When you are ready to design a loved one’s headstone, you may notice several types of providers offer memorials, including funeral homes, online retailers, cemeteries and specialized memorial providers.
And while many families are told they must purchase a headstone from their cemetery, this is not true. When comparing a cemetery to a specialized memorial provider, know that several key differences exist between them.
These differences can include the overall experience, cost and quality of the memorial. By understanding these distinctions, you and your family can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Disadvantages of Working with a Cemetery for Your Headstone
Although working with a cemetery for your loved one’s headstone may be your family’s first instinct, it is important to remember there are other purchasing options that are likely in your best interest.
You may even have asked yourself, “Where else would I go to purchase a headstone?” Well, cemeteries are the location where the headstone is placed, but they are not the only place that offers headstone services. In fact, they should not be your first choice for a headstone for many reasons, including the following.
- Outsourced headstones. Cemeteries outsource the design and production of their headstones. This typically means that you have less control over the design choices and a limited understanding of where the headstone is at in the creation process. The added cost of working with outside vendors is also normally passed on to the families.
- Limited design options. Because cemeteries do not create their memorials in-house, there is a limited selection of granite colors and custom designs available for you to choose from. It is also very unlikely that you will be able to see your options in-person.
- Varying expenses. Additional costs associated with perpetual care, installation, and opening and closing the grave can vary greatly depending on your cemetery location. While these can’t be avoided, a nonbiased memorial provider can help compare these costs and suggest cemetery location options that work for your budget and needs.
- Hidden Fees. There are a number of families who have expressed their frustration with unexpected extra costs cemeteries failed to explain ahead of time. Experienced memorial providers can guide you through all expected fees ahead of time.
Advantages of Working with a Memorial Provider
Working with a well-known, trusted memorial provider allows you to create a lasting tribute for a loved one while working with a team of experts. Local memorial providers have the technology and knowledge needed to work with your family to meet your needs. At Milano Monuments, we want to understand not only your vision but also embrace your loved one’s life to the best of our ability.
There are several benefits of working with a reputable memorial provider including a simplified one-on-one experience, research beyond the cemetery and providing the best quality headstones.
- Memorial providers know cemetery rules and regulations. Local memorial providers have relationships with nearby cemeteries and understand the specific requirements (sizes, shapes, material) for all headstones in the cemetery.
- Memorial providers know the installation and placement fees at each cemetery. A memorial provider can assist you in comprehending placement, installation and maintenance expenses in advance.
- Memorial providers walk you through paperwork and logistics. It is important to have a memorial partner who is on your side to cover memorial details and discuss what size, cost or location works best for you to honor your loved one. They will also make sure all necessary paperwork is filled out correctly.
- Memorial providers advocate for you. When faced with a poor experience with a cemetery or an unlawful regulation, reputable memorial providers understand their customers' rights and will work to make sure you are not taken advantage of during one of the most difficult times of life.
- Memorial providers provide options to fit your needs. Memorial providers can better understand your options from design to color to shape and cost to fit the needs of your family.
- Memorial providers create memorials in-house. Creating memorials in-house reduces cost, production times and the need for third-party intermediaries. This includes everything from concept to design to cemetery placement all in one place. Producing headstones on-site also means that families can view their options in-person.
- Memorial providers use high-quality materials and proven techniques. Memorial providers are professionals in their trade and granite experts. Not only do they use the highest quality materials possible, but they also have the knowledge and experience to walk you through all design options to make your headstone unique to your loved one.
Discuss Your Needs with a Memorial Specialist Today
Before designing your loved one’s headstone, be sure you’re working with a memorial provider who has your family’s best interests in mind. Contact our knowledgeable memorial specialists to discuss your needs and learn how we can assist you in honoring your loved one's memory.
