Custom Headstone Design | Custom Granite Memorials
Custom Memorials, Headstones, and Gravestones
Design Elements of a Custom Memorial
Custom Memorials are specific memorials that are crafted for each individual loved one that is memorialized. The shape of the headstone really only comes into question when you take the step towards building a custom memorial and away from the traditional. With a custom headstone, you can think of just about any shape and get a granite memorial stone to match that thought.
For some, the memorial design should be completely their own, and who they were in the past life. Guitars, Football Helmets, & Sports Logos, are just some of the shapes of monuments that we have built in the past. It really all comes back to the story of them. (Your loved one) If they were once die-hard Oakland Raiders fans then a big black Raider shield may adorn the top upright shape.
Religiously, some popular and still custom monuments typically incorporate crosses or the Stars of David atop the stone. Full scripture verses of whichever religion they belong are also common, using the back face to write those extra epitaphs. Shaped carved statues of Jesus Christ or other Angels are also very popular. With a heart angel memorial design, don’t forget to design their wings, which in some cases can be fully outstretched and others bend around the gravestone to signify an embrace.
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Come By Our Custom Memorial Design Studio
Bras & Mattos Monuments
26359 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544
The Meaning of a Custom Memorial
The meaning of the whole shape can be left to interpretation or be as obvious as a large religious symbol. Overall the shape is what you make it, while the actual execution of your dream memorial actually comes down to the skill of your monument builder. It is helpful to note here that most cemeteries cannot actually cut and shape the stone like a skilled monument builder. They are more focused on maintaining uniformity and not allowing you to tell the whole story. With a builder like Bras & Mattos, we tell the whole story, down to the last detail.
Custom Upright Memorials
Custom memorials often come with a host of other options that go above and beyond that of a traditional memorial. Where a traditional upright will consist of an upright tablet and a base that it sits upon; a Custom Upright Monument may also include granite vases. In the most elaborate designs, an eternal torch or flame could be worked into the design as a living tribute to your loved one.
Custom Memorial: Heart Angel Monuments
A Heart Angel memorial is one that truly makes a big and bold statement in telling the story of your loved one. They lived a fantastic life and now, with the help of the custom angel engraving they will have safe passage through the next life. The Angels we carve are built to last and can be crafted into many different “scenes” that can help you tell their story. As with all carvings we ask you please reach out to our Bay Area Memorial Experts to get started sculpting your chosen angel. We can provide a sketch and rough estimation of the finished product as shown below.
Choosing Your Material
This is always a good place to start. Throughout North America, the most chosen material to build these types of memorials is granite. Granite is a natural stone mined from select portions of the world.
Granite is long lasting and tough. With proper engraving techniques, you can expect your chosen memorial to last for an industry average of 7 lifetimes.
Other but far less common materials used for Flat Grass Memorials are sandstone, limestone, and other natural stones. Being less common, you will likely pay a pretty penny to build your chosen memorial in anything other than granite.
Granite Colors available For Custom Memorials.
Your loved one’s custom gravestone should be the exact granite color or colors to match their personality. We often mix and match colors in different sets that ultimately complement each other. Red, Black, and Grey granites in combination can bring just the level of contrast that makes a traditional monument all their own.
Custom Memorial accessories
Custom memorials often come with a host of other options that go above and beyond that of a traditional memorial. Where a traditional upright will consist of an upright tablet and a base that it sits upon; a Custom Upright Monument may also include granite vases. In the most elaborate designs, an eternal torch or flame could be worked into the design as a living tribute to your loved one.
"A quality Custom Memorial Design requires a quality Monument Builder"
At Bras & Mattos monuments, we pride ourselves on delivering Custom Memorials at affordable prices. No matter the shape or size, you can be sure that with our help on the design, your loved one will be remembered with the perfect headstone for their memorial plot. This allowing future generations to remember the legacy and story through their quality memorial.To learn more and see our full memorial design process, please view our Youtube Channel