Things to Know About Cemetery Regulations
The majority of cemeteries have specific rules and regulations that govern the style, material, size and color of gravemarkers that are placed on their grounds. These rules and regulations may vary from location to location within the cemetery and must be followed in order to purchase a gravemarker from an outside vendor.
Prior to purchasing a gravemarker from Buy Grave Markers you need to be familiar with the requirements that your cemetery has in place. As well, you must comply with all of these requirements. The law requires that the cemetery allow you to purchase a headstone from the vendor of your choice, but it also makes provisions allowing the cemetery to have specific requirements that must be adhered to. Failure to follow the regulations of the cemetery can result in the stone delivery being refused. If the gravemarker is refused by the cemetery all charges incurred, including return shipping and possible remaking of the stone, are the purchaser´s responsibility. Buy Grave Markers will not contact your cemetery directly.
Buy Grave Markers has been meeting the needs of families like yours for many years. Our goal is to produce a beautiful and lasting memory to honor the life of your loved one. Ordering a gravemarker that meets the requirements of the cemetery of your choice will save you frustration and additional expenses.
Questions to ask your cemetery
When you contact your cemetery there are some questions that you need to ask. Here are some that we have found helpful:
Regulations: “Can I have a copy of your regulations in writing for my records?”
Once you understand the cemetery's requirements you can place your order with confidence.
Size: “What are the size requirements for gravemarkers?”
(Minimum and maximum sizes: Length, Width, Thickness, Height, etc.)
There are normally a variety of sizes allowed by the cemetery. These can vary depending on the size of the plot purchased as well. You must purchase a gravemarker that matches the size and thickness requirements.
Style: “What style of gravemarker do you allow?”
Examples of styles include: Flat Markers, Upright Memorials, Pillow Top, Slant Top, Heart Shaped, etc.
Buy Grave Markers has a large selection of styles to choose from. Custom styles are available upon request.
Paint: “Is paint allowed on the gravemarker?”
Buy Grave Markers will paint the engraved areas of the stones we produce, unless you specify otherwise. The paint used on all gravemarkers is special monument grade paint, specifically designed to be used on gravemarkers.
If the cemetery requires no paint then please indicate that requirement in the comments of your order. This will be done at no charge.
Granite vs. Bronze: “What type of material is required?”
Buy Grave Markers sells both Granite and Bronze Gravemarkerss.
Special Edges: “Are Lawn Mower Proof Edges or Beveled Edges required?”
If required, please specify in the comments section of our order form. Additional charges apply.
Required Emblems: “Is there any type of emblem required on the gravemarker?”
Buy Grave Markers clip art collection contains thousands of emblems to choose from. Clip art will be added at no additional charge. Browse our Clip Art Collection and specify in the comments section of your order the name and location of the emblem that you have selected.
Plot Number: “Is a plot number required on the stone? If so, what size is required and where on the stone can it be located?”
Plot numbers are commonly located in the lower left or right hand corner of a headstone. If you need a plot number on your stone, please specify:
- Plot number
- Location on the stone (i.e. Lower Right corner)
- Size of plot number (i.e. 3⁄4”, 5⁄8”)
Buy Grave Markers will engrave the plot number for no additional charge.
Stone Color: “Are there any granite color restrictions?”
Buy Grave Markers has many different colors to choose from.
Delivery and Installation: “What are the procedures for delivery and installation of the gravemarker? Is there a fee for installation?”
Buy Grave Markers does not install gravemarkers. We manufacture and ship your stone to the residence, business or cemetery that you specify in your order. For orders larger than flat 24"x12"x4" (excluding Imperial Black), delivery drivers are NOT required to unload the stone from the truck. Someone MUST be present during delivery to sign for the stone and unload it from the truck. Failure to comply may result in a failed delivery attempt and additional charges being billed to the purchaser.
If the cemetery you have selected does not install the gravemarker there are usually local monument companies that can be contracted to do the installation work. Most cemeteries require any setting fees be paid by the family prior to the headstone being shipped. It is the purchaser's responsibility to pay all fees prior to shipment. Failure to pay applicable fees may result in the rejection of the delivery of your gravemarker.
Polished or Non-Polished Surface:“ Is a special surface required?”
Buy Grave Markers granite gravemarkers come with a polished surface unless otherwise specified. If the cemetery requires a non-polished surface please indicate that when you place you order. Additional charges apply.
Cemetery Paperwork: “Is paperwork required?”
Buy Grave Markers will not contact your cemetery directly. We are, however, happy to fill out any paperwork required by the cemetery. Once you receive the paperwork from the cemetery you can email it to or fax it to (760) 727-2451. Once the paperwork is filled out, our office will provide a copy to you and to the cemetery, if required.
Proof: “Is a proof required?”
Buy Grave Markers online designer provides an immediate proof for your order. If a formal proof is required you must specify that when you place your order. There is no charge to provide a proof on a paid order.
Pictures: “Are pictures allowed on a gravemarker?”
- Etched or Ceramic: “If so, are Etched or Ceramic pictures allowed?”
In order to sandblast (etch) a photo consisting of many different tones, shades and colors we must convert it into a halftone image. Halftone artwork is used to reproduce grayscale images by breaking the image into small dots (like photos in the newspaper). These dots will vary in size to represent the tonal areas of the artwork, giving the illusion of a grayscale image.
Ceramic photos are permanent kiln fired digital images. Any original photo or scanned image can be reproduced and permanently fired into a variety of oval, square and rectangular size ceramic tiles that will withstand the test of time. When we place your ceramic on your headstone we sandcarve the granite to the shape and depth of the ceramic so it is inlayed flush with the surface. This processes further protects your ceramic from the elements and a prevention against vandalism.
NOTE: Ceramic orders can take up to 8 weeks for production.
Picture Size: “Are there specific sizes required?”
Minimum and maximum sizes: Length, Width, etc.
Buy Grave Markers can add a Etched or Ceramic picture to your order. We carry a large selection of sizes and shapes in both Color and Black and White.
CLICK HERE for more information. NOTE: Etched pictures require Imperial Black granite
