Choosing a headstone is a deeply personal and significant step in honoring the memory of a loved one. It’s more than just a marker; it’s a lasting tribute, a symbol of remembrance, and a place for reflection for generations to come. While the task might seem daunting, understanding the process of ordering a custom headstone can provide clarity and comfort during a sensitive time. At Shastone, we guide families through every step, ensuring the creation of a memorial that beautifully reflects a life lived.
1. Initial Consultation: Sharing Your Vision for your Custom Headstone
The journey begins with a compassionate consultation. This is your opportunity to share stories, memories, and ideas about your loved one. Our specialists will listen attentively to understand their personality, passions, and the legacy you wish to honor.
- Discussion Points: We’ll talk about the loved one’s life, your family’s preferences, and any specific ideas you might have for the memorial. This initial conversation helps us grasp the essence of the tribute you envision.
2. Selecting the Memorial Type and Material
Once we understand your vision, we’ll guide you through the various types of memorials and materials available, discussing the pros and cons of each in relation to durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Memorial Types:
- Upright Headstones: Traditional monuments that stand vertically, offering a prominent presence and ample space for design.
- Flat Markers: Set flush with the ground, providing a subtle and serene tribute, often required in modern memorial parks.
- Slant Markers: A middle ground, with a slanting face that offers good visibility.
- Benches & Specialty Pieces: For unique, personalized memorials.
- Materials:
- Granite: The most popular choice due to its exceptional durability, wide range of colors (grays, blacks, reds, blues), and resistance to weathering.
- Marble: Prized for its classic beauty and ability to be intricately carved, though it is softer and more susceptible to weathering over time.
- Bronze: Often used for flat markers, known for its longevity and distinct patina.
3. Navigating Cemetery Regulations: A Crucial Step
Before finalizing any design, understanding the specific rules and regulations of the cemetery is paramount. These guidelines vary widely and can dictate the size, material, style, and installation requirements of the headstone.
- What We Check: We’ll confirm allowed dimensions (height, width, thickness), approved materials, foundation requirements, and any restrictions on design elements or decorations.
- Why It Matters: Adhering to these rules prevents costly mistakes, delays, and ensures your chosen memorial can be properly installed in its designated plot. Our team has extensive experience working with various cemeteries and can handle this verification process for you.
4. Designing Your Personalized Tribute for your Custom Headstone
This is where your vision truly comes to life. We’ll work collaboratively to create a design that is unique and meaningful.
- Inscriptions: Selecting fonts, sizes, and the wording for names, dates, epitaphs, and personal messages.
- Emblems & Artwork: Choosing from a vast library of emblems (religious symbols, military insignia, hobbies, nature scenes) or discussing custom artwork, etchings, or even porcelain portraits.
- Proofing: We’ll provide you with a detailed computer-aided design (CAD) proof of the proposed memorial. This visual representation allows you to see exactly how the inscription, artwork, and layout will appear on the stone before any work begins, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
5. Understanding Pricing and Payment
We believe in transparency regarding costs. You’ll receive a clear, itemized estimate that includes:
- Monument Cost: Based on material, size, and design complexity.
- Inscription & Artwork Fees: For lettering and any custom designs.
- Cemetery Fees: Any necessary permits or installation charges from the cemetery.
- Endowment Care: If applicable, fees for the cemetery’s long-term maintenance.
We’ll discuss available payment options and ensure you understand all financial aspects before proceeding.
6. Fabrication and Craftsmanship of Custom Headstone
Once the design is approved and all details are confirmed, our skilled artisans begin the fabrication process. Using state-of-the-art technology combined with time-honored craftsmanship, they meticulously cut, shape, polish, and engrave the chosen material according to your approved design. This stage is where the raw stone or metal is transformed into a beautiful, enduring memorial.
7. Installation and Final Placement for your Custom Headstone
The final step is the professional installation of the memorial at the gravesite. This is handled with the utmost care and precision, ensuring the headstone is securely placed on its foundation, adhering to all cemetery specifications.
- Professional Installation: Our experienced team ensures the memorial is set correctly and safely, providing stability for generations.
Ordering a custom headstone is a journey of remembrance and creation. While it involves several steps, from initial consultation to final installation, each phase is designed to ensure your loved one’s memorial is a perfect and lasting tribute. At Shastone, we are honored to guide families through this process with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to unparalleled craftsmanship, ensuring that the legacy of those remembered stands beautifully for years to come.