Some families can spend months creating the perfect headstone, only to have it rejected by their local cemetery. A monument is a very intimate artifact you make for a loved one, so being told it’s not allowed is frustrating. However, not all hope is lost just yet. Learn more about why cemeteries reject designs and some practical tips you can follow if you’re currently facing this problem.
Why Do Cemeteries Reject Monument Designs?
Every cemetery has its own rules and regulations regarding monuments to encourage a more uniform look. While some are relaxed about your monument’s style, others have stricter rules, leaving less room for flexibility.
Some of the most common details cemeteries regulate include:
- Size, height, or shape
- Material or color
- Photos and etchings
- Religious symbols
- Installations
- Section-specific rules
Steps To Take If A Cemetery Rejects Your Design
Review The Place’s Rules
Virtually every cemetery has guidelines to help families plan their memorials. These rules typically cover approved shapes, sizes, and anything else associated with the design. If you already have a place in mind, check their rules and keep them in mind when creating your loved one’s monument.
Speak With The Staff
If you’ve already reviewed their rules and they still rejected the monument, it’s time to speak with the cemetery’s team to find out what’s wrong. Ask them which part of the design was rejected and request feedback on what you need to do to fix it. Doing this ensures you won’t have any issues meeting their requirements.
Work With Your Monument Provider
Once you know what needs to be fixed, work with your memorial provider. Whether it’s a resize or changing a symbol, they’ll know how to fix your loved one’s memorial while still respecting their legacy.
To be on the safe side, you could also ask them to create a digital mockup of the new design to show the cemetery before you make the changes. This way, you’ll catch issues early and make sure the updated version meets their requirements.
Ask For An Appeal
Some cemeteries offer appeals for families who want to retain their original design. This process is helpful if you’re unsure why they rejected you and would like further clarification. If you’re planning on doing this, gather everything you can to improve your chances of getting your design approved. This includes the initial version of your memorial, notes from the cemetery director, or a revised mockup as a backup.
Partnering with a monument provider can also make a big difference. They’ll help you present your design in a way that meets the place’s standards and increases your chances of getting everything approved.
Design The Perfect Monument For Your Loved One
Getting your loved one’s monument rejected doesn’t mean you need to replace it entirely. With a few simple steps, you can make necessary changes while still honoring your loved one’s wishes.
At Eternal Memorials, our team assists grieving families across Long Island, NYC, New Jersey, and beyond in designing and creating high-quality monuments and headstones. We’ll work with you to ensure they meet your chosen cemetery’s requirements. If you have any questions or a specific idea in mind, please contact us at 631-755-1200 to learn more about our services today.