Buying guide
Headstone Wording Ideas
Most headstones carry a name, dates and one short line that says something about the person. Short is best: a few words read well from a distance and fit comfortably on the stone.
Short epitaphs
- Forever in our hearts
- Until we meet again
- Loved and remembered always
- Gone fishing
- Always with us
- In loving memory
- Together forever (for companion stones)
Verses and faith
- The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)
- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4)
- Rest in peace
Family and relationship lines
- Beloved wife, mother and grandmother
- Devoted husband and father
- Our beloved son
- Loving sister and friend
Laying out names and dates
Most stones put the family name large across the top, first names and dates below. Dates can be written in full (March 3, 1948) or short (1948 - 2024). For a companion stone, the two names usually sit side by side with the shared family name above.
When you personalize a design on our site, you type each line and see it on the stone straight away, so you can try a few versions before choosing.
Common questions
How many words fit on a headstone?
It depends on the size. A typical flat marker fits a name, dates and one or two short lines; an upright has room for a verse as well.
