Cemetery monuments help to celebrate the lives of departed friends and loved ones. While monuments are not nearly as popular as they were in centuries past, they are still allowed in many cemeteries. For those with the means and the desire, they are a stirring way to pay tribute to those embers of the family that have passed on.
Many cemeteries have rules and regulations in place which restrict the type, size and material for cemetery monuments. Ask the funeral parlor what type of grave markers they will allow. Are certain sizes prohibited? Does the cemetery have any color or material restrictions? Are there certain styles to which monuments are restricted? Ask for a list of all of their restrictions in print.
Once you know the restrictions to which your monument must abide, consider the different styles available. Apart from size, material, color, and design are the three key stylistic elements to consider. Many dealers will have examples you can look at to get ideas. You can also stroll around the grounds of the cemetery for examples that fit your family's taste and style.
Most people purchase their monuments from independent headstone/monument dealers. Ideally, your monument dealer should have knowledge, compassion, a high quality product, accessibility, and good customer service. They should be understanding of your grief and treat you with respect. They should also be as accommodating as possible when you make requests.