Purchasing a Headstone Can Seem Overwhelming!

selecting that perfect memorial

We have created these simple steps to make this decision process involved in designing a memorial easier for you. Our process starts with selecting the type, color, shape and size of your monument. Then, we want to hear your stories and memories. We will talk about the hobbies, passions and interests of your loved one, and we will design a memorial that celebrates their unique traits.      

We have created this process to eliminate frustration and indecision. However, to further ensure that you feel prepared to choose the right monument for your loved one, we would like to provide you with additional facts and information about headstones and the selection process.

SOME BASIC INFORMATION

Headstones or monuments have also been called grave markers, memorials or tombstones. They are most commonly made of granite, and they come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The price of the monument is dependent on each of those factors.  

It is our goal for your monument to be as unique as the life that it represents. Because of that, we ask many questions in order to understand more about your loved one’s tastes, interests and personalities.

Many cemeteries have requirements or restrictions regarding the size or type of headstone that may be installed at the grave. It is a good idea to check with your cemetery before making selections, even though you are able to rely on us to check prior to processing your final order. Once we have information from the cemetery, the type, color, shape and size of the monument will need to be selected.

Monument Styles

Five Components of Pricing Your Memorial

Cemetery markers and monuments range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands, all depending on what you want. Keep in mind that you need to compare value, not just price.

You will need to consider several factors in developing your own unique memorial, all of which have a role in the price of your monument. Here are some of the basics:

Size and Shape

Whether you’re purchasing a gravestone for a single person or for a family of four, size is one of the things that will be highlighted in your discussion with a memorial professional. How many graves is the monument going to sit on? How many family members will be interred there? Full burials or cremations? Does the cemetery have restrictions on width and height of the memorial? And are you interested in a traditional rectangular-shaped monument or would you prefer something customized for your loved one? Special shapes generally do not add an extravagant amount to the cost of your headstone, so it may be worth pursuing.

Color

There are as many colors of granite as there are colors of the rainbow. Having said that, some are much better suited for granite countertops than granite memorials. The color of granite has everything to do with where it is quarried from. There are a number of imported granites with colors that are very unique, but you should ask about their durability and quality to be sure they are not inferior granites.

Finish

Polishing a monument takes place at the manufacturer, with the luster of the polish obtained using different coarseness of bricks over the surface of the stone. As a standard, most monuments come polished on two sides, front and back, with the other edges rock pitched (rough, rocky surfaces, more like a natural stone). Polishing additional sides costs more, how much more depends on the size of the memorial. However, polished surfaces stay cleaner longer. There are also different finishes like steeled or stippled or satin, to name a few. Is your memorial in the open part of a cemetery or set back under pine trees? Do you mind having to clean the gravestone every few years or will that be problematic? These answers will probably impact your decision on finish, so discuss these issues.

Quality and Warranty

In case you haven’t already discovered it here on our website, there is a difference in granites. Granite and other stone materials come out of the earth in varying quality grades, determined by the stone’s overall appearance, color, pattern consistency, mineral content and density. Saying that all granites are the same is like saying all diamonds are the same. We hereby certify that the memorial you purchased from B&S Memorials was fabricated from the finest quality natural granite and/or true memorial bronze.

• We guarantee that the memorial you purchased is free from defects that would render it unsuitable for its purposes and that it will not check, crack or disintegrate.

• We guarantee that any bronze used is cast by one of the world’s finest foundries and that all letters, numerals or ornamentation are hand chased and highlighted.

• Should any part or parts of the product covered by this warranty ever prove to be defective in either material or workmanship, we will replace them free of all expense to the purchaser or their heirs. Such replacement and all related costs will be borne by B&S Memorials.

Design and Lettering

This is the last component of figuring the cost of your memorial. Do you prefer a shape carving over a flat carving? Are you given the opportunity to customize the monument as much as you wish or are there restrictions by the cemetery? Designs at B&S Memorials are a flat rate, depending on the level of detail and size of the headstone. Likewise, lettering is priced by the number and size of the characters. Both of these factors influence the cost of your monument, however, the bulk of the cost is in the granite itself.

We’ve Selected What We Want… What’s Next and How Long Does it Take?

Once you’re comfortable with the decisions you’ve made, a contract and approval page/proof will be drawn up for you to look over and sign. This serves as a blueprint for your customized memorial and ensures you’re getting exactly what you want. You then will have the option of paying in full or half the amount due. Paying in full ensures your monument is ordered and the production process starts immediately. If you choose to pay half down, you’ve simply finalized your decision and will place your order on hold until the total amount is paid in full. We do have payment plans, so ask if you need to make other arrangements. We will do our best to accommodate your unique set of circumstances.

Most monuments are completed in eight to twelve weeks, from the time of ordering to installation in the cemetery. Although, the production timeline depends upon the color and cut of the granite you select, as well as your timely approval of the drawing of your memorial. Cemetery work schedules, weather and ground conditions may also be a deciding factor for completion.