August 15, 2025
Visiting a loved one’s grave is a deeply personal and emotional experience. For many families in Canada, these visits are not only moments of reflection but also opportunities to strengthen the bond with those who have passed.
One meaningful way to enhance this connection is by adding personalized messages directly to the existing memorial during these visits. This practice, known as on-site cemetery stone engraving, allows families to commemorate special occasions, milestones, or sentiments without the need to relocate the monument.
Summit Memorials, based in Edmonton, Alberta, offers professional on-site engraving services, ensuring that each inscription is added with precision and care, respecting both the family’s wishes and the integrity of the memorial.
The journey begins with a thoughtful consultation, where families discuss what they want to add to the existing monument. This includes names, dates, quotes, or any custom inscription that holds meaning.
At this stage, cemetery regulations are also reviewed to make sure everything complies with local rules and by-laws, a critical step that prevents any legal or structural issues later.
Once the engraving details are confirmed, the memorial is assessed to determine how best to match the existing design. While an exact digital preview is not possible, experienced memorial designers carefully consider the font style, size, and spacing already present. This ensures the new inscription aligns as closely as possible with the original layout for a seamless, respectful addition.
The area around the monument is carefully prepped, and the stone’s surface is cleaned to remove dust, dirt, or weathering that could affect the engraving.
Once the site is ready, the engraver confirms the font, sizing, kerning, and line spacing. A stencil is then prepared on-site to ensure the new inscription aligns properly with the existing design and fits the available space with precision.
Professional stone engravers use high-grade tools that are calibrated for accuracy. The engraving is done with controlled depth and precision to match the original style of the monument.
For granite, extra care is taken to maintain a clean and sharp finish, as this material is known for its density and durability.
After the inscription is completed, the area is cleaned again to remove any leftover sand, debris, or dust. A close inspection follows, where each letter or number is examined for depth, alignment, and clarity.
If needed, small refinements are made on-site to ensure the new engraving matches seamlessly with the existing one.
On-site engraving offers unparalleled convenience, allowing families to add inscriptions without the logistical challenges of moving the monument. This service is especially beneficial during family gatherings or commemorative events at the cemetery.
Whether it’s adding a date of passing or a new epitaph, on-site engraving enables timely updates to the memorial, ensuring it accurately reflects the loved one’s legacy.
Summit Memorials is well-versed in Canadian cemetery regulations and local bylaws, ensuring that all engravings meet the requirements and standards.
To arrange an on-site engraving, families can contact professionals to schedule a convenient time. It’s advisable to plan, especially during peak seasons or around significant dates.
Consider the message you wish to add, keeping in mind the space available on the monument and any cemetery guidelines.
As costs can vary depending on the complexity and length of the inscription, it’s recommended to ask for confirmation regarding pricing.
With years of experience in the industry, Summit Memorials has established a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and customer service. Our team of skilled artisans is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized engravings that honour the memory of loved ones.
Summit Memorials guarantees that our granite memorials will not crack or chip due to elements and that the lettering and design will remain legible over time. We use no inks or dyes, ensuring the colour and polish of the granite won’t fade.
Understanding the emotional significance of memorials, Summit Memorials offers personalized service tailored to each family’s needs. From the initial consultation to the final engraving, we provide compassionate support throughout the process.
Summit Memorials is a trusted provider of high-quality granite memorials and engraving services in Edmonton, Alberta. We specialize in creating personalized tributes that honour the lives of loved ones with dignity and respect.
Our services include upright monuments, pillow markers, flat markers, custom designs, columbaria, and on-site engraving.
For more information or to schedule an on-site engraving, please visit our website or contact our team directly.
