Monument Buying Guide & FAQs
Purchase Plot(s) From Your Cemetery
Each cemetery has different guidelines for monuments, so you’ll need to decide which cemetery before purchasing your marker. Cremation plots have different requirements than traditional plots, so these decisions need to be made before choosing a monument.
Choose Your Monument Type
Based on your plot and which cemetery you are in may have a factor on which headstone you choose. Once you know the rules and guidelines of the cemetery and based on your preferences you will then decide if you would like a single or a double monument. Then you can choose your shape, size and color of monument accordingly. See our gallery for ideas and options.
Purchase Plot(s) From Your Cemetery
Each cemetery has different guidelines for monuments, so you’ll need to decide which cemetery before purchasing your marker. Cremation plots have different requirements than traditional plots, so these decisions need to be made before choosing a monument.
Choose Your Monument Type
Based on your plot and which cemetery you are in may have a factor on which headstone you choose. Once you know the rules and guidelines of the cemetery and based on your preferences you will then decide if you would like a single or a double monument. Then you can choose your shape, size and color of monument accordingly. See our gallery for ideas and options.
Inventory vs. Special Order
We have a large inventory of monuments in our headstone showroom. If you don’t see something that works for you, we can order from one of our suppliers, but take into consideration the added cost and time of shipping. Most suppliers estimate 3-4 months lead time. We do not engrave customer-supplied stones.
Know What's Included
Each monument in our showroom has a price tag on it so there are no surprises. Our in-house price includes: headstone, 2 design revisions, engraving on the stone, concrete base, delivery & installation in a local cemetery (tax and upgrades not included).
Choose Any Upgrades
Ad-ons include custom design work, frosting (see gallery for examples), extra colors, extra design elements, portraits, vases, etc. Granite bases are included with upright headstones, but they can be purchased as an option with slanted headstones.
Decide On Design
What should you put on your headstone? We recommend a ‘less is more’ design, but you can arrange names, dates, and graphics or portraits however you like. Included in the price is one element on the back of the stone, usually a list of children’s names or a quote.
Allow For Revisions
Once we get a working draft of your design, we allow 2 revisions so you can be completely satisfied with the final design. Additional design revisions will be charged $85/hour.
Concrete Base Included
Most cemeteries require a concrete base to allow the cemetery’s maintenance crew to mow around the grave markers. We will check with your cemetery for their specific guidelines. The concrete base is included in the price tag on the stone.
Engraving & Installation
Once you approve the final design, we will engrave the monument. There are no revisions at this point; we will be in touch when it is finished to collect final payment and schedule the installation with your cemetery.
