Designing a Monument
Designing a monument can be an intimidating process. There can be endless options and possibilities. We will help you with a design as simple or complicated and as inexpensive or extravagant as you envision. In the end, you will have created a beautiful work of art suitable for the ages.
The design process can be simplified down to three basic steps:
1). Type/Size/Shape of the monument
2). Color of granite
3). Design/etching/carvings
1.) Type of monument
- Traditional Headstone
- Mausoleum
- Columbarium (a monument to intern cremated remains)
- Memorial Bench
- Statues
Please note: many cemeteries have specific rules and regulations with regards to size, shape and type of monuments that limit what can and cannot be placed at a grave site. Be sure to check with the cemetery caretaker, or us at A.D. Titus Monuments to ensure what you want is allowed.
Type/Shape of the Monument
Slant-style Monuments
A slant monument is a type of grave marker that has a slanted face, making it easily visible and readable from a distance. These monuments feature a unique angled or slanted design that sets them apart from traditional upright headstones and flat markers. One of the most common styles of monument, and a very cost-effective option. It can be placed on a base to provide a more finished look and to raise the monument up from the surrounding grass.
Traditional Upright Monuments
The upright or traditional style monument has a vertical design with the front and back surfaces typically polished. This is also known as a tablet/base combination and can be as large or small as you envision. The tablet is the stone that sits upright on the base and is where the names, dates and images are carved.
Grass Markers
Grass markers are placed flat in the ground with the surface often flush with the grass. This can be one of the least expensive options, depending on size. Note that some cemeteries accept only grass markers.
Bevel Markers
The bevel marker is a stone that sits mostly flat, but the face where the carvings are placed is slightly angled relative to the ground. THe surface where the information is inscribed is more angled than a grass marker, but not as much a a slant monument.
Benches
Benches can be a unique option as a monument. They can often provide a quiet place for loved ones to sit and reflect, remember, or just rest. Benches are available in virtually every granite color, and come in widths from 2' to 6'+, with back and without.
Specialty Shapes
For those that want something differnt than the traditional upright or slant-style monuments, we offer many special shapes that include statuary, crosses, hearts, obelisks, etc.
Columbaria & Mausoleums
There are many options for non-traditional interment including single and multi-crypt mausoleums as well as different columbarium configurations for cremated ashes.
Bronze Plaques
We offer a full range of bronze custom plaques in many sizes, shapes and finishes. Whether creating a companion bronze to match a VA plaque, or a completely unique design, A.D. Titus Monuments can do it all.
Add-on Items
Add-on Items
The look of any monument can be enhanced with the addition of a memento such as a cameo photo, laser etching, branch of service medallion, bronze artwork, and even a QR code to reference digital albums of a loved one's life.