If you’ve decided to pre-plan your monument or memorial early, you’re making the right decision. By pre-planning your monument, you’ll also be taking a tremendous amount of stress off your family’s shoulders, which will help them focus more on grieving once the time comes.
That said, we know that most clients have at least a few questions before starting. Our guide will answer the most common ones and help clarify any doubts you may have about the pre-planning process.
1. Why Do I Need To Pre-Plan a Monument?
While you could wait until the last minute, there’s no guarantee your loved ones will carry out your final wishes. Pre-planning your monument gives you complete control over how you want your monument to look.
Memorial pre-planning also makes it much easier for your loved ones. Losing a loved one is an emotional time for most people, and being forced to make last-minute decisions like funeral or monument planning may simply be too much. By laying everything out ahead, you’ll give them much-needed peace of mind during an already difficult time.
2. What Are My Customization Options?
There are virtually endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your monument, such as:
- Monument style (headstone, bench, mausoleum, etc.)
- Material (granite, bronze, etc.)
- Personalized inscriptions
- Symbols, photos, and design elements
Regardless of what your choices are, always take the time to create something memorable that leaves a lasting legacy.
3. Is There A Difference Between Pre-Planning And Pre-Funding?
Yes. Pre-planning covers anything involving making decisions. For example, if you’re pre-planning your monument, you’re making decisions about style, design, inscriptions, and so on. On the other hand, pre-funding is when you decide to pay for everything in advance. While you can do one without the other, doing both ensures you design the perfect monument while locking in a cheaper price.
4. How Much Does Pre-Planning Cost?
The average cost for a monument ranges from $1,000 for a simple headstone to well over $10,000. The final cost of your memorial ultimately comes down to size, style, and material used. However, you don’t pay for everything upfront. While pre-funding may help lock in prices before they go up, multiple payment options are available that best fit you and your family’s budget.
5. When Should I Pre-Plan My Memorial?
There’s no right or wrong time to pre-plan your monument. Some people want to do it as early as their 30s and 40s. Others might wait until they experience a life-changing event like retirement or a serious illness. Pre-planning a memorial is a personal decision, so do it whenever you feel mentally and emotionally ready.
Have Peace Of Mind With Monument Pre-Planning
Pre-planning your monument allows you to create something special that tells your story and leaves a lasting legacy. At Eternal Memorials, we’ve been helping families around Long Island, NYC, and beyond plan their memorials since 1914. We will guide you through the entire process and ensure you’re satisfied with every detail. If you have any questions, please contact us at (631) 755-1200 for more information.