Information to Obtain

• You should be able to get a copy of the cemetery's rules and regulations for your records. There are also numerous questions you should ask, and you should take notes. The questions include: What types of headstones are allowed? What are the minimum and maximum sizes allowed? Is a flower base allowed? Are there color restrictions? Are there any other specifications? What paper work is required? Is there an installation fee?
  
  

Paperwork

• Documents may need to be filled out regarding to the placement of the headstone. The specifications of the headstone and a drawing are typically required. There may be information about the dealer selling the headstone that is also required. The lot owner or next of kin will need to sign the paperwork authorizing the placement of the headstone. The company selling you the headstone should be able to help with the paper work.
  
  

Unethical Practices

• Some cemeteries have been known to use unethical and even illegal tactics to try to pressure the customer to buy the headstone from them rather than someone else. You may be told they don't accept headstones from outsiders or that there will be a large fee to install the headstone if it is from an outsider. You have a legal right to buy the headstone from any dealer you want, as long as you make sure it complies with the cemetery's rules. It is illegal for cemeteries to impose fees when you don't buy from them.
  
  

Timing of Placement

• There may be religious or cultural norms to be considered when determining the time to place the headstone. As a practical matter, most cemeteries will have some restriction requiring a certain amount of time to elapse before the marker is placed. This is to allow the ground to settle so that the headstone doesn't sink or tilt after being placed.
  
  

Headstone Maintenance

• The cemetery will typically have some responsibility for maintaining the grave sites. This will include keeping the grass cut and trimmed around the headstone and any other objects on the grave site. The cemetery will also be responsible for any damage to the headstone caused by the workers.