Cemetery Headstones: Rules & Regulations

Most, although not all cemeteries have some sort of rules or regulations that control what size, shape, or even type of design the headstones place on the burial plots within their grounds have.

This is an important factor when choosing what type of memorial you want to select for your loved one. Cemetery rules are sometimes very strict and if they are not adhered to they will not allow you to set the stone you have already purchased. If you need assitance in contacting your cemetery and discerning exactly what those regulations are we are happy to help.

At Headstones USA we realize that death and the entire grieving process is overwheming and leaves many people feeling lost and confused. That is why we strive to make the entire process of selecting, designing, and ordering a memorial as effortless as possible. In order for us to assist you with obtaining cemetery regulations we will need the following information:

The contact information for your cemetery, the full name of the deceased,

The date of death, the section of the cemetery in which they are buried, and if applicable the burial plot number.

This information will insure we obtain all of the necessary information to help you choose wisely. If you would rather talk to the cemetery your self, or do not feel as though you need our assistance in this matter here are a list of questions you will need to ask so that you have all of the information you will need:

1. Can I get a copy of your rules and regulations for my records? This will protect you in the case of any discrepancies and insure that you have a written copy of any rules or regulations they might have for your records and or to reference later.

2. What are the minimum and maximum sizes you allow for monuments with your cemetery? This is important because it will insure that you do not order a memorial that is too small or too large to be set upon your plot.

3. Do you have any granite color restrictions? Most cemeteries do not have regulations on granite color, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

4. Do you have any regulations concerning accessories such as ceramic photos or cemetery urns/flower vases? This is a very important questions because some cemeteries do not allow accessories and you do not want to purchase an accessory only to find out it cannot be used.

5. What type of headstones do you allow? Do you have any specific shape or style regulations/specifications? This question is important because our memorials come in many shapes and sizes such as uprights, bevel style, with bases, without bases, flat bronze grave marker, regular flat grass grass markers, side by side companion monuments, double interment memorials, benches, and etc. You would not want to design and purchase a memorial bench or upright companion monument only to find out that your cemetery only accepts flat gravestone.

6. Are there any particular specifications for monuments that you have regarding monuments that I have not asked about? This is important because many cemeteries have other particular specifications such as rock cut style bases that have lawn mower proof edges, or specific base requirements, and some cemeteries even regulate what type of designs can be or must be placed upon the monument itself. For example, Catholic and other church cemeteries often require a that a regligious or Christian symbol be incorporated into the memorial design. This is particularly important because it is always best to be aware of any particular requirements before finalizing a headstone order, as changing the design a or stone fter you have received the monument may either be impossible or very costly.

7. Is any paperwork required for the placement of my cemetery headstone? This is an important question because many cemeteries have special forms such as permits or authorization forms that have to be completed in order for them to accept the shipment of the monument and or to allow the stone to be set within their grounds. These forms often require the signature of the lot owner(s) or the next of kin before they accept the headstone and it is always better to be prepared then caught unaware and have a shipment or installation refused.

8. Do you have any rules or regulations concerning the setting of a monuemtn and or foundation fees applicable to the installation of my headstone? This is important so that you are aware of any additional cost you may incur or any arrangements you need to make to have your monument set. Some cemeteries will set the headstone for you and charge you an installation fee. Others will require a licensed and or bonded professional such as a local monument dealer or masonry to set the stone for you. While still others will allow you to set it yourself if you choose. The important thing is to be prepared and know what to expect.

9. What paperwork is required of me? This is important because many cemeteries require some sort of documentation to be filled out in order to place a monument not purchased through them to be placed on your burial plot. This is a normal part of the process and generally contain several questions regarding information about the monument size and specifications (and sometimes require a drawing). And finally, the lot owner or next of kin may need to sign the form authorizing the placement of the stone upon the plot.

Once again, if you need assistance in determing exactly what type of monument your cemtery allows or in completing any step of this process contact us and we will be glad to help you in any way we can.

At Headstones USA we take pride in not only our affordable high quality solid granite products, but also our top-notch friendly customer service staff. Call today for your free consultation and see what sets us apart from our competition. http://www.headstonesusa.com 2010