Choosing a headstone is often one of the more challenging parts of planning for one’s death. You want the grave marker to be tasteful while still capturing your personality and interests. One great idea for memorializing yourself and your significant other is choosing a companion headstone.
Continue reading to learn answers to common questions about companion headstones.
What is a companion headstone?
Also known as a double headstone, a companion headstone is used for a companion plot—where two loved ones are buried in the same plot or in side-by-side plots. Married couples or significant others most often use companion headstones, but it’s not uncommon to see them for two siblings who were very close.
What are some companion headstone ideas?
Headstone planning is typically tough, especially if you don’t have a jumping-off point for ideas. Here are a few ideas for your companion headstone:
- Portrait: Etching portraits of the two deceased individuals is a common practice for companion headstones. Our experts at Steedley Monument Works take a photo of the couple and laser etch it into the headstone to ensure it lasts for decades upon decades without fading.
- Overlapping hearts: Headstones can come in any shape you want. A common shape for companion headstones is two overlapping hearts. One heart has the name and dates of life for one person while the other has the same information for the other individual. In the middle of the heart, we can laser etch “Together Again” or a similar phrase.
- Wedding ring: Married couples may opt to laser etch a wedding ring in their headstone or even shape their headstone to look like two intertwined wedding rings. The wedding ring showcases the couple’s everlasting love even after their passing.
When should you start planning your companion headstone?
Just like with a single headstone planning, the sooner you start designing your companion headstone, the better. By picking your material and finalizing your design early, you can rest easy knowing your marker will be perfect for you and your loved one.
Additionally, planning your headstone sooner rather than later can take a financial burden off your family since it’ll be crafted before you pass.
How much does a companion headstone cost?
There are quite a few factors that play into the total cost of a companion headstone, but the price range usually starts at about $1,500. Going with a high-quality stone like granite may cost more, but you can trust that the memorial will stand the test of time.
Other factors include what images or words you have laser etched into your headstone. For more intricate designs or portraits, you should expect to spend quite a bit more.
Where should you get your companion headstone?
This is an easy one—be sure to choose Steedley Monument Works to craft your headstone. Our companion headstones are crafted out of the finest granite, and they can be laser etched with any design or epitaph you choose. Give us a call today to start planning your headstone.