May 20, 2021
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be stressful. You can feel overwhelmed with grief and emotion and can find it hard to cope with the loss. During this time, for those family members who are tasked with making funeral arrangements, the stress of dealing with this death is exacerbated by the involvement of making funeral plans and designing the perfect memorial.
Fortunately, today’s professional headstone manufacturers have made it easier than ever to create and select the perfect gravestones to honor the lives of those who have passed. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that choosing the right headstone is more than just deciding what the engraving should be. Instead, you must consider various factors before purchasing a suitable headstone for your loved ones’ grave.
Below, we discuss some of the essential factors you must consider when purchasing a headstone.
Every cemetery has different rules and regulations regarding the type of monument that can be installed in its graveyard. These rules can involve the size, design, and material of the headstone. Therefore, before purchasing your monument, you want to make sure what is permitted at the cemetery.
For instance, does the cemetery allow the headstone to be placed on a single plot or a double plot? Does it allow for upright headstones or only permit the installation of flat markers? Moreover, some cemeteries have by-laws that include how big or small the monument has to be, what material it should be made of, and whether photographs or other additions to the memorial are allowed. Some cemeteries also have fees for installation or perpetual care. Your memorial company of choice will be happy to assist you with obtaining this information.
There are various kinds of headstones available in the market, and each has unique characteristics. Some of the common types of headstones include:
Moreover, you also want to consider if you need a single or a double headstone. If the monument is for a spouse, selecting a double headstone would be the better option – as a single headstone can only include one person’s information on it. On the other hand, a double monument would have both of the person’s information on it minus the date of passing for the surviving spouse.
Headstones are made of different materials such as granite, bronze, marble, limestone, steel, aluminum, and other metals. However, granite and bronze prevail as the most popular choices for headstone material. This is because they offer numerous benefits. From high durability to long life and less maintenance, these are just a few advantages of using granite or bronze headstones.
People often choose a combination of the two (a bronze marker attached to a granite headstone). Bronze may lie flat on the ground while an upright piece of granite is attached to it. The granite part can be flat, pillow-shaped, or upright.
Once you have decided the kind and material of headstone you would like for your loved one, you can now move on to deciding its color and shape. Different monuments come in different colors and shapes. You can choose from various designs to fit your vision, cemetery regulations, and budget. But while you do so, keep in mind that its shape and color can affect the final price of your headstone.
For example, depending on the granite color you choose, the cost will be a bit more or a bit less as different colors are priced differently. Similarly, the more ornate the shape of the monument you want, the higher it will cost – as it takes time and extra effort to cut headstones into specific forms.
Knowing how much information you want to display on your loved one’s memorial is essential. If you wish to include only the name, dates, and a small epitaph, you would require a smaller monument. However, if you want an extensive design, a picture, and a detailed inscription, you may have to use a larger monument.
At Summit Memorials, we help you honor your loved ones with a wide range of high-quality monuments. We provide services throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. For more information, visit our website or contact us for personalized service.
