Headstones

Question and Answers about Bronze and Granite Cemetery Headstones

When should I buy a headstone?

• Some people arrange to buy headstones before they die. This is known as pre-need purchase. In other cases, family members buy the headstone after the death; this is called an at-need purchase. Both types are common, and neither is necessarily  better than the other.
• Our recommendation is not to set the headstone to early onto the gravesite, the ground will settle and will need to be filled again, if you put the grave headstone to early onto the grave it will have to be removed and reset again (the cemetery usually charges for that). We recommend to purchase and go throught the cemetery approval process and the stone be set about 4-6 month after the burial.

What are the differences between bronze and granite headstones?

• Granite headstones remain the most common cemetery headstones in most cemeteries.
• The choice of which to use depends, largely, on your taste. Both materials have been used for centuries to mark graves and for many other purposes in which withstanding the elements is a chief aim. And both make for beautiful memorials to your loved-ones.
• The cemetery sometimes has sections which are assigend to a specific style headstone, either bronze on granite or just granite.
• Bronze headstones are typically attached to a 4-inch granite base. We do offer the option of purchasing the bronze plaque without the base or without. Sometimes the bronze headstones are set onto concret.

Do I need to have a bronze vase on headstones?

• The headstone can be purchased with or without a floor vase.
• The vase can be in the granite or in the bronze.

How are those vases attached?

• The vases is attached with a chain.
• The vases can be when not in use reset into the granite or into the bronze. It is installed with a vase liner under the grave marker.

Can a picture be added to a cemetery headstone?

• Yes, the pictures come in bronze or in ceramic.
• The pictures can be added afterward as well, as long as enough space is left for the picture.
• See our ceramic and bronze picture section for those as well.

Are there rules and regulations from the cemetery for the headstones?

• Yes, policies regarding headstones vary greatly among cemeteries, we will contact your cemetery before we process your order to make certain your headstone will be accepted.

Is the cemetery allowed or can the the cemetery refuse my headstone?

• No, the cemetery has to accept your headstones, as long as the rules are followed.
• The cemetery can only refuse a headstone if the rules and guidlines are not followed (example: certain sections in a cemetery have size requirements for the headstone; or can only be bronze on granite).

How much is shipping, and how long does it take to ship the headstone?

• Shipping charges are included in the price of all our products, including headstones.
• We can generally ship headstones to any cemetery (or business address) in any U.S. In some cases (such as deliveries to rural cemeteries) additional charges may be necessary. We will notify you of these charges.
• In most cases we will deliver your headstone directly to the cemetery about 4-6 weeks after we have received approval from you on the layout.

Can headstones be shipped out of the Continental U.S.?

• Yes, we ship headstones to Alaska or Hawaii, there might be additional shipping charges for the shipping.
• Yes, we ship headstones to Canada as well, with addtional shipping charges.
• Other countries would need a freight carrier to which we can ship to and the freight carrier would then ship your grave marker to your final destination (example: we have shipped to Florida before and the freight carrier transported the headstone to Costa Rica).

Can you send me a catalog about headstones for my parents to read?

• Yes, upon request, we can mail you print literature about our headstones.

Flat Grass Cemetery Headstones for Graves & Memorials in Bronze & Granite

For centuries granite headstones have been utilized to mark the final resting place of our dearly departed. As the years past and as modern technology advanced, the manufacturing process, materials, and style of these beautiful memorials have changed drastically. The grave markers of days past, which were usually made of a single material and only accommodated the most basic and necessary of information, have evolved to elegant tributes to life that can feature elegant bronze plaques, designs, and even additional images when desired.

For those who are uncertain as to what would be appropriate to place on a cemetery headstones for graves, there is really no short answer, as the information depicted is to be deemed appropriate by the family. In other words, if a family feels the information is adequate, then the marker would be appropriate for their needs. In order to determine what to place on a marker, we suggest to look at the lifestyle of the deceased as well as consider the wishes of the family. For example, if a person loved to be in the outdoors, say hiking or camping for example, then a design that featured a scene or symbol of the outdoors would be appropriate. If the family has a special nickname or saying that they shared with the departed, then the nickname or verse could be added to further personalize the marker. And for those who were more studious, an elegant yet simple design would catch the serious or reserved nature of the person. We also offer a large variety of emblems, which are clip-art type images that can be added to the monument. These emblems can even be utilized with the simple backgrounds to create a completely different appearance for those who cannot decide on a single design, or can't find one that seems to fit the personality of their loved one.

The best way to ensure that the bronze and granite headstones created for a loved one is to work with your family and the wishes of the deceased. While, understandably, this is a difficult time for many, working through the marker options with patience and an open mind can even be a highly therapeutic experience, as you can ensure that the last tribute will fully represent the life of the deceased. With the large selection of options offered by our website, anyone is sure to find a combination that will create a memorial tribute that not only they, but many future generations can be proud of.

Headstones are not only available with a variety of design options, but also a variety of shapes and styles as well. The most popular, is the two-part standing monuments. These cemetery headstones feature an upright tablet, or die, which is supported by a sturdy base, usually of the same color of granite. This style is the most traditional and perfect for families who are looking for a dignified and classic way to remember their loved one. The slant markers are a modern twist on the classic style, and feature a shorter top portion, that is usually beveled down from the back of the stone to the front. The beveled portion holds the information of the loved one, while the back and sides can be polished or left rough cut, for a rustic look. Both styles can be made to accommodate one, two or even more people’s information.