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Tips For Purchasing A Memorial

Purchasing a memorial can be a significant investment of time and money and should be undertaken with great thought and care.   Here are some tips to help you with the process.

Information You Will Need

When you're ready to come to see us here at Stone Art Memorial and begin the process of selecting a memorial, be sure to have the following information:
 

  • The name of your cemetery of choice

  • The section, lot and grave numbers at the cemetery

  • The full name(s) of the family members who are to be memorialized, as well as their dates of birth and death (if applicable)

Types of Memorials

Cemetery memorials range from flat, beveled or slant markers that lie on the ground to elaborate, multi-piece upright monuments. Where cemetery regulations allow, monuments may also include crosses, statues and flower vases.
 

  • Upright monuments come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes, providing a full range of creative and personalized works of art. 
     

  • Slant and bevel markers are midway in height between flat markers and upright monuments. They come in single or double in size and can be personalized with symbols or inscriptions.
     

  • Flat markers can be personalized, but the design is naturally restricted by the smaller area. Because they lie flush with the ground, they often are hard to locate in the cemetery.

Be Mindful of Cemetery Rules & Regulations

Cemeteries have different rules and regulations regarding monuments and markers. Before you buy a cemetery lot, ask what kind of monuments and markers are allowed.  A monument builder is a good source of information on cemetery policies in your community.

Some cemeteries, often called memorial parks, only allow flat markers. If your lot is in this type cemetery, you will never be able to place a traditional upright monument there. Those cemeteries may have an upright section, also. They may impose restrictions on the size, which could severely limit your choice.

When you purchase a cemetery lot, be sure to know if traditional upright monuments are allowed and if there are limitations on location and size.

Advantages of Pre-Planning

Increasingly, people are choosing to purchase their own monument before the need arrives.

By planning ahead, you can select the style, size and color you prefer. A personalized design, which you can help to create, can reflect your beliefs, values or whatever is meaningful to you. What do you want to tell future generations about yourself and your family? This is your opportunity to make your personal statement for history.

You can save money. Purchasing a monument before the need arises means that you are utilizing today's dollars. Like everything else, it will cost less now than in years to come.

It is less traumatic and emotional to purchase a memorial in advance. You have the opportunity to discuss the purchase with all the family members. Most major purchases are completed with the interests of all members of the family. This is one of those major purchases.

Timing

Whether you are making immediate or pre-need arrangements for a funeral or purchasing cemetery property, you should know that you and your family ARE NOT obligated to purchase a monument from a funeral home or a cemetery. In fact, a good argument can be made to delay the purchase of a memorial, the one visual and lasting tribute, until other matters are complete.

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