4 Tips For Choosing A Headstone On A Budget
When you're laying a beloved family member or friend to rest, choosing a headstone can seem like a difficult task, particularly if you have a small budget. But with so many different types of markers available, you'll most likely be able to find one in your price range that still memorializes your loved one in a way that would have suited him or her.
Look at All of Your Purchasing Options
Ordering a headstone from the cemetery where your loved one will be buried may be the easiest option, but it's also likely to be the most expensive. If you're trying to stick to a smaller budget, check with your funeral home and monument companies to see what price ranges they offer. Cemeteries usually have a hefty markup on headstones so they can make a profit on markers they purchase from the same monument companies that often sell to individual consumers.
Keep It Classic
Uncommon colors and unique stone can raise the price on a headstone by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Stick with classic gray granite if you're choosing a stone or simple black and bronze if a metal marker is the style you're opting for. Try to avoid fancy lettering and intricate engraving patterns if you're on a tight budget as well. Classic lettering is much more budget-friendly and you'll be able to add more information about your loved one or a short epitaph if you're not paying a premium for ornate engraving.
Opt for a Smaller Size
Bigger stones obviously mean more money. There are many different options for smaller headstones that still make for a nice display. If you're on a very tight budget, flat markers that sit flush with the ground and typically only display your loved one's name, birthdate and death date are usually the most inexpensive.
If you want something a little larger, look into bevel and slant markers. These options stand between 8 and 12 inches above the ground and are usually rectangular in shape. Slant markers are generally a bit taller and the front edge is angled down to make it easier to read compared to bevel markers which are level rectangular markers.
Minimize the Extras
Many grave markers have flower urns built into them or attached to the side, but these can increase cost substantially. You can purchase a concrete urn independently of the headstone if you want a permanent display for flowers at your loved one's grave.
Decline extra polishing as well. If you're choosing a marker that sits above ground at all, keep the polished surfaces limited to the top or front and back of the marker where the departed's name and other engraving will be. Leaving the edges and sides unfinished will save you some cash while still maintaining a smooth, finished look to the most important areas of the memorial.
Talk with a representative at the funeral home caring for your loved one if you're having trouble deciding on a headstone or want more information about your options. Most funeral homes are very well-versed on different marker options and requirements for local cemeteries. For more information, contact a business such as Pemi-Baker Memorials.
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