Buying a headstone is an important decision. A memorial serves as a lasting tribute to a loved one and provides a permanent place where family and friends can remember them. With different styles, materials, sizes, and designs available, knowing how to buy a headstone can make the process easier and less overwhelming.
At Monuments of the South, we help families understand their memorial options and choose a headstone that reflects the life and personality of their loved one. From permanent grave markers to traditional standing monuments, there are several options to consider.
1. Check the Cemetery’s Rules First
Before purchasing a headstone, contact the cemetery where the memorial will be installed. Cemeteries often have specific requirements regarding dimensions, materials, colors, foundations, and installation.
Some cemeteries allow only certain types of memorials, while others may have designated sections for different styles. For example, one cemetery may permit standing headstones while another may require flat grave markers.
Ask the cemetery about:
- Maximum and minimum dimensions
- Approved granite or stone materials
- Installation requirements
- Foundation specifications
- Inscription restrictions
- Placement regulations
- Rules for vases, photographs, or additional decorations
Confirming these requirements before ordering can prevent delays and unexpected costs.
2. Choose the Type of Headstone
The next step is deciding which style best suits your needs. Four common options are permanent grave markers, standing headstones, slant headstones, and flat grave markers.
Each style offers a different appearance and amount of space for personalization.
Permanent Grave Markers
Permanent grave markers are designed to provide a durable, long-lasting identification and memorial for a grave. They are commonly made from granite or other durable materials and can include the deceased person’s name, dates, epitaph, artwork, and other personal details.
A permanent grave marker can be either flat or raised depending on cemetery regulations and the family’s preference.
When choosing one, consider how much information you want to include. A larger marker provides more room for inscriptions and personalized designs.
3. Consider Standing Headstones
Standing headstones, also known as upright monuments, are among the most traditional cemetery memorials. They consist of a vertical tablet that is generally mounted on a horizontal base.
Their vertical design provides substantial space for names, dates, inscriptions, religious symbols, photographs, and custom artwork.
Standing headstones can be especially appropriate for companion graves because a larger monument can accommodate the names and information of two people.
However, upright monuments may be subject to stricter cemetery size and foundation requirements. Always confirm the permitted dimensions before placing your order.
4. Explore Slant Headstones
A slant headstone offers a middle ground between a flat marker and a traditional upright monument. The face of the stone is angled so the inscription can be viewed more easily, while the overall monument remains lower than a standing headstone.
Slant markers can provide an attractive and substantial appearance without the full height of an upright monument.
They can be customized with names, dates, epitaphs, symbols, and other meaningful details. Depending on the cemetery, a slant headstone may be available in several sizes and granite colors.
5. Consider Flat Grave Markers
Flat grave markers sit close to or level with the ground and provide a simple, understated appearance. They are commonly rectangular and can be personalized with the deceased person’s name, birth and death dates, epitaphs, and decorative elements.
Flat grave markers are often chosen for their clean appearance and relatively low profile. They can be particularly suitable for cemeteries that require lawn-level memorials.
Because flat markers have limited surface area compared with larger monuments, think carefully about which information is most important before finalizing the design.
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6. Select the Right Material
Granite is one of the most popular materials for cemetery memorials because it is durable and available in a variety of colors and finishes.
When selecting granite, consider the appearance of the stone, the desired lettering style, and how the overall design will complement the cemetery setting.
A professional monument provider can explain the differences between available materials and help you select an option appropriate for your chosen memorial style.
7. Decide What to Put on the Headstone
The inscription is one of the most personal parts of a memorial. A basic inscription typically includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Date of death
Families may also include a nickname, maiden name, military service, religious passage, epitaph, photograph, floral design, or other meaningful artwork.
Before production begins, carefully proofread every name, date, and inscription. Confirming these details in advance is essential because engraving errors can be difficult and costly to correct.
8. Understand the Cost
The cost of a headstone depends on several factors, including the size, material, design, engraving, artwork, installation, and cemetery requirements.
A simple flat grave marker will generally require less material than a large customized standing monument. Additional engraving, ceramic photographs, custom artwork, and special finishes can also affect the final price.
Ask for an itemized quote so you understand what is included in the purchase and whether installation or cemetery fees are separate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Headstone
How do I buy a headstone?
Start by checking cemetery regulations, choosing a memorial style, selecting the material and size, deciding on the inscription, reviewing the design, and confirming installation requirements with the monument provider and cemetery.
What type of headstone is best?
There is no universal answer. Standing headstones provide more space for personalization, slant headstones offer a lower-profile option, and flat grave markers provide a simple, ground-level design.
Are permanent grave markers durable?
Yes. Permanent grave markers are generally made from durable materials such as granite and are designed to provide a lasting memorial when properly installed and maintained.
How long does it take to get a headstone?
Production and installation times vary depending on the memorial design, customization, cemetery approval, material availability, and installation schedule. Ask your monument provider for an estimated timeline before ordering.
Can I customize a headstone?
Yes. Many memorials can be customized with different lettering, epitaphs, symbols, photographs, borders, and artwork, subject to cemetery regulations.
Choose a Lasting Memorial With Monuments of the South
Knowing how to buy a headstone begins with understanding your cemetery’s requirements and choosing a memorial style that feels right for your family. Whether you prefer permanent grave markers, standing headstones, slant headstones, or flat grave markers, each option can provide a meaningful and lasting tribute.
At Monuments of the South, we help families navigate the memorial selection process and create personalized monuments designed to honor a loved one’s memory for generations.
