What to Ask Your Cemetery Monuments Services Before Engraving?

Aug 19, 2024

Choosing a monuments is an important decision that will honor that particular person for years to come. So, before you go ahead and finalize the engraving, it’s super important to ask the right questions to make sure everything turns out just right. Here are some must-ask questions to discuss with your cemetery monument service providers before they start engraving:

Questions to Ask Cemetery Monument Service Before They Start Engraving

What Materials Are Available for Cemetery Monument?

When you’re picking out a cemetery monument, the first thing you want to decide is what kind of material you want to go with. Usually, the monument services have a bunch of choices available.

You can pick from stones like granite, marble, bronze, and sometimes even fancier materials like glass or ceramic. Each type has its perks, whether it’s how long it lasts, how it looks, or how much upkeep it needs.

What Kind of Engraving Techniques Do You Use?

It’s important to ask what techniques for engraving your chosen cemetery monument services use. They have different ways to engrave names, dates, epitaphs, and even detailed designs onto your chosen material. Knowing about these techniques can help you figure out how to personalize the monument to capture your loved one’s personality and legacy.

Can I See References for Your Previous Work?

Before you decide on these services, it’s a good idea to ask if you can see some of the work they’ve done in the past. Checking out their past projects can really give you a sense of their skill, how detailed they are, and the kind of materials cemetery monument services use. See examples of different engraving styles, materials, and ways to personalize your cemetery monument. It’s a great way to get inspired for your own design choices.

What is the Timeline for Engraving and Installation?

Inquire about when they’ll engrave and install, especially if you’ve got essential dates for services or tributes. You’ll want a clear schedule from the service providers, laying out how long it’ll take them to finalize the design, make the monument, and set it up at the cemetery.

What Are the Cost Estimates and Payment Options?

Make sure you talk to them about the overall cost and how you can pay for it. Ask them to give you a clear breakdown of all expenses—like materials, engraving, and installation—so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Find out how they want you to pay: all at once or in smaller payments over time.

See if they offer financing options or payment plans that fit your budget. Also, check if there might be extra charges, such as getting the cemetery plot ready, permits, or adding more engraving for special designs or additional words.

Are There Any Customization Options Available?

Be sure to ask your cemetery monuments services provider how you can customize your monument. For example:

  • Can you include personalized messages, poems, or quotes?
  • Are there options for including religious symbols, images, or other meaningful graphics?
  • What font styles and sizes are available for inscriptions?

What Are the Cemetery’s Regulations and Restrictions?

Every cemetery has different rules about what kind of monuments you can put up. It’s essential to know these rules so you don’t run into any problems later. Ask if there are limits on the size or shape of the monument or if certain materials are allowed or banned. Getting all this information upfront from your cemetery monuments services makes everything much smoother and helps avoid surprises.

What’s Your Take on Design Changes?

While working on the design, you might find yourself wanting to make slight changes here and there. It’s good to know how they handle those changes. But how do you check this? First off, check their policy on revisions. Next, watch out for any extra charges for making those changes. Sometimes, there are fees involved. Lastly, figure out how they like to do things when you want to change something.

Can You Guide About Epitaphs and Inscriptions?

Choosing the right words for an epitaph or inscription can be tough. Thankfully, cemetery monuments services can help out with some great advice. They can offer suggestions and examples of popular or meaningful epitaphs to inspire you. Also, you should ask if there’s a word or character limit for engravings. And if you want something unique, you can ask if they offer inscriptions in different languages or specific script styles.

Do You Offer Any Additional Services or Products?

When choosing a cemetery monument, it’s worth asking if they offer any extra services or products to enhance the monument. For instance, do they have options for adding vases or flower holders? Some providers also offer memorial benches or other products that complement the monument nicely.

Final Thoughts

Asking extra questions helps you fully grasp what your cemetery monuments services offer. From personalization and cemetery rules to changes in design and weather impacts, these questions assist you in making well-informed choices and crafting a significant and enduring memorial for your loved one.

If you want to engrave anything on your loved one’s monument or want to ask questions about it, Southern Stone Monuments is here to help!