Number One Tip When Buying a Monument or Marker: Do Your Homework

When purchasing a from an outside vendor, it is imperative that the customer knows what the cemetery allows. Every cemetery has its own rules and regulations. It is public information. If you contact the cemetery, just ask them for a printout of what is allowed. It is especially important if you are ordering products over the internet. Everything you read on the internet is not true. So if you go to a headstone site and it tells you an individual flush marker only needs to be 3”, please verify that with your cemetery.

At Elmwood we are aware of many cemetery regulations. But it is important that you do your homework as well. We want to be sure we are all on the same page. Cemeteries decide on rules and regulations based on what works best at their cemetery. Every cemetery has the right to deny a marker if it does not meet their requirements.

Flush Markers

In the Chicagoland area flush markers must be 4” thick. There is no variation to this rule. But some cemeteries require bronze on granite. They also may have color restrictions based on section. Many cemeteries will not allow anything but a flush marker on a single grave. When purchasing plots, be sure you ask these questions.

Monuments

The same rule applies to monuments when it comes to color of the granite. Some cemeteries have sections that allow only certain color granite. Monument sizes vary depending on how many graves you own. There are minimums and maximums. Also thickness will vary. Some cemeteries allow 6”, while most cemeteries require 8”. It can also depend on the section.

Cemetery Fees

Every cemetery charges fees in addition to the marker itself. The charges can include application, administrative, installation and maintenance fees. Every cemetery makes its own prices and a general price list is available with a breakdown. If you do not understand something, ask questions.

Foundation Fees

Foundation fees may also be charged. Some cemeteries pour permanent concrete foundations, others pour temporary foundations. The purpose of a foundation is to keep the monument from sinking over time. Some last for years. Others break down over time. Smaller cemeteries generally hire an outside contractor to handle their foundations. The cemetery is responsible for handling issues when it comes to the foundation.

As you can see the price of the stone does not cover everything. While online companies may entice you with great pricing, it may be more beneficial to purchase a monument or marker from a local vendor. Please make sure you also your homework. We have heard many stories about cemeteries rejecting monuments and markers. We would hate to see that happen to you. At Elmwood, we are here to help turn your vision into a reality with as little hassle as possible.