Buying Guide

The following are just some of the questions you will need to answer when selecting a cemetery, monument retailer and monument.

Cemetery & Regulations

Does the cemetery allow monuments?

This may seem like a basic question, but many cemeteries do not allow monuments. Lots are restricted to flat markers which lie even with the grass and many times are made of brass.

Does the cemetery restrict monuments to certain sections?

Some cemeteries have different sections for upright memorials and flush markers. It is important to make sure you are selecting a lot in the section that will coorespond with your wishes.

How many lots do I need to buy?

Some cemeteries require you to purchase a specific number of lots in order to place a monument. You should discuss your wishes to place a monument at the time of purchase to make certain you buy sufficient space.

Are there any restrictions on the size of the monument?

A good memorialist will be creative in designing a monument to fit the cemetery requirements, but you should know in advance what restrictions may apply to avoid any disappointment.

Are there any rules or regulations governing the installation of monuments?

A cemetery may insist on installing a monument and can charge a variety of fees for installation, perpetual care, and other additional services. It is important that you know in advance what costs the cemetery may bill you for.

Have you been told that installation costs are part of the lot price or that you must buy your memorial from the cemetery?

This practice has been held illegal by several federal courts in the United States and should be a red flag.

Monument Retailer

Is the monument dealer a local business?

It is important to do business with a retailer that is local, is invested in your community, and is familiar with local cemeteries. You'll want a dealer that is stable, has longevity, and has an honest reputation.

Do they offer full service?

Memorials should be their main business, not an add on. The retailer should have a local shop with a showroom where a selection of full-size monuments is on display. You should also be able to view a variety of designs as well as samples of granite and marble in addition to what is on display.
A reputable monument dealer will gladly come to your home or the cemetery to see the location of the grave and take note of ground slope, trees, nearby monuments, etc. - all things that could influence the size, shape and design of your memorial.

Can the monuent retailer provide you with a personalized memorial?

The retailer should listen to what you tell them about yourself, your loved one, or family member in order to help you create a memorial that is beautiful as well as distinctive. Every person is unique, their monument should be also. You should not have to buy a carbon copy of what everyone else has, your memorial retailer should have the ability and desire to customize your chosen memorial.

Will the retailer work with you in advance?

A monument dealer should welcome the opportunity of helping you plan your memorial in advance. Such a purchase can be made without grief, unhurriedly, and paid for at today's prices.

Does the retailer offer designs for use with cremation?

Cremation is an accepted and increasingly popular choice. Even though cremation has taken place there is still every reason to want to commemorate that life. The monument retailer should be able to suggest a wide variety of memorial designs suitable.

The Monument

What shape, color, or styles are available?

Upright monuments come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Some of the more popular are:

Horizontal Tablet
The horizontal tablet is wider than it is high and is usually set on a base. Additional features may include side panels, vases or urns.
ns can be classic or contemporary. The choice is yours.

Vertical Tablet
The vertical tablet is tall and may be set on a base or directly on the foundation, in which case it is called a monolith.

Bevel Markers
Bevel markers are low, but not flat. They come in single or double sizes and can be personalized with symbols or inscriptions.‍

Slant Markers
Slant markers are midway in height between the lower bevel markers and the larger upright monuments. They offer sufficient space for highly creative personalized designs.

Flat Markers
Flat markers lie flat to the ground. Their small size naturally restricts the decoration although a talented memorial designer can personalize even a flat marker.‍

Ledgers
Ledgers are memorials that cover the entire grave. Although they are low to the ground their size allows for extensive decoration and usually long inscriptions.‍

Garden Memorials
Garden memorials range from benches and urns to sundials. They mimic decorative pieces often found in large gardens and may be used alone or in combination with an upright monument.‍

Crosses
Crosses are widely used as free-standing pieces. Crosses come in many styles, the most popular being the familiar Latin cross and the highly decorated Celtic cross.‍

Memorial designs can be classic or contemporary. The choice is yours.

What type of materials are available?

Granite
Granite is the most used material for memorials because it can be shaped and carved beautifully and will last virtually forever. Granite comes in many colors - traditional gary, black, near-white, and a variety of reds, pinks, browns and greens.
Marble
Another popular material is marble, long known for its beauty and still popular in the southern portions of the United States.
Bronze
Bronze is called the eternal metal and can be used for flat markers, statuary, and as ornamentation in combination with granite.
Other Materials
Other materials that are being introduces for memorial use include corten, stainless steel, fiberglass and ceramic.

What ornamentation is available?

The use of religious and fraternal symbols is widely known as well as crosses, Star of David, roses, lilies, doves etc. Your retail memorialist can help you express any message you want to convey through the appropriate symbol.

What are the different styles of lettering?

The lettering on a monument serves to identify the person and family and may make a personal statement about themand it enhance the appearance of the monument. You can choose from raised or sunken in various styles. Styles are offered in classic Roman, Gothic, and various italic versions to replicas of the deceased's own handwriting. The selection of the lettering can do much to beautify the monument.

How much do you want to personalize your monumnet?

Modern technology provides the means to personalize your monument through a distinctive design and / or the use of symbolism and lettering. Scenes can readily be reproduced on the face of the monument to depict a home, hobby or even a portrait. Your monument retailer can help you design your monument to be personally and distinctively yours.

How much do you want to pay?

Prices of memorials vary from modest to substantial. Factored into the cost of a monument is the selected material, the size and intricacies of ornamentation, and the service performed by the retailer. Only you know what is appropriate for you and your family. Your retailer will be happy to discuss cost and payment policies offered.

We encourage you to stop by our display and look at our memorial choices. All of our prices are marked on the memorials, and include everything the memorial needs to look beautiful in the cemetery:

First name, middle initial, and last names (maiden names)
Veterans information
Dates in month, day and year (except final dates of living persons)
Stock graphic design in each upper corner or center
Computer print of your memorial design and lettering
Cement foundation (some exceptions)
Delivery to the cemetery and installation

Design features that can be added at additional cost are:

Marriage information
Children’s names
Scriptures, poems, epitaphs
Any work on the back of the memorial
Memorial portraits
Etchings (laser or artist)

Our terms of payment are:

½ down to begin the work with the balance due at completion,
2% discount for payment in full with agreement (except Credit Cards), or
Payment plan – no interest with monthly payments

Less Burden

You remove that burden from the loved ones you leave behind.

Design

You have the opportunity to design a memorial that expresses what you most want loved ones to remember and get to see and share it with them.

Payment Plans Available

A payment plan can be setup to help spread the cost of your memorial over a fixed period of time.

Lock in Cost

It is a good hedge against the rising costs of shipping and manufacturing.

Buying Guide

Cemetery & Regulations

Monument Retailer

The Monument

Want to learn more about our pre-planning options?