Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-Step Guide

Our Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your Memorial – Forever Stone Tombstones

We understand this is a difficult time. To make the process as simple and clear as possible, Forever Stone Tombstones has created the following guide to help you with ordering and installing your memorial.

1. Getting Started: Cemetery Rules & Design

Before choosing a tombstone, you must confirm what your cemetery allows.

Check the Rules:

  • Some cemeteries only allow headstones.

  • Others allow full-body tombstones.

  • Some have specific sections for both.

How to Confirm:

  1. Look at the graves surrounding your loved one’s grave.

  2. Confirm the rules directly with the cemetery office.

Once you know what is allowed, you can browse the designs offered by Forever Stone Tombstones at:
www.foreverstone.co.za

Note: Forever Stone Tombstones can adapt most full-body tombstone designs into headstones only.

2. Payment Options: What to Choose

Forever Stone Tombstones offers two payment options.

Option 1: Straight Purchase

  • A 70% deposit is required to begin manufacturing.

  • The remaining 30% is due the day before installation.

  • Installation can only take place once final payment has been received.

  • Terms and Conditions: https://foreverstone.co.za/terms-and-conditions/

Option 2: Lay-By Plan

  • 30% deposit to start your order.

  • Pay the balance over 5 consecutive months (total period of 6 months).

  • Manufacturing by Forever Stone Tombstones begins after full payment is received.

  • Late Fees: If payments exceed 6 months, a 10% escalation fee is added to the total and again for every additional 6-month period.

Important: Proof of Payment

When making any payment to Forever Stone Tombstones:

  • Send proof via WhatsApp or Email.

  • Use your Quote or Invoice Number as reference.

  • If you cannot send proof immediately, please do so as soon as possible.

3. Customizing Your Memorial

Additional Items (Extra Cost)

These items are not included in the standard tombstone price. Please request pricing from Forever Stone Tombstones:

  • Flowerpots

  • Photos

  • Wording on the body of the tombstone

Photos (If Required)

Provide a high-resolution photo for the best-quality engraving.

Wording

  1. Gather Your Wording:
    Please send the wording needed as soon as possible, as family discussions may cause delays.

  2. First Draft:
    Forever Stone Tombstones will send you a draft layout for review.

  3. Final Confirmation:
    A final plotter design will be sent before sandblasting.

Critical Final Check:
Double-check all spelling and dates.
Once you approve the final design, Forever Stone Tombstones cannot make changes without additional costs.

4. Preparing for Installation

Groundwork (Very Important)

To ensure long-term durability, Forever Stone Tombstones strongly encourages proper groundwork.

You may choose:

  1. Do It Yourself – Build a slab or a stoep.

  2. Use Forever Stone Tombstones – We offer:

    • Concrete slab

    • Face brick stoep

    • Sandstone stoep

Please request a quote if needed.

Warning: Installation Day Requirements

If our Forever Stone Tombstones installation team arrives and groundwork is not done:

  1. The tombstone may be installed directly on the ground (we cannot be liable for sinking).

  2. We can offload the pieces nearby and you arrange installation.

  3. We return the stone to our factory and a new installation fee will apply.

Documentation & Permits

  1. Provided by Forever Stone Tombstones:
    Documentation and tombstone sketch after payment.

  2. Your Responsibility:
    Apply for the installation permit at the cemetery office.

Permit details:

  • Cost: Usually R300–R400

  • Payment point varies (cemetery or municipality)

  • Rural areas may not require permits, but Forever Stone Tombstones still needs the signed documentation

Please sort this out early to avoid delays.

5. Planning the Date & Installation Day

Unveiling Planning

If you have an unveiling date, please notify Forever Stone Tombstones immediately.

Possible Delays:
Material shortages, weather, power outages, or groundwork delays.

Recommendation:
Plan the unveiling after installation, or once we confirm a firm installation date.

The Installation Process

  1. Forever Stone Tombstones will contact you once your tombstone is ready.

  2. Please send a pin location of the grave.

  3. On the day, our team will call with their ETA via GPS.

  4. Ensure someone meets the team on time and knows the exact grave location.

6. Your Final Checklist

Please ensure the following is completed:

[ ] Confirm cemetery rules
[ ] Obtain installation permit
[ ] Complete groundwork (DIY or through Forever Stone Tombstones)
[ ] Send final checked wording, spelling, and dates
[ ] Provide high-resolution photo
[ ] Send proof of payment with reference
[ ] Provide GPS pin location for the installation team

If anything is unclear or if delays occur, please inform Forever Stone Tombstones immediately.