For a number of reasons, it has become more common for people to make arrangements for their own monument. People find comfort in knowing the monument is in place at the cemetery. Making pre-need plans guarantees that the monument will be just what you want, the children will not be faced with making the decisions, and the price you pay will be in today's dollars, not tomorrow's inflation-driven cost. By planning ahead, you will have the opportunity to create a monument that will encompass those ideals that you wish remembered by future generations. Perhaps family heritage and religious values are of major importance to you. Your work, interests, or accomplishments may play a part in the design of your monument. You need to purchase the cemetery property prior to choosing a monument. This is necessary so that we know the rules that govern the material used for the monument, the size of the monument, and perhaps the style of monument for that specific plot. Regulations can vary from section to section within the cemetery.