Cost of memorials…Several factors influence the cost of a memorial causing prices to vary; the size of the memorial, type of materials, finishes, custom detailing, and most importantly, quality of workmanship.  Optional features such as laser and hand etchings, porcelain photographs, and vases, also contribute to the cost of a lasting memorial. What is not always obvious, but is important to keep in mind…Quality and significant details are often sacrificed in order to accommodate that “lowest price”.  That being said, we are mindful that budget does play a role in memorial selection and we do have offerings of memorials that are specially priced without sacrificing quality or excellence and are featured among our extensive collection.  We are confident we can provide the right memorial tribute tailored to suit your taste and budget.

When you select a style and design…A preliminary drawing referred to as a design layout will be prepared and submitted to you before the memorial is produced making certain all details are correct and will be to your satisfaction.  Upon receipt of your approval, the meticulous production processes will continue.  Most memorial selections are then available for delivery within 4-8 weeks.  Memorials that are custom or items that may be temporarily unavailable are likely to require 80-120 days from date of order. 

Full service…Following the approval of the design layout and placement verification of names on a companion monument or marker, LBW will arrange all necessary details making certain the memorial of choice adheres to cemetery restrictions before the memorial is actually produced. 

Cemetery installation fees are collected at time of purchase and paid directly to the cemetery by LBW. There is no fee for making installation arrangements on behalf of the family.  Once cemetery approval is received, production will get underway and arrangements will be confirmed for delivery and installation. 

Some cemeteries may require a waiting period for the installation of a memorial or seasonal or wintery conditions may impose a delay for installation, neither affects the ability to plan for design and production.  Upon completion, the memorial is then scheduled for transport to the cemetery for installation accordingly.  Our expert delivery team sees that the memorial is handled with utmost care assuring safe arrival to its destination.

Designed to endure the elements…Most memorials are fabricated from granite, bronze or marble. 

Granite - an igneous rock is recommended not only for its beauty and versatility, but for its lasting quality and durability.  It will show little or no change for centuries. 
Bronze - used to cast memorial designs and mounted on granite, is enduring and is placed in many cemeteries, memorial parks and gardens. 
Marble-- a beautiful but soft sedimentary stone.  Over time when exposed to the elements, marble will show signs of deterioration and can easily become stained.  As a result, some cemeteries restrict its use.  

 Carvings of design, dates and information on stone…  The history that surrounds the memorial is interesting in itself.  Many examples, some of which date back to the 1600’s can be found in the earliest cemeteries of New England.  Those located at such burial sites, are often intricately carved with vines or rosettes and filled with symbolism, lifelike renderings of the departed, family crests, and on occasion, carvings that would serve to measure the status of an individual.  Often included were epitaphs that briefly impart a story.  A combination of both headstone and footstone to suggest a resting place, much like a bed for the departed, was not uncommon.

The use of symbolism remains principal in determining the design of a memorial tribute in representing a loved one.  Still favored today, is the rose which symbolizes love. Many types of flowers and other meaningful forms of design are also utilized.  Portraits of loved ones or artwork are often etched on granite or images of photographs preserved on porcelains are applied.  Symbols or emblems that recognize civic organizations or military service, faith, or interests such as sports or hobbies, memory phrases or meaningful quotes are often included.  Elaborate designs or the simplistic and unadorned can comprise an appropriate memorial.

Engraving of individuals name and dates…  Formal name(s) and special names, designations or “nicknames” known by those close, and dates; month, day and year or “year only” are engraved on a memorial.  It’s a personal choice, not a rule.  Including full dates may be preferred for it provides information that may not be readily accessible for future generations and is more precise.

Cremation and memorials…  When the option of cremation is preferred, it does not preclude one from having a permanent memorial/burial site.  Though scattering ashes may be considered, the practice can be problematic.  The same holds true when attempting to keep a container within a residential setting.  It has been our experience that many find great comfort in knowing a permanent memorial tribute has been placed in honor of a loved one. 

For the sake of honor, and a reliable source of record for generations concerning the safekeeping of a loved one’s ashes, we do recommend a permanent place marked with a suitable memorial.  We offer several options, beautifully engraved permanent memorials specifically designed for this purpose including those which provide personal niches above ground.

Existing memorials…  If there is need for engraving at a cemetery site, please contact us to arrange for this service.  If you have other questions or concerns about an existing memorial, please feel free to contact us.  Should we believe it is a matter the cemetery can best address, we will direct you accordingly.  If results are not satisfactory, you can contact the Cemetery Commissioner in the state where the memorial is located.