Selecting a memorial

1. Type of material:

There are two primary materials used for memorials, granite and bronze. Each can be customized to meet the individual design requests of the client. Often, the cemetery where the memorial will be placed will have regulations on what type of material that can be used. Whitney Monument Works is familiar with these requirements and can assist in this selection.

2. Budget:

The wide variety of memorial concepts available allow us to design a fitting tribute for whatever your budget may be. Whitney Monument Works will work through this process with you, ensuring that you are aware of all the options available.

Four main factors determining the cost of a memorial:

Material — Typically granite or bronze.
Size — The cost of the memorial is directly related to it’s size. The larger the monument, the greater the amount of material, production, and transportation costs involved.
Color — If granite is selected as your memorial material, the color you chose will have an effect on the cost of the monument. The difference in cost for different colors of granite is based on its availability and where it is quarried.
Design — With modern technology, the design options for your memorial are almost endless. Monument design can range from a simple, standard marker to a custom design wholly unique to the individual. The level of design chosen will effect the overall price of the monument.

3. Monument Style:

If granite is selected as your memorial material, there are several different styles of monuments available. Each style can be customized to meet your individual requirements. As with the type of material allowed, cemeteries typically have requirements of what type of monument style is allowed. Whitney Monument Works is familiar with the individual requirements of each cemetery and can assist you in making sure that the monument style you select fits with these regulations.

4. Important questions to ask when purchasing a memorial:

Is there a difference in the quality or grade of granite used for memorials?
How deep do you cut the lettering and carving into the stone?
Do you use any artificial black spray in the letters and carvings?
Do you shape carve the designs? What training do you have?
Do you do personalized designs? Is there additional cost for that?
How deep are your foundations? Straight sides, no taper in or post holes?
Do you fully warranty the memorial and foundation?