Do you know what will happen to you if you were to suddenly pass away today? What would your family go through? How would they handle the news and get all of the arrangements made for your funeral? You can control the situation even after you pass away if you take the time to pre-plan your own funeral. More people are taking the initiative and making all of their own funeral arrangements years in advance. The purpose of my blog is to help those who want to plan their own funerals get through it quickly, easily and knowing that their investment is protected for the future.
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3 Questions To Ask Before Buying A Cemetery Headstone 10 November 2022
planning your future funeral today
3 Questions To Ask Before Buying A Cemetery Headstone
Stacy Carpenter
Do you have a loved one who recently passed away? If so, this is likely a very difficult time. There are all the emotional difficulties that come with the passing of a loved one, plus the logistical challenges of planning funeral services. If you're the one planning services, you may need to book venues, order food, schedule a pastor, and much more.
If the loved one will be buried, one important step in the process is ordering the headstone. If you've never ordered a headstone before, this may seem like an overwhelming process. While headstones may appear to be fairly simple, there are actually many options and choices for buyers. Below are a few questions to ask as you choose the right headstone for your loved one.
What is your budget?
This is a good starting point as the prices of headstones can vary greatly. A simple headstone can cost several hundred dollars while more elaborate monuments can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It may be helpful to determine where the funding is coming from. Is there money in the estate to pay for it? Are family members chipping in? Are you on the hook for the headstone yourself? Determine your budget at the beginning so you can make informed buying decisions throughout the process.
What are the rules of the cemetery?
Many cemeteries have rules on the types of headstones that are allowed. Very rarely will a cemetery allow you to get anything you want. They may have rules on the sizes of headstones, the shapes, the material used, the engraving, and much more. Be sure to consult with the cemetery before you make a purchase. You don't want to buy something that you can't use.
What's more important between durability and budget?
In a perfect world, you probably want your loved one's headstone to last forever. However, more durability means more money. Generally, sandstone is the least expensive headstone material, but it's also the least durable. Granite or bronze headstones are more expensive, but also withstand the elements better. Those materials are also easier to clean and maintain than sandstone.
Another thing to consider with durability is whether an upright headstone is best. Upright headstones shift with the land and soil over time. It's not uncommon for headstones to become slanted after many years. A flat plaque in the ground is often less expensive, is easy to landscape around, and will maintain its appearance.
Talk to a headstone or monument company today to explore your options. The funeral home or cemetery may offer headstones directly, but it never hurts to shop around. A cemetery headstone company can help you find the right memorial for your loved one.
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