Memorial Budget Planner Guide

The Memorial Budget Planner helps you understand the complete cost of a memorial, including expenses that are often overlooked.

Budget categories included:

Monument cost: Stone, finish, and inscription

Foundation: Concrete foundation or base required by the cemetery

Setting fee: Professional installation at the cemetery

Cemetery fees: Plot purchase, opening/closing, perpetual care

Delivery: Transportation from the monument dealer to the cemetery

Permits: Any required cemetery or local government permits

Extras: Vases, portraits, bronze additions, flower holders

Money-saving tips:

Compare quotes from at least 2-3 monument dealers

Ask about companion monuments (designed for two people) to plan ahead

Consider simpler finishes — honed granite is often significantly less than polished

VA provides a free headstone or marker for eligible veterans

Some cemeteries include setting in the plot purchase price