How Long Does It Take to Get a Headstone

How Long Does It Take to Get a Headstone? Timeline and Process

When a loved one passes, the last thing you expect is how long it takes to finalize something as straightforward as a headstone. You’d think it’s just picking a design, engraving a name, and placing it at the gravesite, but the reality is far from that. The process involves multiple steps, from choosing materials to coordinating with the cemetery, and each stage adds time to the overall wait.

So, how long does it take? On average, getting a headstone can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on factors like material availability, customization, cemetery regulations, and seasonal demand. However, Signature Headstones typically delivers within 60 days, ensuring a faster and more reliable timeline than many providers.

Many families are caught off guard by the timeline, assuming it’s a quick process. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what goes into getting a headstone, what factors affect the timeline, and how to plan ahead so there are no surprises.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Headstone

Key Factors Affecting Headstone Completion Time

The timeline for getting a headstone isn’t as simple as placing an order and having it delivered in a week. There are several moving parts: material selection, design complexity, engraving details, and even cemetery regulations, that all play a role in how long the process takes. Many people assume it’s a straightforward process, but the reality is that crafting a high-quality, personalized memorial takes time.

If you're in the process of selecting a headstone, understanding these factors upfront can help manage expectations and guarantee a smoother experience. Here’s what affects how long it takes to get a headstone made and installed.
factors that affect headstone completion time

Material Choice

The type of headstone material you choose plays a massive role in how long it takes to complete a headstone. Some materials are readily available, while others require special ordering, shaping, and finishing.

headstone completion by material

Granite: The most popular choice for headstones, and for good reason. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and available in a wide range of colors. Standard granite colors like gray and black are often in stock, which speeds up the process. However, if you want a rare color (like blue pearl or mahogany), it may need to be imported, adding extra weeks to your timeline.

Marble: A classic choice but softer than granite, making it more susceptible to wear over time. Marble headstones often take longer to carve because the material requires extra care during engraving. Plus, many cemeteries restrict marble due to its durability concerns.

Bronze: Used primarily for plaques rather than upright monuments. Bronze requires a casting process, which can take several weeks, especially if customization is involved. Some cemeteries also require a granite base for bronze plaques, adding another layer to the production timeline.

Pro Tip: If time is a concern, opt for in-stock materials rather than special-order stones. Ask your supplier what’s available immediately to cut down on wait times.


Customization Level

Not all headstones are created equal. A simple, standard design will always be faster to produce than a fully customized, intricate memorial.

Basic Headstones: If you’re choosing a standard headstone with a simple name and dates, expect a quicker turnaround. Many manufacturers keep pre-cut stones on hand, ready for basic engravings.

Engraved Details: Adding intricate carvings, symbols, or lengthy inscriptions requires more time. Deep-cut lettering, special fonts, or unique design elements may require additional craftsmanship.

Etched Portraits: Laser-etched or hand-carved portraits can take weeks, as they require precision and artistic skill.

Hand-Carved vs. Machine Engraving: Machine engraving is faster, but hand-carved designs take longer due to the craftsmanship involved. Some families select a mix of both to balance personalization and speed.

Pro Tip: If you're in a rush but still want personalization, consider adding a temporary marker while waiting for a more complex design.

Cemetery Rules & Approval

Every cemetery has rules, and some of them can slow down the process significantly. Before the engraving even begins, the cemetery often has to approve the design.

headstone timeline and process

Size and Shape Restrictions: Some cemeteries have strict guidelines about headstone dimensions. If your chosen monument doesn’t meet their standards, expect delays while you adjust the order.

Material Approvals: Certain cemeteries only allow granite or bronze, which means if you had your heart set on marble, you’ll need to rethink your choice.

Religious or Private Cemetery Requirements: Some cemeteries have additional religious or organizational restrictions, requiring extra paperwork or design modifications.

Permit Processing: Some cemeteries require official permits before installation, adding extra steps before production can even begin.

Pro Tip: Always check cemetery regulations before placing an order. The last thing you want is to pay for a beautiful headstone only to find out it doesn’t meet the cemetery’s rules.

 

Seasonal Demand

Believe it or not, the time of year you order a headstone can impact production speed.

Spring & Summer (Peak Season): Warmer months bring a surge in orders as families prefer to install monuments in pleasant weather. This can lead to longer wait times due to backlogs.

Fall & Winter (Slower Months): Many manufacturers and cemeteries experience a slowdown in colder months, meaning orders placed during this time might get completed faster. However, winter conditions can sometimes delay installation. Frozen ground or heavy snowfall can prevent setting the headstone in place.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a headstone unveiling ceremony, order several months in advance to account for seasonal delays.


Manufacturer & Supplier Delays

Even if everything else is in order, manufacturing and supplier issues can disrupt timelines.

Backlogs: Some suppliers get overwhelmed with orders, particularly after peak seasons or during major holidays when workers take time off.

Labor Shortages: Skilled craftsmanship is required for engraving, cutting, and polishing headstones. If a manufacturer is short-staffed, your order could be delayed.

Material Shortages: Global supply chain issues have made material availability unpredictable. A shortage of specific granite types or delays in imports can push timelines further.

Weather Delays: If a headstone is being shipped from a different state or country, severe weather events (storms, hurricanes, etc.) can affect transportation schedules.

Pro Tip: Ask about estimated production times before committing to a specific supplier. Some companies have faster turnaround times than others.


How to Expedite the Process

If you’re in a situation where time is a concern, perhaps for an upcoming memorial or personal closure, you can speed things up. Here’s exactly how to make that happen.

headstone timeline guide

Choose Ready-Made Designs

One of the fastest ways to get a headstone in place is by choosing a pre-designed headstone rather than deciding on a fully custom piece. Many monument companies keep a selection of popular headstone styles in stock, allowing for quicker engraving and installation.

Why does this work? Because customizations, especially unique shapes, rare materials, or intricate carvings, add significant time to the production process. If speed is your priority, consider a traditional shape with a standard granite finish.


Order a Headstone Online 

If you're looking to speed up the process, ordering a headstone online is one of the best ways to do it. Traditional monument shops can take months to complete an order, often requiring in-person visits, back-and-forth communication, and lengthy production times. However, online retailers streamline the process, allowing you to customize and place your order from the comfort of your home - no waiting for appointments, no unnecessary delays.

One of the biggest advantages of ordering online is the transparency. You can see design options, materials, and pricing upfront, getting rid of the guesswork that often comes with in-person purchases. Plus, digital previews ensure you’re happy with the design before production begins.

If you want a high-quality, customized headstone without the long wait, Signature Headstones is a top choice. They offer a straightforward ordering process and deliver within 60 days, significantly faster than most traditional providers. You get a beautiful, professionally crafted memorial, shipped directly to you, without unnecessary hassle or delays.

In a time when emotions run high, waiting endlessly for a headstone shouldn't be an added burden. Ordering online gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind.

Plan Ahead & Order Early

If possible, don’t wait until the last minute to buy a headstone. Ordering early gives you more options, prevents last-minute stress, and allows you to compare materials, prices, and designs without being rushed.

Some families choose to pre-order a headstone in advance, long before it’s needed. This not only reduces headstone cost but also guarantees that all decisions are made with care, rather than under time constraints.

Pro Tip: If you know a headstone will be needed soon, start browsing early. This is especially crucial if you’re considering a custom design or imported materials, which could add weeks to the process.


Confirm Cemetery Regulations in Advance

One of the biggest time-wasters in the headstone process? Getting rejected by the cemetery. Every cemetery has its own set of rules regarding headstone styles, materials, dimensions, and even engraving details.

Failing to check these requirements beforehand can lead to frustrating delays, your monument company might finish the headstone only for the cemetery to reject it, making you go back and make modifications.

How to avoid this?

  • Call the cemetery and ask for their headstone requirements before placing an order.

  • Provide these details to your monument company upfront to ensure compliance.

  • If possible, get written approval from the cemetery before the engraving begins.

Example: Some cemeteries only allow flat markers, while others prohibit certain colors or require a specific headstone weight limit. Knowing these rules early can save weeks of unnecessary back-and-forth.

 

Ask About Rush Orders (If Available)

Many monument companies offer rush processing for an additional fee. If you need a headstone quickly, ask upfront whether they have expedited options. While it might cost extra, this can notably reduce waiting time.

What to expect with a rush order?

  • Limited choices: You may need to select from in-stock headstone styles rather than fully custom options.

  • Faster engraving: Some companies prioritize rush orders and complete engraving in just a few days.

  • Possible installation delays: Even if the headstone is ready, cemetery schedules and weather conditions might impact installation time.

Pro Tip: If a rush order isn't available, see if you can get a temporary marker placed while waiting for the permanent headstone. This provides a placeholder for visitors while avoiding the stress of waiting indefinitely.

 

Can I Install a Headstone Immediately After Burial?

No, you can’t install a headstone immediately after burial. The biggest factor? Soil settling. When a grave is freshly dug, the ground around it is loose and unstable. Over the next few months, natural processes, like rain, gravity, and time, compact the soil. If you install a heavy headstone too soon, it can shift, tilt, or even sink unevenly, making it look crooked or damaged over time.

Think of it this way: If you set a concrete patio on soft, disturbed soil, it’s going to crack or sink as the ground settles. The same thing happens with headstones. Cemeteries know this, which is why most require a waiting period before installation.

 

How Long Should You Wait?

Most cemeteries recommend waiting at least six months to a year before installing a headstone. Some places may allow it sooner, depending on soil conditions and climate, but rushing the process is rarely a good idea.

If you’re dealing with sandy or rocky soil, settling happens faster, so installation might be possible in a few months. But if the ground is clay-heavy or the burial happens in wet weather, it can take longer.

 

What Happens If You Ignore This?

Let’s say you find a cemetery willing to install a headstone immediately. What could go wrong?

The headstone sinks – Over time, it might slowly dip into the ground, making it look uneven.

It tilts – One side may sink faster than the other, leading to a lopsided appearance.

It cracks or shifts – Some materials don’t handle movement well. If the foundation shifts, the entire monument might become unstable.

If this happens, you’ll need to pay for adjustments, which can be costly. Some cemeteries charge a fee to relevel or reinstall headstones that have moved due to premature installation.

 

Is There a Way to Speed It Up?

If you absolutely don’t want to wait, some options can help:

Use a temporary marker – Many families place a simple plaque or wooden cross at the gravesite until the headstone is ready.

Install a deeper foundation – Some cemeteries can use reinforced foundations to support a headstone earlier, but this adds to the cost.

Choose a lighter headstone – Flat markers or plaques put less stress on unsettled soil, so they can sometimes be installed sooner.


What Happens If My Headstone Gets Delayed?

A headstone delay can be frustrating, especially when you're expecting closure after losing a loved one. Yes, delays happen more often than people realize. However, waiting for a headstone is difficult, but you’re not powerless. Here’s what you can do if you’re facing a delay:

Check the Production Timeline – Call the monument company and ask for specifics. Where is the delay happening? Is it in material sourcing, engraving, or installation? Getting a clear answer can ease your mind and help you plan.

Negotiate a Partial Refund or Discount – If the delay is unreasonable and the company gave you a specific completion date, you have the right to ask for compensation. Some companies offer a discount or additional engraving at no extra charge.

Explore Alternative Stone Choices – If material shortages are causing the delay, ask if switching to a similar but more readily available stone could speed up the process.

Push for an Installation Date – If the headstone is finished but not yet installed, ask if you can schedule the installation yourself or if an independent contractor can speed up the process. Some cemeteries allow this, while others require their crews to do the work.

Waiting for a headstone can feel like you're stuck in an incomplete grieving process. A grave without a marker can make it feel like something is missing like your loved one hasn’t been properly honored. It’s okay to feel frustrated, even angry. But knowing that delays aren’t uncommon can help ease the anxiety.

Try to focus on the bigger picture: the headstone is permanent. Whether it takes a few extra weeks or even months, what matters most is that it’s done correctly. Rushing the process could lead to mistakes in engraving, poor craftsmanship, or a headstone that won’t last as long as it should.

 

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