We understand that some customers choose to pick out their own stone and make their own arrangements ahead of time. However, some customers are making decisions at a difficult time, and it can be hard to think about where to begin. We suggest you wait for a while before you start making plans and purchasing a stone. Give yourself time to heal. When you’re ready, and the memories are more clear, then it can be comforting to create a memorial for your loved one.

There are some important things to know about before you buy a stone. Becoming familiar with the process and a few decisions that need to be made before you purchase your memorial will help to alleviate stressful surprises along the way, some of which may or may not interfere with the outcome of all your planning. Starting a checklist is the best way to keep yourself focused through each step, insuring a smoother more organized process.

Some cemeteries have requirements and/or restrictions. You might call them and ask:

• Do they require a setting fee?
• Do they allow uprights or just grass flats or markers? (our website should help you to identify the difference between them)
• Do they restrict upright monuments to specific areas?
• Do they have a size restriction?
• Do they require a foundation cap, also known as a cemetery pad?
• Will your monument face the East or the West? (you’ll need to know this when you order your monument)
• Do they require you to purchase a minimum number of grave sites?
• Do they have any requirements or restrictions governing installation of the monument?
• Can you utilize one grave site for multiple cremations? If so, how many?

When you receive satisfactory answers to all your questions, then you are ready to choose a memorial for your loved one.

This is something that perhaps you may only do once in your lifetime. You will be purchasing something that will last through the ages to commemorate the life of someone very special, someone whom you love dearly. The memorial may well serve as a source of historical data for future generations of your family. It is a purchase that should be made unhurriedly, with great care and consideration, so that you may be assured that this important investment meets all your expectations, and brings you joy and comfort.

Selecting a monument company with whom you will do business is a very important part of the monument purchase process. While many families are interested solely in the price of the monument, it is also important to consider the reliability of the company you will work with. This factor is pertinent for many reasons, including the ability to provide future repairs or maintenance on your monument.

Purchasing and personalizing a memorial is different for everyone. We all see, feel, and remember things differently. Therefore, no matter how you choose to express your emotions on a monument, be sure to take your time and think about what you want on it….artwork, scriptures, poems, songs, your own photos, names of friends or family members, emblems, or whatever you choose.

Some things to consider:

• Granite colors
• Available clipart
• Monument styles and various purposes
• Wide selection of shapes and sizes
• Our ability to customize any shape or art design
• Sandblasting vs. laser work
• Financing through various sources
• Add-ons such as vases, bird baths, solar lights, planters, urns, ceramic pictures (Color as well as B&W)

Finally, you will need to decide on how much you want to pay. Prices of memorials vary from modest to substantial. Factored into the cost of a monument will be your selection of material, size, color and intricacies of ornamentation. Only you know what is appropriate for you and your family to spend on this long lasting investment. Your sales consultant will help you stay within your budget and discuss cost with you and explain our payment policy.

We also have sources available for financing the monument you truly want without restricting your current available funds.