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 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 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 its 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 choose 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 affect 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 styles are allowed. Whitney Monument 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?

Yes. Inferior granites will hold moisture and stain. They also can have a poor contrast so the engraving won’t show up as well. We only purchase the top grades for all of our memorials.

Do you shape carve the designs? What training do you have?

We do shape carve our designs. Sharp carving is a relief carving technique that gives the design a three-dimensional look that shadows and enhances the look of the design. We have been trained at a special vocational institute and have done this type of carving for many years.

Do you do personalized designs? Is there an additional cost for that?

We do a lot of personalized designs and encourage our customers to consider it. Most are included in the cost of the memorial. The exception to that is the laser etchings and larger scenes we create.

5. Payments Methods

• MasterCard
• Visa
• Discover
• American Express
• Personal Checks
• Money Orders
• Cashier’s Checks
• Cash