How to Choose a Memorial for Your Loved One: A Calm, Practical Guide
Choosing a memorial is an important decision. It creates a permanent place for remembrance and reflection—a lasting remembrance that represents the life, values, and personality of someone you care about.
Choosing a memorial is an important decision. It creates a permanent place for remembrance and reflection—a lasting remembrance that represents the life, values, and personality of someone you care about. With so many memorial options available, it's natural to feel unsure about where to begin.
At Gifford Monument, we've helped families make these decisions for generations. As a trusted memorial company in Oklahoma, also serving North Texas, our goal is to make the process clear and manageable. This guide walks you through the key considerations so you can honor a loved one with confidence and clarity.
1. Understanding the Purpose of a Memorial
A memorial is more than a marker. It serves as a lasting point of connection for family and future generations—a place to remember, reflect, and share stories.
Because a memorial is designed to endure for decades, it's worth taking the time to think about what feels appropriate. A well-chosen memorial balances personal meaning, long-term durability, and thoughtful design.
2. Start with Cemetery Regulations
Before selecting a design, it's important to understand the requirements of the cemetery or memorial park. Regulations often influence gravestone selection and can affect what options are available.
Common guidelines include:
- Size and Style: Some cemeteries allow only flat markers in certain sections, while others permit upright monuments.
- Approved Materials: Granite and bronze are most commonly accepted due to their durability.
- Installation Standards: Foundations and placement methods are often regulated.
Gifford Monument coordinates directly with cemeteries across Oklahoma and Texas to ensure every memorial meets local requirements before production begins.
3. Comparing Your Memorial Options
Understanding the most common headstone options helps narrow your choices quickly. Each style offers a different balance of visibility, design space, and tradition.
- Flat Markers – Simple, low-profile memorials that sit flush with the ground
- Slant or Bevel Markers – Angled designs that improve readability while maintaining a modest height
- Upright Monuments – Traditional headstones set on a base, offering the most space for names, dates, and artwork
- Companion Memorials – Shared designs created for couples or family plots
Explore our Gallery of Memorial Designs to see real-world examples of these styles.
4. Selecting the Right Material
Material choice affects both appearance and longevity, especially in outdoor environments.
- Granite – The most popular and durable option. Resists weathering and is available in colors such as Jet Black, Classic Grey, and warm Reds
- Bronze – Often used for plaques or combined with granite bases, offering a refined, classic look with minimal maintenance
- Marble – Known for its traditional beauty, though it requires more care over time compared to granite
5. Personalizing the Tribute
Personalization transforms a memorial from a standard marker into something truly personal. Even simple custom memorial design choices can create a tribute that feels authentic and lasting.
- Inscriptions: Names, dates, and a short epitaph or favorite quote
- Symbols and Artwork: Faith symbols, nature themes, or elements reflecting hobbies or career
- Portraits: High-definition laser-etched images for a visual connection
6. Balancing Vision and Budget
Cost is an understandable concern for many families. A lasting memorial should feel achievable, not stressful.
Through careful planning and efficient production methods, Gifford Monument focuses on smart design decisions—such as selecting appropriate dimensions and sourcing high-quality materials directly. In many cases, this allows families to create a premium-looking memorial while saving 15–25% compared to traditional retail pricing.
View our Pricing Guide to understand typical ranges.
7. Take Your Time
Choosing a memorial is a permanent decision, and there is no need to rush. Many families find comfort in knowing there is no "right" or "wrong" choice—only what feels right for them.
Reviewing examples, discussing options with family, and asking questions are all natural parts of the process. If you'd like to explore possibilities at your own pace, start with our Gallery of Designs.
Reach Out for Guidance
If you're choosing a memorial in Ada, OK, Wylie, TX, or surrounding areas, the team at Gifford Monument is here to help. We offer free, compassionate consultations focused on clarity—not pressure.
👉 When you're ready to begin, we're ready to listen.
