CEMETERY REQUIREMENTS

The memorial design process most often begins with the particular cemetery and cemetery property selected by a family or individual. Cemeteries often have requirements/specifications that have to be met in order to preserve the look and feel of the cemetery. For example, only a grass marker can go on grave in a solely grass marker section, while other areas may be designed just for slanted monuments. There may be size restrictions — that is, height or width or frontal surface area. There may also be a requirement for the inclusion of religious symbols. While many cemeteries prohibit certain themes, or will not allow personal images, other cemeteries, such as those in some rural locations, may have relaxed or fewer restrictions.

GRANITE COLOR

Widely used granite is Barre Gray, quarried in Barre, Vermont. It is traditional classic granite that is ageless and lends itself to multiple design concepts. Pink granites, such as Mountain Rose (North American Pink) and Canadian Pink are both quarried in Canada while Mahogany (browns) are quarried in Canada and North Dakota. Black granites come from Africa, China or India and are often used for detailed etchings such as portraits and scenes. Gem Mist is a black with faint horizontal wisps of white running through it making it outstanding for certain types of etchings. The wisps soften reflections common to polished blacks and have very good dirt hiding properties. Other colors, such as Impala Gray, India Gray, various blues and greens are available.

SIZE and SHAPE

The size of a memorial can be influenced by the size of the grave plot property, how many names will be incorporated, its style or shape, and its design. Common style choices include grass markers, hickey grass markers, slant markers, and die and base memorials. Style is often determined by cemetery regulations as mentioned above.  Aesthetics are also a factor. If you want an elaborate design on your memorial, or a unique shape, it is often best to choose the upright tablet or die and bas memorial, while slant markers can be suitable if you desire to mark the grave in a more simple fashion.


THEMES and MESSAGES

Much consideration should be given to the theme of the memorial. The theme should reflect the individual’s interests, hobbies, etc. We encourage families to bring us artwork or memorabilia of their beloved that can often be incorporated into the design through sandblasting or etching on to their memorial.  As an elegant example, you will see in our work section a monument in the shape of a book, including the binding and pages.  The memorial states, “Read To Your Children” - reflecting that this individual loved to read to children. 

Other considerations are the use of nicknames, middle names, and maiden names. Full death dates can be used or just the years. Depending on any existing restrictions of a cemetery, the back of the memorial can often be used for additional graphics, verse(s), family name, or children’s names. 


VETERAN'S PLAQUES

If desired, Veterans plaques may be available from the Veteran's Administration for veterans with honorable discharges. Note that this does not include cemetery foundation fees and plaque installation. The choice of memorials may include a 12" x 24" granite flat marker,  a 12" x 24" bronze plaque or a smaller bronze niche plaque (8.5” long by 5.5” wide).