A headstone can act as a memorial to celebrate a life. While it is meaningful to the surviving family, it also honors life for generations. Purchasing a gravestone can be stressful as you may also be in a difficult emotional state having lost a loved one. While buying a headstone from the cemetery seems natural, that may not always be the best way. According to the National Association of Funeral Directors, in 2021 in the U.S., the rate of burial was 36.6%. Consider these reasons for choosing a gravestone company.

Understands Regulations and Rules

A gravestone company will understand the rules for each cemetery and be able to explain them to you. Each cemetery has its own regulations, and a gravestone company will know if the headstone you want is allowed in the cemetery you have chosen. If not, they can find a local cemetery that allows it.

Knows Installation Fees

In addition to its own rules, each cemetery has different fees. These fees usually cover the services provided by the cemetery. The gravestone company has an understanding of the fees and what they cover. The fees can be over $1,000 in some cemeteries. They typically cover perpetual care and maintenance of the grounds. If the fees are too high, the gravestone company should be able to find a cemetery that has more affordable fees.

Be an Advocate

A gravestone company partners with you to help through the process to make it as easy as possible. This is a time when you are grieving, which often makes decisions seem that much harder. When you have an advocate, it can help the process go smoother. For example, cemeteries do not always allow any type of headstone in the cemetery. This can make families feel like they cannot have a memorial representative of the deceased. The ideal gravestone company will find the best place to meet your desires.

While it may seem easier to purchase a headstone through the cemetery, it is not always in the family's best interest. You are subjected to their rules and fees without even realizing other options are available. In addition, the cemetery may not always advocate for your needs if they fall outside of their rules. Consider contacting a gravestone company for your headstone needs.