Purchasing a plaque for placement in a cemetery doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. The bronze part is actually quite simple. Noble Bronze can make just about any kind of plaque you can imagine. However, cemeteries will not accept just any design. Many have restrictions on plaque sizes and their attributes. That is why Noble Bronze offers a Cemetery Compliance Service at no charge.
After you approve a plaque design, we reach out to the cemetery with the marker’s specifications and get their written approval. If changes are necessary, we come back to you for review. (Usually these kinds of revisions are not significant.) When needed, we also complete all sections of the cemetery’s forms that apply to the bronze marker. While this approach might seem overly cautious, we have learned that getting pre-approval of the design is the best way to protect our clients. This way the cemetery is obligated to accept your memorial.
In addition, Noble Bronze confirms the cemetery’s installation policies and pricing which we report back to you. This process can sometimes involve one of their authorized installers. Installation typically involves mounting the plaque on a granite block and then placing the block in the ground. (This work may seem simple but it can involve significant preparation for the cemetery depending on available space, ground and water issues, as well as other factors.) There are, of course, many variations of installation policies. Some cemeteries use concrete instead of granite. A few even use marble. There are also crypts, mortuaries and other structures that have their own requirements.
A cemetery might impose several different fees for installation. These fees, however, all add up to the same thing – mounting the plaque on a base and then placing it in the ground. The national average for the base, installation and other associated fees varies depending on the size of the bronze marker. The total can range between $1000.00 to $3000.00. This cost is paid to the cemetery or an authorized installer and is separate from the cost of the bronze marker from Noble Bronze. (If your cemetery does not provide a base/foundation, we will identify an authorized local provider and coordinate with them.)
Once we resolve guidelines and installation matters and you approve, the plaque will be cast. It usually arrives within six to eight weeks. In the years since we’ve introduced our Cemetery Compliance Service, the experience for clients has gotten faster and easier. Clients are certainly free to navigate the process on their own but we encourage them to let us work through the steps. We are familiar with the issues and generally get quick, positive results. Our assistance also helps the client maintain good communication with the cemetery throughout and ensures a smoother and more satisfactory experience.