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Usually a family will try to purchase a monument within one year of the date of death. Most families start this process within one month of the death. The grieving process is different for each individual and only you know when you are emotionally ready.

Most people have never bought a monument before, so they don't know where to start. It's ok! Jeremiah and the friendly staff at B&S Memorials will have all the information you will need to know for this process.

Currently in the United States, there are more than 160,000 cemeteries; each with varying regulations, restrictions  and requirements. No comprehensive data base of cemetery policies, restrictions  and guidelines exists. It is therefore impossible for B&S Memorials or for any other memorial retailer to sell you a memorial online and assure you that it will meet your local cemetery’s requirements. This dilemma highlights the consumer’s need to work with an experienced, reputable company to insure that whatever monument is designed and purchased will not be rejected by the local cemetery board. B&S Memorials has this experience and expertise and will happily guide you thru the entire process.

In addition to the technical impossibility of online selling due to varying cemetery requirements, standards and regulations, there is another important consideration – customer care. There are noted online booksellers who provide great pricing, a wide selection and exceptional customer service. But a memorial is not a book. There are many considerations when designing and crafting a memorial. We at B&S Memorials have experienced memorialists who are passionate about providing our customers with personalized, quality care. We choose not to sacrifice this value for mere expediency.

Cemeteries have different rules and regulations regarding monuments and markers. Before you buy a cemetery lot, ask what kind of monuments and markers are allowed. A monument builder is a good source of information on cemetery policies in your community. Some cemeteries, often called memorial parks, only allow flat markers. If your lot is in this type cemetery, you will never be able to place a traditional upright monument there. Those cemeteries may have an upright section, also. They may impose restrictions on the size, which could severely limit your choice. When you purchase a cemetery lot, be sure to know if traditional upright monuments are allowed and if there are limitations on location and size.

Many cemeteries charge a variety of fees for installation of the monument, perpetual care, maintenance, and other add-on services. Some cemeteries will tell a customer that they are the only ones who can install a monument, that installation costs are part of the lot price or that since your family member is buried in our cemetery that you have to purchase your monument from them. This is ILLEGAL. Ask questions before you buy a cemetery plot and be sure you receive satisfactory answers.

Price depends upon the material and its quality, shape, size, design, lettering, and personalization of the monument. Prices will range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending upon the various styles and colors of memorials. We can help you choose a memorial that remembers your loved one and fits your budget.

Monuments are usually made of granite, marble or bronze. Granite is the most common material. It is available in many colors and is the most durable of the choices. Marble monuments are usually white in color. The surface will wear away over time due to the environment. Bronze is a brown  man made metal used most often for flat markers and statues.

With today's technology a memorial artist can create  a variety of monument styles, shapes and sizes. Here are the most common examples found today!

1. Flush "FLAT" Markers - these are placed flush with the ground.

2. Bevel Markers - these are not very high above the ground, with the back of the stone being a few inches higher than the front.

3. Slant Markers - these stand typically 16 or so inches above the ground with the back of the stone straight vertical, and the front sloping at about a 45 degree angle.

4. Traditional Upright Monument - these are typically a two piece memorial consisting of the monument and a base that it is attached to, or a one piece monument  with a portion of it buried into the ground.

5. Ledgers - these typically lay flat on the ground, covering the grave...although some may only cover half of the grave

6. Bronze Markers - these type of markers are required by many local cemeteries and usually have a granite base. Be sure to check with your cemetery before purchasing any monument to verify your cemetery rules and regulations.

More and more people are choosing a mausoleum today than any time before for remembering someone in a very special way. Mausoleums can be a building with stained glass windows and a bronze door (called a walk in mausoleum). They can also be a smaller above ground building that has no windows  or doors (called a crypt) where the person is entombed. You will find that if  you choose to explore the option of a mausoleum, you will find that they are relatively affordable in today's market.

How would you like to remember the person being memorialized? Did that person have a hobby, a favorite poem or favorite place?

Today's technology allows monuments to be shaped in any form. Techniques such as sandblasting, shaped carving, sculpture and etching allow scenes and portraits to be placed directly on the memorial, thus enabling you to tell the story of your loved one's life. Your memorial artist is most experienced in helping you individualize your memorial.

There are many products to choose from such as vases, ceramic or porcelain emblems, candles and photographs, just to name a few.