By
eHow Culture & Society Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Yellow Pages
- Recommendations
Step1
Contact a manufacturer of grave markers and set up an appointment to meet. It's best if you get a recommendation from a trusted source, or you can look in the yellow pages under "Monuments."
Step2
Go to the monument company personally and look at photos of the types of grave markers the manufacturer provides.
Step3
Select the material for the headstone. Granite is most popular (and comes in a variety of colors), but you may also choose bronze or marble. Have the company show you actual samples of these materials.
Step4
Choose the type, size and shape of stone you desire. Remember that many cemeteries have limitations regarding headstone type and size. The monument company should review these limitations for you before you order the stone.
Step5
Determine what information will appear on the stone. Most monument companies include a certain number of letters or words in the price of the stone, but if you want more information, more elaborate carving, or pictures to appear on the headstone, you will have to pay more.
Step6
Go back to the company to approve the final layout. Before the information is carved into the stone, you will need to approve the design on paper.
Step7
Allow four to six weeks for completion of the carved stone.
Step8
Check the marker to be sure all information is correct.
Step9
Have the stone set. Either the monument company or the cemetery will be responsible for setting the stone, but you will have to pay an installation fee regardless of who sets it.
Comments
FrogMorris said
on 3/18/2008 I found this page had some helpful information about the process of choosing a memorial :
http://www.norfolkstonemasons.co.uk/memorial_FAQ.html
FrogMorris said
on 3/18/2008 I found this page had some helpful information about the process of choosing a memorial :
http://www.norfolkstonemasons.co.uk/memorial_FAQ.html
FrogMorris said
on 3/18/2008 I found this site helpful, it has lots of guidance for choosing a memorial. http://www.norfolkstonemasons.co.uk/memorial_FAQ.html
sa007jb said
on 3/19/2007 I dealt with Interstate Granite through their website http://www.monumentsinstone.com to purchase a companion headstone. I was very impressed with their care and support while we went through the design process. To anyone intimidated to order a monument for your loved one online, put your mind at ease. It is easier in many ways because you can review designs from home without the pressure of a someone being around while you make this timeless and difficult decision.
Anonymous said
on 7/5/2007 Monument Builders of North America (MBNA) or the American Institute of Commemorative Art (AICA) are industry trade groups; membership in the International Cemetery and Funeral Association (ICFA) is another option. The vast majority of monument companies are not members of MBNA, AICA or ICFA. Most cemeterians are members of ICFA.
If the company is progressive, they should offer shop-from-home convenience with a fully-developed website that offers thousands of designs and many articles that will lead you through the purchasing decision. Beware of any company that does not have a website with a vast online selection for your consideration. The purchase of an heirloom design takes time and emotional and physical comfort is important.
Every life is unique, so the memorial for your loved one should also be unique. Tell your loved one’s story on the memorial with a family history plaque. Search the Internet for family history plaques.
For your widest selection and pricing information, search for online monument companies. With online companies, you do not need to make trips from your home. Styles and colors are viewable for shopping convenience from your home without a pushy sales pressure. Never purchase from an inferior selection.