Guides
A Guide To Purchasing A Cemetery Memorial
What is a Monument?
A monument is far more than a means of marking the resting place of an individual or a family.
It is a symbol of devotion, a tangible expression of the noblest of all human emotions: LOVE.
It should not reflect sorrow but rather the long years of warmth & affection typical of family and friends.
A monument is built because there was life, not a death, & with intelligent selection & proper guidance, should inspire Reverence, Faith, & Hope for the living. As an essential part of our way of life, a monument should speak out as a voice from yesterday and today for not just the present, but also the future.
The word monument stems from the Latin word "monere", which means "to remind".
No matter whether a loved one has a traditional burial or a cremation burial, a memorial is more than a means of designating the grave site; it is an expression of loving remembrance and a historical statement of a life that was known and loved. The monument is a lasting way to say "I care!"
Consulting A Monument Builder:
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Purchasing a memorial is a major investment of time and money and should be undertaken with great thought and care. The Ontario Monument Builders Association recommends careful and relaxed planning when purchasing a memorial.
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Whether you are making pre-arranged or immediate arrangements for a funeral, or purchasing cemetery property, you should know that you and your family are not obligated to purchase a monument from a funeral home or a cemetery. In fact, a good argument can be made to delay the purchase of a memorial, the one visual lasting tribute, until other matters are complete.
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Your local monument builder or retailer is a reliable source of information regarding the various regulations of the cemeteries in your area. Since cemeteries have regulations that regulate the size and type of memorial in certain areas of the cemetery, it is wise to consult with a monument builder before you purchase your cemetery property.
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Visit a permanent showroom to see the different styles of monuments or markers. If you are unable to visit a showroom, discuss your needs with the monument builder. Most offer some type of home service.
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Monument Builders will help you to design a memorial and then complete all that is required to produce the memorial from inscription to installation. Other products such as bronze remembrance lamps, bronze vases, floral attachments, religious items and even reproduction photos are available to incorporate into your tribute.
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Your wishes and a monument builder's suggestions will combine to help you decide on the appropriate text, floral, epitaphs and meaningful symbols for your memorial. Most monument builders will prepare drawings and rubbings, or have you review a completed stencil to help you visualize the finished memorial as well as to check for any possible errors before the final work is completed on the stone.
Reasons to Purchase a Monument Before Need:
Increasingly, people are choosing to purchase their own monument before the need comes. By planning ahead, you can select the style, size and colour you prefer.
A personalized design, which you can help to create, can reflect your beliefs, values, or what ever is meaningful to you. What do you want to tell future generations about yourself and your family? This is your opportunity to make your personal statement for history.
You can save money. Purchasing a monument before the need arises means that you are utilizing today's dollars. Like everything else, it will cost less now than in years to come.
It is less traumatic and emotional to purchase a memorial in advance. You have the opportunity to discuss the purchase with all the family members. Most major purchases are completed with the interests of all members of the family. This is one of those major purchases.
The best consumer is an educated one... whether your purchase is a house, a car, or monument. Your local monument builder will work with you to create the monument that reflects your wishes and is right for you. And who knows better what is right for you than yourself?
Choosing A Monument
Granite Quality:
Cemetery memorials range from simple flat, beveled or slant markers that lie on the ground, to elaborate multipiece upright monuments. Where cemetery regulations allow, memorials may also include crosses, statues, vases, and remembrance lamps.
Most memorials are made from granite. This stone is durable, reasonably priced, and available in a wide range of colours, including black, grey, near white, and a variety of reds, pinks, browns, greens, and blues. Bronze is often used for flat markers and for embellishments to memorials.
Granite comes in different qualities, some which may not be suitable for cemetery memorials. A reputable memorial builder will be able to show you fine quality granites that will accept different styles of lettering and design work.
Be sure to look at quality, finish, and design, as well as size, if you are comparing prices.
Your monument builder should have an extensive display of monuments. This allows you to see a variety of colours, shapes, and lettering styles that are available. Pictures or brochures do not adequately depict these important differences.
Styles of Monuments:
Upright Monuments
Upright Monuments come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, providing a full range of creative and personalized designs. Monuments like these are truly works of art.
Slant and Bevel
Slant and Bevel markers are midway in height between flat markers and upright monuments. They come in single or double in size and can be personalized with symbols or inscriptions
Flat Markers
Flat markers can be personalized, but the design is naturally restricted by the smaller area. Because they lie flush with the ground, they are hard to find.
Monument Costs:
Monuments and markers are available in a wide range of styles and designs, from simple flat markers to more elaborate upright memorials. Memorials may be simple or fully custom-designed, and a qualified monument builder will work with you to explore options that align with your preferences, needs, and budget.
Several factors influence the final cost of a memorial, including the choice of material, size, design details, surface finish, and the services provided by the monument builder. Your memorialist will help you understand these choices and how they affect both appearance and long-term durability.
In addition to the base cost of the memorial, there may be associated costs such as foundation installation, monument installation, and applicable cemetery or administrative fees. These requirements vary by cemetery and will be clearly explained by your monument builder.
While foundation installations are generally completed during suitable weather conditions, families often find that winter is an excellent time to begin the memorial selection process. Ordering in advance allows time for thoughtful design and helps ensure timely installation when conditions permit.