It’s only natural that people who spent their lives together would also want to spend eternity together. Double headstones are also known as companion headstones: the perfect name for memorials celebrating two deeply entwined lives.
For friends and family, it’s also a comfort to lay couples to rest together. Headstones for married couples are, therefore, a common sight in resting places around the world.
Here we detail some of the considerations involved and supply a few double headstone ideas to inspire you to create a special memorial.
Double headstones can be a heartwarming sight, particularly when there’s a meaningful inscription celebrating a relationship. Yet the form of the headstone is also important. From heart memorials to book memorials, double headstones come in all shapes and sizes.
Many people now choose headstones with photographs. For a couple’s headstone, a photograph of the couple together can be a particularly moving way to highlight their love.
Alternatively, you could opt for a design featuring a book or a pair of figures, such as birds like doves, for instance. A double heart memorial is one of the most common designs and can be a beautiful way to commemorate a loving couple.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that you can sometimes add a second inscription to an existing headstone.
Once you’ve established what type of headstone you’d like, the next question is this: what exactly do you put on a couple’s headstone?
Aside from their names, dates of birth and the dates of their passing, you might want to include an inscription or two that tells their story.
Needless to say though, it’s difficult to pay tribute to someone – let alone a couple or their relationship – in just a few words. Here are some ideas for husband and wife headstone inscriptions, helping you to choose the words that are just right for them.
One of the things that makes long-term relationships so special is how well couples come to understand each other, sharing experiences and memories that are completely unique to their time together. Often, there will be phrases or sayings that played a recurring role in their relationship or summed it up, reminding them of their close bond.
Songs, books, films, plays and other art forms bring people together all the time, and quotes from them can remind people of their time together. When a couple passes on, inscribing a meaningful quote can often be the perfect way to remember their love.
Alternatively, friends or relatives might choose a quote taken from somewhere else that commemorates the couple’s unique connection. Quotes from holy books are particularly popular.
Including personal messages gives a wonderful insight into the lives of the couple that meant so much to you. From short and sweet personal anecdotes to their favourite phrases, these messages capture the essence of who they were. They allow others to see the impact the couple has had on the world, creating a meaningful connection and leaving a lasting impression of their shared love.
Poems can be a more elegant – and memorable – way to express emotions. Whether it’s a famous poem that had particular significance for the couple, or verses lovingly created specifically for the headstone, poems can make a special memorial even more fitting and touching.
Below are some popular headstone inscription ideas for a husband and wife
Photoplaques are a popular feature on double headstones as it adds a striking visual element. Two separate photoplaques could be displayed side by side, or alternatively, one photoplaque of the couple together.
Symbols can also be added, perhaps a hobby the couple liked doing together, like a sport they enjoyed or a book to symbolise a shared love of reading. Symbols of a dog or cat are popular to include a beloved pet. Or several different symbols might be chosen to show the differences in their interests. A simple heart symbol is also popular; a prominent way of conveying everlasting love.
Double headstones are obviously larger in size than an average headstone and this allows you to custom-shape a larger monument. Eye-catching designs include double hearts or double custom kerbsets.
It’s vital to allow enough space for the living husband or wife to be added at a later date. However if both the husband and wife have passed away and their children are arranging the grave, then there is more choice available. For example, having both names on one line with their surname together.
There are many ways to remember the lives of a devoted couple, but how much is a headstone for a husband and wife?
There are many variables when it comes to headstones and memorials, which means that costs depend very much upon individual designs. The materials used, the length and complexity of inscriptions, and the carving work involved all contribute to the cost. Headstones for couples are usually larger – another consideration. Of course, better craftsmanship and better quality materials generally cost more.
Prices start from under £1,000, rising as extras and more expensive materials are added. The most elaborate headstones and memorials can cost around £9,000.
What’s most important though, is that the husband and wife receive a memorial that celebrates their love. With so many options and things to consider, getting it right can seem like a tough task, particularly in the middle of a bereavement.
That’s where our professional team come in, applying years of experience to make sure the memorial is perfect for the couple you’re commemorating. Get in touch with us for professional, compassionate advice.
A very easy process from start to installation of the memorial. The headstone was delivered and erected earlier than expected and the workmanship is amazing. Considering this work was carried out with Covid restrictions in place it was a simple process to get the perfect memorial for my family. I cannot recommend Memorials of Distinction enough, this was definitely a Five Star Service!
Hatfield Road Cemetery, St. Albans.
Robin C. Google Review: 02/02/2022
Just wanted to thank you so much for the great work on the memorial. I am so pleased with it and very happy that I could mark their lives in this special way. Thank you very much
Corinne N. Sent by email: 01/07/2024
This is to say thank you to the whole team, from the staff answering the phone (was surprised how knowledgeable, efficient and helpful they were and I called more than once) to person responsible for design and layout (thank you so very much! Thank you for allowing me to make changes and let me see different options before making a final call. Seeing a final design on a finished product made my heart sing) and finally the craftsman who not only created a beautiful memorial that is just perfect but also took such care and precision in fixing it.
Thank you all very much!
Kinga K. Sent by email: 28/02/2021
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