What You Can't Write on a Headstone

A headstone is a public, permanent record in a shared space. Most families never run into problems, but cemeteries do refuse some wording. Knowing the usual limits helps you plan an inscription that's both personal and approved first time.

Usually not allowed

• Profanity or crude language — even as a private joke.
• Offensive or hateful content about any person or group.
• Defamatory statements about living people — for example, blaming someone for a death.
• Political slogans or advertising.
• Trademarked logos without permission — see logos on a headstone.
• Graphic images unsuitable for a family setting.

Sometimes restricted

• Humour — many cemeteries allow gentle humour; some faith sections don't. See light-hearted epitaphs.
• Nicknames and slang — usually fine, but check; see nicknames on headstones.
• Emojis and modern icons — see emojis on headstones.
• Photos and colour — some churchyards and lawn sections restrict them; see churchyard rules.

How to word around the rules

• Turn a private joke into a warm reference only family will understand.
• Replace a logo with a generic symbol — a hockey stick rather than a team crest.
• Put longer or more personal text on the back, where some cemeteries are more flexible.
• Keep very personal messages for a home memorial — see garden memorial stones.

Check before you order

Ask your cemetery for its written rules and submit the full proof, including the back, for approval. See can a cemetery refuse a headstone design and the permit process.

Key Takeaways

• Profanity, offensive content and defamation are almost always refused.
• Humour, nicknames and emojis are sometimes restricted.
• Generic symbols can replace trademarked logos.
• Submit the full proof, including the back, for approval.

Next Step

See how to write an epitaph and headstone epitaph ideas.