headstone inscription examples: short closing lines
Closing words do not need to be long. On a headstone, a few words often say more than a full verse, and they read more clearly from the path. Some traditional lines families choose:
- Until we meet again
- Forever in our hearts
- At rest
- Reunited
- Always remembered
- Sadly missed
- Loved and remembered always
- Peace, perfect peace
- Together again
- Gone but not forgotten
"Reunited" and "Together again" are often added when a second name goes onto a stone, beneath the new name. A single word such as "Rest" or "Peace" can be very fitting on a smaller memorial or a marker.
Some families would like a line from a poem or a song. We would gently suggest choosing a phrase in your own words, or one of the traditional lines above, since many poems and songs are still under copyright, and a short line in your own words is often the one that means the most.
Scripture, Scots words and family phrases
Can you put a Bible verse on a headstone? Yes, and many families do. A scripture line can be given in full, if it is short, or simply as a reference, with the book, chapter and verse. A reference takes up very little room and leaves those who know it to recall the words. If you have a verse in mind that was read at the funeral or meant something to the person, bring it along and we will help you see how it sits on the stone. Your minister or priest may also be able to suggest one.
Some of the most moving inscriptions are the ones only the family would think of: a saying they used, a nickname, the name of a place they loved. A few words of Scots can feel exactly right for someone who spoke that way. "Aye in oor hearts" or simply "Oor Da" are the kind of phrase that makes a stone unmistakably theirs.
If you are thinking of using a phrase in another language, it is worth checking the spelling carefully with someone who speaks it well before it goes into the drawing. Lettering cut in granite is there for good, so we always take care over this.
Can you add a photograph to a headstone?
Yes. A photograph set into the stone is a lovely way to show who the person was, and it is included in our price. Photography is part of the one figure we give, along with all the lettering, the vase, delivery, the council permit fee and VAT. A clear photograph with good light on the face works best; we will tell you honestly whether the one you have will reproduce well. You can read more about what our price includes in what a headstone costs and what's included.
Leaving room for a future name
If the stone is for one of a couple, many families ask us to leave space for the second name to be added later. We plan the layout so the stone looks complete now, and so a future inscription will sit naturally beneath the first, in matching lettering. When the time comes, adding the name is a separate, simpler job, explained in adding an inscription to a headstone.
It helps to think about this at the start, because it affects the size of the lettering and how the lines are spaced.
Are there rules on headstone wording, and will we see it first?
Every new inscription needs permission from the council that runs the cemetery. In our experience, most councils allow any reasonable wording. Some cemeteries may have guidance on photographs or particular designs. We confirm the rules for your cemetery and apply for the permit on your behalf, so you do not have to deal with the council at all. There is more on this in our guide to cemetery rules around Glasgow.
Just as importantly, nothing is cut until you are sure. We set out the whole inscription in a drawing, showing the layout, the lettering style and exactly how each line will look on the stone. You can take it home, show the family and change it as often as you need. Spelling, dates and the order of names are the things we always ask families to check twice.
If you are struggling with the words, you are welcome to come in with nothing more than the name and dates. We have helped families with inscriptions for a long time, and we are glad to talk it through.
Talk to us about the wording
Whether you have every word decided or only a name, we are happy to help. Visit our display yard at 5 Crosshill Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64 2PZ, where you can see lettering on real stones and sit down with us to talk it over. No appointment is needed. Or call us on 0141 762 3733, and we will take it from there at your pace.
Questions families often ask
How many words can fit on a headstone?
It depends on the size and shape of the stone and the size of the lettering. We lay out your wording in a drawing so you can see exactly how it fits before deciding.
Is the lettering charged per letter?
No. Our one price includes all the lettering, so you can choose your words without worrying about the cost of each letter.
Can we change the wording after we have agreed it?
Yes, right up until the drawing is approved and cutting begins. Nothing is cut until you are sure.
Should the date of birth or the age go on the headstone?
Either is fine, and some families include both. It is a matter of family preference, and we can show you each option in the drawing.
Written by Charles Lipton, third-generation memorial mason with forty years in the trade. The Lipton family has made and cared for memorials across Glasgow since 1927. Read our story.