Memorial Design Process Explained: From Vision to Legacy
When you lose someone dear, how do you capture an entire life on a single piece of stone? At Gifford Monument, we believe memorial planning is more than craftsmanship—it's a collaborative art form.
When you lose someone dear, memories flood your mind—a favorite smile, a shared joke, or the place they felt most at home. The question many families face is profound: How do you capture an entire life on a single piece of stone? At Gifford Monument, we believe memorial planning is more than craftsmanship, it's a collaborative art form. Since 1936, we've guided families across Oklahoma and Northern Texas with a seamless process that blends artistry, transparency, and care.
The Gifford Memorial Process at a Glance
- Consultation: We listen to your stories and check cemetery rules.
- Material Selection: You choose the color, shape, and size of the stone.
- Value Engineering: We refine the design to save you 15–25% on costs.
- Direct Fabrication: Our craftsmen engrave the stone in our own facility.
- Professional Installation: We set the foundation and the monument with care.
Step 1: The Vision & Consultation
We don't begin with stone, we begin with stories. Whether you meet us in Ada, OK or Wylie, TX, the custom memorial design process starts with a conversation. Families often share the unique passions that define a life: a love for Lake Texoma, ranching in Pauls Valley, or proud military service in Wichita Falls.
Before sketches are drawn, we handle the technical logistics. Every monument company in Oklahoma must ensure a gravestone design meets specific cemetery restrictions. We check the rules in McAlester, Shawnee, or Denton, managing permits so you don't have to worry about the paperwork.
Step 2: Factory-Direct Material Selection
Gifford is a factory-direct company, which means we eliminate the middleman. This offers our families three unique advantages:
- Higher Quality Control: We oversee the stone from the raw block to the polished finish.
- Better Pricing: No retail markups or third-party fees. Your budget goes further.
- Faster Timelines: Because we own the facility, production schedules are fully in our control.
Explore our Granite Gallery, featuring premium options from Classic Grey to the iridescent Blue Pearl.
Step 3: Conceptual Design & Value Engineering
Our designers create digital renderings so you can visualize the monument before it's built. Through our signature Value Engineering process, we maximize beauty while minimizing costs. By adjusting dimensions or sourcing high-quality alternatives, we typically save families 15–25% compared to standard industry pricing for custom headstone services.
Step 4: Precision Craftsmanship
Once the design is approved, our master craftsmen bring it to life. Using traditional sandblasting for deep lettering and modern laser etching for high-detail portraits, we uphold an 80-year standard of excellence in every headstone design process.
Step 5: Professional Installation & Guarantee
A monument's permanence depends on its foundation. Our teams handle professional installation across our service areas, pouring foundations to exact specifications to prevent leaning or sinking over time. The result is a tribute that stands proud for centuries.
Common Questions About Memorial Planning
How long does it take?
The design phase takes a few weeks; production varies by stone availability and cemetery schedules.
Can I match an existing headstone?
Yes, we specialize in matching granite color, shape, and font for family plots to ensure a cohesive look.
What if I have a limited budget?
We offer price matching, generous layaway plans, and Value Engineering to maximize your investment.
Conclusion: Create a Tribute That Lasts
Designing a memorial is a final gift, a landmark of a life well-lived. Since 1936, Gifford Monument has been a trusted anchor for families across Oklahoma and Texas, providing a seamless process from the first sketch to the final placement. By walking with you through every step, we help you transform your most cherished memories into a monument that will stand forever.
Start Your Design Today
Create a meaningful memorial that will last for generations. Trust the experts at Gifford Monument.
Request a Free Design Consultation or call our offices to speak with a caring advisor about your vision.
