Technology Trends Disrupting Headstone Design
Regardless of religion, headstones have been significant since time immemorial. Even today, monuments remain an essential part of paying lasting tribute to departed loved ones. Notably, the designs and varieties of headstones available to customers are infinite, ranging from simple fieldstones to complex marble designs. That said, headstones are constantly evolving; therefore, it is crucial to take your time when shopping for a monument. Here are the top trends in headstone design.
Quick-Read (QR) Code Headstones
Computer technology has never been used in headstone design until recently. QR-coded headstones feature a quick-read code emblazoned on a monument or printed on small brass plates. QR codes combine technological memorialisation with traditional stone monuments by linking the departed's information to a website. Therefore, when a loved one or a friend visits a grave, they can scan the QR code using their smartphone and are immediately redirected to a website. The site might contain all the information you might want to know about the deceased, such as their life history, complete with photos and videos. Note that anybody can view the information, but only authorised family members can post information on the web page.
Video Headstones
How would you feel to sit next to your grandmother's grave and have the ability to watch a video on a screen installed on the headstone? Although the trend has not caught traction, it is slowly creating waves across the funeral services industry. As their name suggests, video monuments feature a solar-powered weatherproofed screen panel. It provides family and friends with the option to watch a personalised video tribute of a loved one right from a headstone. In addition, the screen features a micro-SD card slot that allows you to upload videos and pictures memorialising a loved one's life. However, audiovisual headstones should only be installed in highly secure cemeteries for security purposes.
LED-Lit Headstones
When you picture a traditional headstone, the first thing that comes to mind is a plain granite stone with an epitaph meant to memorialise the deceased. Unfortunately, the conventional designs make it difficult to visit a graveyard at night. Thanks to LED lights, families can embed small bulbs into a loved one's headstone. The LED lights come in different colours and can create a beautifully illuminated monument. Moreover, the LED lights can be programmed to change colour in a specific pattern. For instance, you can program the LED lights to follow the tune of the deceased's favourite music. However, you must first ask a cemetery administrator if they allow LED-lit headstones.
Reach out to a professional to discuss headstone options.