Designing a headstone is a meaningful process that allows families to honour a loved one’s life in a personal and lasting way. For many people, it’s also unfamiliar territory — with decisions around style, wording, materials, and layout often feeling overwhelming.
This step-by-step guide explains how to design a headstone in New Zealand, helping families understand what’s involved and how to approach the process with confidence and care.
Step 1: Understand Cemetery Rules First
Before exploring design ideas, it’s important to confirm what’s allowed at the cemetery. Each council or cemetery has its own rules covering:
- Memorial type (upright headstones or recumbent headstones)
- Maximum dimensions
- Approved materials and finishes
- Foundation and installation requirements
Some cemeteries only permit flat plaques, while others allow upright headstones in certain sections. Knowing these rules early ensures your design can be approved without delays or changes later.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Headstone
The next step is deciding on the memorial style. Common options include:
- Upright headstones, offering greater visibility and design space
- Flat or lawn plaques, which sit flush with the ground
- Family memorials, designed to accommodate multiple names over time
The choice often depends on cemetery regulations, personal preference, and whether the memorial will be shared in the future.
Step 3: Select Materials and Finish
Durability is key when choosing materials, especially given New Zealand’s climate. Granite is one of the most popular choices due to its strength, longevity, and range of colour options.
At this stage, families also consider:
- Polished vs honed finishes
- Stone colour and contrast
- Compatibility with inscriptions and symbols
The right material helps ensure the headstone remains legible and well-presented for generations.
Step 4: Plan the Inscription Carefully
The headstone inscription is often the most personal part. It typically includes:
- Full name
- Dates of birth and death
- A short message, quote, or epitaph
Families may also choose bilingual inscriptions, cultural phrases, or religious references. Careful wording and layout planning helps ensure clarity, balance, and space for any future additions if needed.
Step 5: Consider Symbols and Personal Touches
Many families choose to include symbols that reflect culture, faith, or personal interests. These might include:
- Māori or Pacific motifs
- Religious symbols
- Floral or nature-inspired imagery
- Emblems linked to hobbies or service
Symbols should be positioned thoughtfully so they enhance, rather than overpower, the inscription. Professional guidance can help ensure these elements are integrated respectfully and in line with cemetery guidelines.
Step 6: Finalise the Layout and Spacing
A good layout balances text, symbols, and negative space so the headstone is easy to read and visually harmonious. This step involves:
- Choosing font styles and sizes
- Aligning text consistently
- Ensuring sufficient spacing for longevity and legibility
Planning ahead at this stage can also allow room for future inscriptions if the memorial is intended for shared use.
Step 7: Work With Experienced Professionals
Designing a headstone is both a creative and technical process. Working with experienced memorial specialists ensures your design is compliant, well-crafted, and handled with care.
At Sanctuary Memorials, families are supported through every stage of the process — from initial ideas through to approval and installation — with the option to design a custom headstone that reflects their loved one’s life with clarity and respect.
Final Thoughts
Designing a headstone takes time, thought, and sensitivity. By following a clear process and seeking expert guidance, families can create a memorial that feels meaningful, compliant, and enduring.
At Sanctuary Memorials, we’re here to guide New Zealand families through the headstone design process with compassion, experience, and attention to detail.