1. There’s no need to rush
First, a little reassurance: most families have more time than they think. Many people feel pressure to make every decision right away, but a headstone is something you can plan carefully.
It often helps to talk with other family members before you start. Someone may remember a favorite saying, a hobby, or a symbol that meant a lot to your loved one. Jotting those ideas down now makes the later steps a lot easier.
Some timing is out of your hands, like the cemetery’s schedule and the season. We’ll cover that below, but the main thing to know is that taking your time is completely fine.
2. Start with the cemetery’s rules
Before you fall in love with a design, it’s worth finding out what the cemetery allows. Many cemeteries have requirements for the size, style, and material of a memorial, as well as the foundation it sits on.
A quick call to the cemetery office can save you from a disappointing surprise later. If you don’t have the details handy, such as the section or lot number, don’t worry. You don’t need to bring the cemetery deed with you when you visit a memorial company, and we can get the information we need from the cemetery directly.
If you’d like some help with this part, our services page explains how we work with families and cemeteries.
3. Choose the type of memorial
Once you know the basics, you can think about the kind of memorial that feels right. The most common options are:
- Upright headstones: the classic standing stone, with plenty of room for names, dates, and personal touches.
- Flat markers: set level with the ground, often chosen for their simple look or because a cemetery requires them.
- Family monuments: larger memorials that can honor several loved ones in one place.
- Bronze markers: a lasting alternative to stone, often mounted on a granite base.
- Pet markers: a quiet way to remember a companion who was part of the family.
There’s no better or worse choice here. It comes down to what suits your loved one, your family, and the cemetery. You can see a range of styles on our monuments, headstones, and markers page.
4. Pick the stone and the color
Granite is the most popular choice for a granite headstone, mainly because it’s durable and comes in a wide range of colors. Marble and bronze are also options, depending on the look you want and what the cemetery permits.
Color and finish can look quite different in person than in a photo, so if you can, see stone samples in real life. Our showroom is in Pawcatuck, just outside Westerly, RI, and we’re happy to show you samples so you can see exactly what you’d be getting.
If you’re wondering how granite holds up over the years, we’ve written about that too. [Internal link: Can Granite Headstones Stain?]
5. Decide on the design and the wording
This is the part many families find the most meaningful. A memorial can include lettering, symbols, icons, photos, and other personal details that make it feel like the person it honors.
A few gentle tips as you go:
- It’s okay to keep it simple. A beautifully lettered name and dates can say everything.
- Think about what they loved. A fishing boat, a garden, a favorite song, or a faith symbol can say more than a long inscription.
- Read the wording out loud. It helps you catch anything that doesn’t sound like them.
- Double-check every name, date, and spelling with another family member before it’s final.
If you’re looking for inspiration, our portfolio shows past work, and you might also like our post on example epitaphs.
6. Understand what affects the cost
It’s natural to wonder about cost, and it’s fair to ask about it early. Headstone cost depends on a handful of things:
- The size and shape of the memorial
- The type and color of stone
- How detailed the design is, including any photos, etching, or artwork
- The amount of lettering
- The foundation the memorial sits on, and the installation
A helpful tip: ask for a written quote that lists everything, so you can see what’s included and compare it clearly. A good memorial company will be happy to walk you through it without any pressure.
Not sure where to start? Our team can walk you through the options and answer your questions, with no pressure at all. Ask a question
7. Review the drawing before anything is cut
This is one of the most reassuring parts of the process. Before a personalized headstone is made, we create a drawing for your approval.
That means you see your exact design and lettering on paper before any engraving begins. It’s your chance to check the names and dates, look at the layout, and ask for changes if something doesn’t feel quite right. Nothing moves forward until you’re happy with it.
8. What to expect for timing
Every memorial is different, but here’s a general idea of how long things take:
- Markers typically take about three to four weeks.
- Monuments usually take four to six weeks, and some designs take longer depending on their shape and detail.
- Cemetery lettering is done outdoors, so bad weather can cause delays. Plan for roughly three to six weeks.
Winter matters too. In our area, monuments aren’t installed, and cemetery lettering isn’t done during the winter months. The work still moves forward, though: paperwork and full-size drawings get completed, and your memorial is finished for installation in early spring.
Want more detail on timing and cold-weather care? [Internal link: How Long Does a Headstone or Memorial Take to Make?] and [Internal link: How to Protect Your Memorial in the Winter]
9. A simple checklist for your first visit
When you’re ready to talk with someone, it helps to bring a few things along. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of them. We can help fill in the gaps.
- The name of the cemetery and the section or lot details, if you have them
- Full names and dates, spelled correctly
- Photos or ideas for design, symbols, or wording
- Any thoughts or wishes from other family members
- Your questions, big or small
Take it one step at a time
There’s no perfect way to do this, and no deadline you have to meet today. Whether you’re just starting to think about it or you’re ready to sit down and talk, we’re here to help you create something that truly reflects the person you love.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a headstone cost?
The price depends on the size, the type of stone, the amount of lettering, how detailed the design is, and the foundation and installation. Since every memorial is personal, the best way to get an accurate number is to ask for a written quote. You can request one by calling us or using our contact form.
How long does it take to get a headstone after ordering?
Markers typically take three to four weeks, and most monuments take four to six weeks, though some designs take longer. Cemetery lettering is done outdoors, so weather can add time, usually three to six weeks overall.
Can I see what my headstone will look like before it’s made?
Yes. We make a drawing of your design and lettering for your approval before any engraving is done. You can check the details and request changes before anything is cut.
Who handles the cemetery paperwork and foundation?
We do. We take care of the details with the cemetery, including ordering and paying for the foundation, and we check whether there are any special requirements for installing your memorial.
What is the best stone for a headstone?
It depends on the style you like, but granite is the most popular choice because it’s durable and comes in a wide range of colors. We can also supply headstones in marble and bronze.
Can I add a photo or a custom design?
Yes. We can add personalized lettering, meaningful icons, photos, and more. Tell us what your loved one enjoyed, and we’ll help you find a way to include it.
Can a headstone be installed in the winter?
We don’t install monuments or do engraving at the cemetery during the winter months. Our showroom stays open all winter, and we keep working on the paperwork and full-size drawings so your memorial can be finished for installation in early spring.
Can I add a name or date to an existing headstone?
Often, yes. It depends on the stone and the existing lettering, so the easiest way to find out is to call us with a few details about the memorial and the cemetery.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointment is needed during our regular hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Saturdays are by appointment only, and if those times don’t work, we’ll do our best to arrange a time that does.
We’re here when you’re ready
If you have questions, or you’d just like to talk through your options, we’d be glad to hear from you. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just people who understand how much this matters.
Call us: 860-599-5909
Visit our showroom: 875 Stonington Rd, Pawcatuck, CT 06379, just outside Westerly, RI
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Saturdays by appointment only.
Request a callback or learn more about our story.
