Memorial Purchasing Process


Make sure to view the Memorial Type Information page found in the Personal Memorials Section for clear explanations of the different types of memorials available. As always, contact us with any questions you may have, especially to check with us for an honest opinion of any memorial you may be considering purchasing over the internet.


  1. Decide how many people the memorial honors. The number of people to be remembered on the memorial will play a role in each step of the Memorial Purchasing Process.
  2. Select a cemetery. Make sure to check with us for any specific rules about the memorials. Some cemeteries limit the type of memorials allowed, while others may limit the size or color.
  3. Choose a shape, color, and size. Based on the information regarding the cemetery’s rules, along with personal preferences, choose a shape and color for the memorial. Both the shape and color play very important roles in the memorial’s final design. In many cases, design ideas can help determine a shape or color. When engraving stone, readability is very important. The color plays a very significant role in readability. For example, an engraving technique that might work on a dark stone, might not work on a light stone due to a lack of contrast between light and dark. Some companies try to sell painted memorials to increase readability, but there is no paint that will last as long as the memorial itself. We strongly believe that stone should be left as natural as possible and do not paint our memorials unless there is a specific request to do so. We do not encourage any painting of a memorial. Once the shape and color are decided, select a size. Make sure to select the size that is most appropriate for your ideas. For example, the standard lengths for memorials are as follows:
    1. Single = Minimum of 20 inches; Double = Minimum of 30 inches; Three or more people = Minimum of 42 inches.
      **Note: These sizes are for the piece of the memorial to be engraved. They do not include a base or foundation.
    2. Also, consider adding vases to a memorial for flowers. Most granite colors are available as granite vases.
    3. All veterans are entitled to a government issued memorial. All that is needed to get the memorial is for the proper paperwork filled out (which we have in our Madison office), and a copy of the person’s discharge papers (Form DD-214). However, there are very strict limits as to the type of memorial and the amount of lettering that can be on it. Make sure to contact us regarding the options for veterans.
  4. Choose a design for the memorial. Think about what information you know you want on the memorial, such as first and last names, birth dates, and passing dates. Next, think about what other information you want on the memorial, like a middle name or initial, a maiden name, a nickname, a branch of service or specific war veteran, your children’s names, or a personally meaningful phrase. The shape, color, size of the memorial, the style of letters, and the length of the names may dictate the size of the lettering. We can be very creative in designing your memorial. In most cases, the lettering is placed inside frosted panels. A panel is usually a rectangular box surrounding the lettering. Other common panel designs are scrolls, ribbons and books. These panels usually take up more space but can really enhance the overall design of the memorial. When preparing the information for the names and personal information, be certain that you have the correct spelling, middle names, birth and passing dates, etc. Once the memorial is engraved, it is permanent. The names are the most important part of any memorial. After the names and personal information are established, consider the artwork that is to go on the memorial. The best way to find out what you might like is to go to the cemetery you have selected as well as others and take photographs of what you like. When selecting a monument design, it is important to avoid overcrowding the monument.
    1. Once a design is chosen we will provide a scale or full-size drawing of exactly what the memorial will look like. This gives you the opportunity to make any necessary changes before proceeding. Once a design is approved, we will begin working on the memorial.
    2. Once a design is approved, a 25% down payment is required before any production will begin.
    3. The typical in-stock production timeline after an approval is received until the memorial is installed at the cemetery is 4-10 weeks. This timeline can increase significantly if the memorial is highly customized. The Wisconsin climate plays a large role in the scheduling of jobs. With only from April to November to install memorials in the cemetery, many memorials purchased late in the fall may not see the cemetery until the next spring.
  5. Additional engraving after the memorial is installed at the cemetery. We have extensive records of each memorial that we have created and the ability to match lettering from other dealers. Our consistent focus on quality means that this crucial process is done correctly. Make sure to call for any prices or information.
    1. Any future engraving on a memorial is typically not included in any original memorial contract.

Make sure to view the Memorial Type Information page found in the Personal Memorials Section for clear explanations of the different types of memorials available. As always, contact us with any questions you may have.


ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ON THIS SITE ARE OF MONUMENTS CRAFTED AND INSTALLED BY MEMBERS OF THE PECHMANN MEMORIALS FAMILY.