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BUYING A MONUMENT

This article is about "How to buy a headstone." When a loved one has passed away we are left with a terrible void in our lives. One way for us to commemorate the one we so dearly miss is by designing and placing an appropriate headstone for that person. Sometimes, after losing a loved one, the task of headstone selection may seem to be overwhelming. This short article attempts to make the task of buying a headstone a simple one.

  • Step One: What cemetery is it?
    Do you know your cemetery? Everything starts from your cemetery's regulations. These regulations will usually put restrictions on the size and type of your headstone. Find out your cemetery's exact name and location.
  • Step Two: Learn your cemetery's regulations.
    Your cemetery will have a set of regulations. Either call them to ask about the regulations or call a local headstone service company to ask them to help you with this. If you are in the South Jersey area you may want to contact us. We know the regulations of all the local cemeteries. We'll be glad to help.
  • Step Three: Get informed.
    You should really get acquainted with the subject of headstones a little. Most people have had little experience with this field. If you know your basics there will be less chance of someone taking advantage of you. Read the article How to buy a headstone? in order to understand the basic terminology and procedures. There are two related articles, Granite Memorial Headstones and Bronze Headstones that you may want to read as well. Both of these articles are short. Read the article Headstone Design. There are also four articles that you may be interested in that are related to headstone design, they are: Headstone Symbols, Headstone Engraving, Child Headstone Design, and Headstone Shapes. After reading the articles above you can look at Our Headstones in order to see the different types.
  • Step Four: Choose a company.
    Now that you have been exposed to the procedures and terminology of the cemetery headstone industry you can feel more confident when you choose a headstone services company. It's best to choose a company that can take care of all your headstone needs - staying within your cemetery's regulations, the design, the sandblasting or engraving, and the delivery and setting of the headstone at the cemetery. If you are new to the headstone services field you will find that following the above steps will help put your mind at ease about the whole headstone creation process. If you are near any of our locations in the greater Philadelphia area please feel free to call us.

Buying a headstone can be complicated. Keep in mind the main points above and you will do well when you talk to your local headstone services company. Expect to pay between $500 and $3000 (or more) for a headstone. Adding ceramic pictures and complex designs can increase the cost. The entire process can take between 10 and 14 weeks to complete depending on the material and workmanship required.

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