Create lasting memories with a personal and visual memorial

(ARA) - From the Egyptian pyramids to the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C., the emotional importance of memorialization transcends history and cultures, and it satisfies a basic human need to remember and to be remembered.

In today's completely customized society, the desire for personalization extends beyond life. In fact, nearly half of all consumers say that personalization has a significant impact on their funeral and memorial preferences, according to a study completed by Matthews International - the leading manufacturer of memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries.

Whether you choose a headstone, grave marker or cremation urn, consider how you would want to be remembered by future generations. Rob Newcombe, president of Matthews Cemetery Products, offers the following advice for creating a memorial that represents and celebrates life:

* Plan ahead. Approximately one in five people with recent experience planning a funeral or memorial say that the wishes of their loved ones were not known because they hadn't provided written or verbal guidance. Take control over the final details of your life and alleviate a future burden from those closest to you by planning in advance the details of your memorial and sharing your after-life preferences with family and friends.

* Illustrate your life story. Images can transform a memorial into a visual biography by depicting all aspects of a life - from military service to special honors to leisure activities. For example, the Matthews Lasting Memories collection allows you to add up to eight of your favorite photos - such as snapshots with your children, your fishing pole, a favorite car or your family home - to a memorial plate through a bronze casting process. The result is a highly detailed and extremely personal memorial that can be used in conjunction with ground burials, cremation and mausoleum entombments. Professional designers work closely with individuals or families to create detailed renderings of each memorial.

* Select the right words. Memorials can communicate much more than birth and death dates. While many people choose to have a favorite religious verse or inspirational quote engraved, also consider an excerpt from a beloved poem, lyrics from a song or even a special message to loved ones.

* Involve family and friends. Asking loved ones to participate in designing your memorial can make the process less intimidating and help them to fully understand your final wishes. Look through old family photo albums together, and share anecdotes and favorite stories that may provide inspiration when selecting the creative elements of your memorial.

"Whether it's just adding a photo or more detailed information and imagery, families have told us that personalized memorials provide future generations with more information about their past and evoke powerful memories among visitors to the gravesite," says Newcombe. "Each memorial can truly be a one-of-a-kind work of art that makes it possible for an individual to express his or her religious devotion, patriotism and personal passions."

For more information and inspiration on creating customized memorials, visit www.matw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent