Throughout time, people have chosen to commemorate the lives of those loved, revered and respected. Across the ages the creation of a monument has been the most common form of remembrance.

When the time comes to commemorate the life of someone very special, or perhaps to plan ahead for yourself, many factors should be considered. You will be purchasing something that, quite literally, will last forever. The monument you create may very well serve as a source of historical data for future generations. It is a purchase that should be made unhurriedly, with great care and consideration. Your first step should be a consultation.
Marble has been used for centuries and is well known for its beauty. White is the most popular color used in monuments and typically has various degrees of gray "veining" adding to its beauty.
Marble
Granite is the most commonly used material and is available in numerous colors- traditional grays, blacks, a variety of reds, pinks, browns, greens and near whites.
Granite
Bronze is called the "eternal metal" and is used for flat markers, statuary, and as ornamentation in combination with granite and marble.
Bronze
Monuments come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Bevel Markers are above ground level but are low. They come in individual or companion sizes and can be personalized with symbols or inscription.
Bevel Markers
The Vertical Tablet is tall, as the name implies, and may be set on a base or directly on the foundation, in which case it is called a Monolith. Both Horizontal and Vertical Tablets present ample space for inscriptions, carvings, and other ornamentation.
Vertical Tablet
The Horizontal Tablet is wider than it is high and is usually set on a base. Added features may include side panels, called "wings," and sometimes urns or vases on one or both sides.
Horizontal Tablet
Flat markers lie level with the ground. Their small size naturally restricts the decoration, although a skilled memorialist can personalize even a flat marker.
Flat Markers
Slant Markers are midway in height between the lower bevel markers and the larger upright monuments (the horizontal and vertical tablets). They offer sufficient space for highly creative personalized design.
Slant Markers
Ledgers are memorials that cover the entire grave. Although they are low to the ground, their size allows for extensive decoration and long inscriptions.
Ledgers
Garden Memorials range from benches to urns to sundials. They are specially designed decorative pieces similar to those often found in large gardens. They may be used alone or with another upright monument.
Garden Memorials
Crosses are widely used as free standing pieces. Crosses have their own styles, the most polular being the familiar Latin cross and the highly decorated Celtic cross.
Crosses

Remember, monument designs can be classic or contemporary. The choice is yours to make.

Modern technology now allows monuments to be shaped, quite literally, into any form you can envIsIon.

Techniques such as sandblasting, shape carving, laser and hand etching, now allow intricate scenes and portraits to be placed directly onto the stone.

A wide variety of prducts are available to be added to a monument. Such items as vases, lighting, and photographs can be used in conjunction with a monument.

Before you purchase your monument, you should know that some cemeteries do not allow upright memorials. These cemeteries allow only lawn level bronze or granite markers. Likewise, often sections in cemeteries are dedicated to certain styles: upright, flat, etc. As you can see, the type, size, and style of the monument you want may influence your choice in cemetery property.