Arlington Cemetery Association
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Now
  • Pay
  • Forms
    • Interment Forms
    • Foundation/Inscription Forms
  • Find a Grave
  • Cremation Niches
  • Price List
  • Monument Dealer Resources
    • Foundation/Inscription Request
    • Foundation/Inscription Order Status
    • Monument Sizes
    • Policies & Regulations
  • Family & Lot Owner Resources
    • Decorations & Prohibited Items
    • Purchasing a Monument
    • Monument Options
    • Monument Restoration
    • Planning Ahead
    • Grave Purchase Survey
    • Deed Request
    • FAQ
    • Policies & Regulations
    • Report an Issue
    • Cemetery Guides
  • Funeral Director Resources
  • Calendar
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy

Choosing a Monument Dealer & Purchasing Guidelines

6/9/2026

0 Comments

 
Purchasing a monument is often one of the final ways families choose to honor a loved one. While many monument dealers provide excellent service and quality craftsmanship, not all companies operate in the same manner. Taking a little time to research your options can help you avoid delays, unexpected costs, and disappointment.

Arlington Cemetery does not endorse, recommend, or have any affiliation with any monument dealer. Families are free to choose any approved monument company that meets cemetery requirements.

Step 1: Obtain Cemetery Requirements First
Before contacting a monument dealer, obtain the monument sizing requirements for your grave location from the cemetery.
Different sections of the cemetery may have different rules regarding:
  • Monument dimensions
  • Monument styles
  • ​Foundation requirements, every monument needs a foundation
  • Installation restrictions
Purchasing a monument before confirming cemetery requirements can result in costly redesigns or monuments that cannot be installed.

Step 2: Obtain Multiple Quotes
Monument prices can vary significantly between dealers, even for monuments that appear similar.
When comparing quotes, make sure each proposal includes:
  • Monument size
  • Granite color and type
  • Granite origin
  • Lettering and engraving
  • Artwork and designs
  • Foundation costs
  • Installation costs
  • Permit fees
  • Applicable taxes
A lower price may not always represent the same product or level of service.

Step 3: Understand Granite Quality and Origin
Not all granite is the same.
Price differences may result from:
  • Domestic versus imported granite
  • Granite color and rarity
  • Thickness of the monument
  • Quality of finishing and polishing
  • Level of craftsmanship
When comparing quotes, ask dealers to clearly identify the granite being used and whether it is included in the quoted price.

Step 4: Research the Company's Reputation
Before placing an order, research the monument company thoroughly.
Consider:
  • Online reviews
  • Better Business Bureau ratings
  • Length of time in business
  • Photos of completed work
  • Customer testimonials
Pay particular attention to comments regarding:
  • Communication
  • Delivery times
  • Installation quality
  • Resolution of problems
A company with a strong history of satisfied customers is often worth considering even if their quote is not the lowest.

Step 5: Ask About Production and Installation Timelines
Monuments are custom-made products and production times can vary.
Ask the dealer:
  • When the monument will be ordered
  • Estimated production time
  • Estimated installation date
  • What happens if there are delays
Obtain all timeline estimates in writing whenever possible.

Step 6: Review the Design Carefully
Before approving a monument design:
  • Verify all names
  • Verify all dates
  • Review spelling carefully
  • Confirm inscriptions and artwork
  • Ensure the layout meets your expectations
Changes after production begins can be expensive or impossible to make.

Step 7: Work With an Established Local Monument Dealer
Arlington Cemetery requires monument companies to be properly insured and responsible for delivering and installing their own monuments.
We do not permit online-only monument retailers or third-party monument brokers that do not directly perform installation services.
Many families choose monument companies that are either:
  • Located near the cemetery, or
  • Located near their home for convenience and ongoing service
Working with an established local dealer often provides better communication, easier follow-up, and greater accountability throughout the process.

Step 8: Keep Copies of All Documents
​
Before making payment, retain copies of:
  • Sales agreements
  • Design approvals
  • Receipts
  • Warranty information
  • Written timelines
  • Correspondence with the dealer
Having documentation available can help resolve questions or disputes later.

A Final Thought
​
Choosing a monument company is an important decision that deserves careful consideration. Taking the time to verify cemetery requirements, compare detailed quotes, research company reputations, and work with an established local dealer can help ensure a lasting memorial that honors your loved one for generations.

​If you have questions regarding monument size requirements, cemetery regulations, or installation procedures, please contact Arlington Cemetery before placing an order.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Cemetery Officials

    Archives

    June 2026

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Disclaimers
  • Casket Type Size, and Weight Limits:
    To ensure a smooth interment process, we accommodate caskets up to 30 inches in width and a total weight of 400 pounds (including the casket). If your casket exceeds these dimensions, please contact us for further details. In such cases, you may need to arrange for a vault company to assist with wheeling and lowering the casket into the grave. We recommend Suburban Vault Company for this service. We do not permit fiberboard caskets to be used for the first interment of an extra depth grave.
  • Funeral Director Identification:
    For security and compliance purposes, the cemetery reserves the right to request valid identification and licensure from any funeral director entering the cemetery with a funeral procession.
  • Payment Policy:
    All payments must be made online only. We no longer accept in-person payments, physical checks, or money orders.
  • Overtime Fees:
    Funeral homes are responsible for any overtime fees resulting from late arrivals. These charges will be billed directly to the funeral home after the funeral service. Please note that unpaid overtime charges must be settled before scheduling any future interments.
  • Foundation Fee Policy
    Monument foundations are required for all monuments installed within the cemetery. In certain sections of the cemetery, foundations may be pre-installed or pre-poured by the cemetery in advance to help families avoid extended settling periods before monument installation.

    ​The presence of a pre-poured foundation at a grave site does not indicate that the foundation fee has been prepaid, included with the grave purchase, or included with opening and closing charges. All foundations remain the property of the cemetery.

    The foundation fee is a separate charge assessed at the time the foundation is utilized for monument installation. This fee is for the required use, maintenance, and accommodation of the cemetery foundation system and applies regardless of whether the foundation was pre-existing at the grave site.
  • Photography and Video Recording:
    To protect the privacy and dignity of families, video recording or photography is not permitted during processions, casket transport, graveside services, or any other burial activities, including setup, lowering, or closing of the grave.Video recording of cemetery staff is not permitted.
  • Live Music and Performances:
    Out of respect for all visitors, live music and performances are not permitted within the cemetery grounds, except for military funerals.
  • Privacy Policy:
    For more details, please refer to our full Privacy Policy.
  • Refund Policy: All sales are final. No refunds will be issued.​​
  • IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:
    No admittance by vehicle or on foot when gates are closed. Unauthorized entry is prohibited.
    When the grounds are covered with snow, ice, or other hazardous conditions, visitors must remain inside their vehicles. Walking on graves or lawn areas is not permitted.
    Weather conditions may create dangerous surfaces. By entering the cemetery, visitors assume all risks. The cemetery disclaims liability for injuries, including slip-and-fall incidents.
Picture
Copyright © Arlington Cemetery Association 2025
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Now
  • Pay
  • Forms
    • Interment Forms
    • Foundation/Inscription Forms
  • Find a Grave
  • Cremation Niches
  • Price List
  • Monument Dealer Resources
    • Foundation/Inscription Request
    • Foundation/Inscription Order Status
    • Monument Sizes
    • Policies & Regulations
  • Family & Lot Owner Resources
    • Decorations & Prohibited Items
    • Purchasing a Monument
    • Monument Options
    • Monument Restoration
    • Planning Ahead
    • Grave Purchase Survey
    • Deed Request
    • FAQ
    • Policies & Regulations
    • Report an Issue
    • Cemetery Guides
  • Funeral Director Resources
  • Calendar
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy