guide to purchasing a memorial

Wonder Memorials ~ 5681 york rd. Spring Grove PA, 17362 ~ 717-225-5989 ~ 717-451-7667 text/call ~ gwonder@comcast.net

Below is a guide to purchasing a memorial - questions and steps we take to help you decide on creating your lasting tribute. It's a decision making process that we have years of experience to help guide you through the emotional process. If you have something in mind already or a picture, we can quote and match anything. In today's current situation, we have expanded to being able to help entirely through phone or email. You may also call for an appointment at our shop/office in Spring Grove, PA. Please contact us with any questions.

One of the first questions we ask is what cemetery is the memorial going to be placed in. Certain cemeteries have restrictions to what you are allowed to place on your lot. They may have fees or require the cemetery or another company to place the foundation. The foundation is the cement footer required to place the memorial in the cemetery grounds. We can install the foundation in most cemeteries. The cemetery may also ask for a larger foundation to be placed to help with mowing. All of these questions can be answered by us or we can contact the cemetery for you to get the current regulations.

Next question is how many people will be placed on the memorial. This will give us a starting point on the width needed to allow space available for all the information.

Now we need to know if you would like flush with the ground or above.

Flush will come in various widths and heights. Almost all are 4" thick. They allow the mowers to go over top and not around the memorial. Flush options are granite or bronze. Granite is much more affordable than the bronze but some cemeteries only allow bronze.

Above ground....
In order of cost and space available for lettering and design. Above ground memorials consist of hickey marker, slants and uprights.

Hickey marker is an above ground marker. Most start at 6 inches in height with a slight taper to the front. These markers are an affordable option for above ground. Limited space for design and lettering but we can help lay that all out with our experience.

Slants are affordable with two basic styles. A slant can sit on the cement foundation or on a granite base. Width's start at 20" for single person or 24" for two people. They go up in range from there depending on the lettering and design you would like. While slants are more affordable, their height can restriction space for lettering and design. We can help design it and show you the space available from our years of experience. There are many custom options available.

Upright die and base is the most popular of all memorials. They allow the most space for lettering and design. There are many custom options and shapes. The standard is a serp top which is what you see most in the cemeteries. Single size is 20" or 24". Double size is 24" on up.

After you have decided on the memorial style and size, next is the color. Grey, Black and Pink are the three most popular. There are many other colors to choose from. We can show other options and availability.

Designs and lettering. There are thousands of options to customize your memorial. You may pick a standard design or customize. Most times we start with would you like religious, floral, scenery, military, something personal and etc. There are so many options to chose, it's best to have an idea of what you would like. We are able to design a proof on our computer so you may see the final outcome of the memorial. Moving and changing until you see exactly what you would like. Sandblast designs (cut into the granite) is the most popular. Etchings are the more detailed drawings that are available. Most etchings are done on black granite to help make the drawing stand out. View our pictures to see the difference between sandblast or etchings.

After we have the final outcome of cemetery, style, size, color and design, we write up a contract. It will have all the information for you to check. Check over all the information, the spelling and dates especially. Then you sign to complete to order. Most cases we ask for half down with the contract and balance due at the time of placement. We accept cash, check, credit card or paypal.

The entire process can be overwhelming. This guide should help make the process easier. Once the contract is signed we take care of everything from there. We contact the cemetery to find of where it should be placed. Stack the foundation off or order the foundation for the cemetery to install. Then if needed we check the sides to be sure each person is placed properly on the memorial. The memorial will be ordered and the cement foundation poured to set/cure. We receive the memorial and place it in the cemetery for you to view and last forever. In most cases, the entire process after a signed contract will take two to three months. Custom orders, granite colors and work load can change that to 5 to 6 months.

This is not an easy process or something anyone wants to go through. But rest easy, trusting a five generation - family owned company that can help simplify the process. We have the knowledge, experience and caring nature to help you create a tribute for you or a loved one to last forever.

God Bless,
Wonder Memorials