Gravestones FAQ

celebrity gravestones

What is the average cost of a gravestone?

How do I go about buying a gravestone?

Can a cemetery accept a gravestone from an outside source?

Are there any restrictions regarding the size of headstone I should buy?

How long after burial can a gravestone be erected?

Do I have to pay any fees at the cemetery for the installation of the gravestone?

Is there any paperwork required prior to the placement of the marker?

Who is responsible for damage caused to a gravestone by the cemetery equipment?

Is it possible to add a personal photograph to a gravestone?

Does the government provide a marker for a veteran?

 

What is the average cost of a gravestone?

There is no “average” cost of a gravestone or monument because its price depends on a number of factors such as its size, material, design, color, finish, and so on.

How do I go about buying a gravestone?

You can purchase a gravestone from a cemetery, funeral, home, local monument dealer, headstone showroom, or from an memorial online store. You can choose the headstone design, color, style, material, inscription, etc. for the stone.

However, before placing the order, it is recommended to check the cemetery rules and regulations about the type of gravestones they allow. For instance, some cemeteries allow granite and bronze markers only. Furthermore, a few cemeteries may require granite tombstones with lawn mower proof edges.

Can a cemetery accept a gravestone from an outside source?

Though cemeteries can accept gravestones from outside dealers still, they tend to dissuade the customers by telling them that their headstones do not conform to their quality standards and the cemetery would not be liable for damage to the stone.

By raising such doubts, they try to get more customers which, thereby increasing their profit in business. If the cemetery authorities insist that you need to buy from them, then you must ask them to show you their by-laws, in writing.

Are there any restrictions regarding the size of headstone I should buy?

Most cemeteries have gravestone specifications regarding the size and shape of gravestones or grave markers they allow so as to maintain uniformity. Thus, they usually allow only a range of sizes. So, when purchasing a gravestone make sure check the cemetery regulations thoroughly.

How long after burial can a gravestone be erected?

The erection of the gravestone is the last detail in burying a departed loved one. Before placing the gravestone, though, it is suggested to allowing time for the ground to settle.

Hence, most cemeteries allow the erection after a specific amount of time (at least a few months, even up to an year) as newly covered graves tend to settle and shift, thereby disturbing the leveling of the marker.

This problem is most common in case of upright headstones as they may begin to lean. However, flat or lawn level markers are not affected to such an extent. Nonetheless, they may slant slightly. In case you are to place the gravestone in a lawn cemetery, then you may do so as soon as you wish to.

Do I have to pay any fees at the cemetery for the installation of the gravestone?

The cemetery shall charge an installation fee if it is going to install the marker, whether it has been purchased from the cemetery itself or elsewhere.

Is there any paperwork required prior to the placement of the marker?

Yes, you need to fill out forms for permit or authorization requiring the signature of the owner or next of kin for the placement of a cemetery gravestone. At times, the company from which you are purchasing the headstone can assist you with this task.

Who is responsible for damage caused to a gravestone by the cemetery equipment?

Most cemeteries have an endowment care fund for the general maintenance and upkeep. This fund is also utilized for repairing markers that are damaged by cemetery equipment. They cannot waive liability for damage to the monument caused by their employees or agents.

However, the cemeteries do not disclose this fact to the customers and encourage the customers to buy from them or else they would not be responsible for the damage. Thus, to find out about the correct cemetery policies, it is suggested that you read the cemetery by-laws carefully.

Is it possible to add a personal photograph to a gravestone?

Yes, it is possible to add a personal photograph to the stone as it can be laser etched to create a high-detail image on the memorial. Ceramic photographs can also be added. Besides, you can get a design or emblem engraved on the headstone to honor the deceased.

Does the government provide a marker for a veteran?

Yes, you can get government-furnished gravestones and markers for eligible veterans for free.