Do we need to wait for any length of time after a death before ordering a
memorial?
There is no "right" answer to this question--it is a very personal decision based
on specific family situations. It is not necessary to wait for a grave to settle. A
memorial can be ordered immediately after a death. Other families need more
time to make this lasting and important decision, so they might wait until they
can decide what the most appropriate memorial might be.
How long does it take to complete a memorial?
The length of time necessary to complete your memorial depends on the type of
memorial you choose, the color of granite that has been selected, the level of
design work required, and the time of year that the order is placed. Our very
specialized monuments and memorials can take up to six months to be completed,
while our standard markers are generally ready to be delivered to the cemetery
within 45 days from the order date. In all cases, orders can only be set in a
cemetery when weather permits. Most cemeteries do not pour foundations in
the winter months, so a memorial ordered in the late Fall or Winter will be installed
in the Spring.
Why should I buy a memorial in advance?
Many families choose to plan their own final arrangements. This allows them to
make their own decisions on the style and type of memorial that they wish to have.
In addition, it alleviates a burden on family members to make sometimes difficult
decisions at the time of death.
What type of material should the memorial be made of?
Heartland Monument Company specializes in memorials made from the finest
quality of granite or bronze. We have a wide variety of colors of granite to choose
from. Some cemeteries only allow flat bronze memorials, and others that allow
granite may have restrictions on its color or size. We can assist you in determining
your cemetery's requirements and restrictions.
Who installs the memorials?
Some cemeteries require that their personnel install the foundation for your
memorial. There is usually a fee for this that is paid directly to the cemetery.
If there are no requirements we install the memorial.
How long will the stone last?
Our memorials are made of granite and granite is a very hard stone that will
last forever. At our manufacturing plant, we use a sandblast process for the
design and lettering. It becomes a part of the granite and will also last indefinitely.
What is the difference between granite and marble?
The composition of granite and marble is very different. Granite is an igneous
rock that was once a molten mass called magma. Marble is created by a
concentration of bones and shells of sea creatures that built up a deposit of lime.
Therefore, marble is not nearly as hard as granite and will erode over the years.
Granite is the preferred material to use for memorials because of its durability.
If I want a special design, can you do it?
We pride ourselves in our ability to personalize each and every memorial.
When you sit down with one of our design specialists, they will help you design
a very meaningful and personal memorial. We have thousands of design options
to choose from, or we can accommodate your special requests.
Do you stand behind your work?
Heartland Monument Company guarantees the work we do for you. Please see
our Guarantee that we offer for all of our products and services.
Should I use years only or month, day and year?
Sometimes this decision must be made based on the amount of space that is
available on your memorial with your chosen design. If there is sufficient space,
then you may be more specific with information, such as month, day, and year,
to offer more detailed information on the memorial. In most cases, there is no
additional charge for the more detailed inscription if it is chosen at the time of
purchase of the memorial.
Why should I buy a memorial from Heartland Monument Company instead
of from the cemetery or Funeral Home?
Heartland Monument Company specializes in making memorials. We have our
own manufacturing plant and do our own work. We are experts in the field, having
been in business for many years. While a cemetery or funeral home may sell
memorials as a sideline, it does not specialize in that product. We can provide the
expertise to design an appropriate memorial for you, and we offer the most
complete selection of designs and colors.
How much should I expect to pay for a memorial?
The cost of a memorial can vary significantly based on several factors. Our lawn
level markers start at $300 and increase in price based on the design and color of
granite that you choose. Monuments for one and two graves start at $800 and
increase in price based on the style, size, design, and special features. Our
mausoleums are very specialized, and start in price at $9,000. We encourage
you to meet with one of our designers to discuss a memorial that will fit your needs
and budget.
What is the difference between a hand etching and a laser etching?
Hand etchings are done by an artist who uses specialized diamond-tipped tools
to create a series of tiny impressions directly in the black granite. These impressions
will last forever and provide the maximum amount of clarity of an image. Laser
etchings are done using a computer.
Do I need to purchase a memorial even if the body was cremated?
Cremation should not limit the need for a family to memorialize a person's life.
We offer a variety of ways to do this. In many cemeteries, cremated remains are
buried in a grave site and a regular monument or marker is used. We can also
carve out a niche in the base of a memorial and the remains are then sealed inside.
We also offer decorative urns. Families often plant a tree in honor of a loved one
and place a plaque at the base of the tree. We provide a variety of plaque sizes
and styles.