Choosing a headstone involves a few connected decisions: what your cemetery allows, which style you prefer, how you want to personalize it, and who will receive and install it. Working through those decisions in order can help you avoid an unsuitable size, an incomplete delivery address, or a design that needs to be changed.

Use this guide to prepare before ordering a memorial from Signature Headstones. If you already have your cemetery requirements, keep them nearby while comparing products.

Ask the cemetery office for the written memorial requirements for your specific plot or section. A style permitted elsewhere on the grounds may not be permitted at your location. Get the required measurements before choosing a stone.

Confirm the permitted shape, width, height and thickness; any material, color or finish restrictions; whether a base or foundation is required; and whether the cemetery must approve a drawing before production. Also ask who can install the memorial and which fees are paid directly to the cemetery.

Use our cemetery checklist to organize the answers. Keep written approval with your order information so everyone is working from the same requirements.

• Flat headstones have a low profile. Check the permitted length, width and thickness, along with the cemetery’s setting requirements.
• Pillow headstones have a gently raised, sloping face. Check whether your cemetery permits that raised profile.
• Slant headstones have a steeper angled face. Where a base is included, check the dimensions of the complete memorial.
• Upright headstones stand vertically on a base. Confirm the allowed overall height and base width before choosing a model.
• Special shape headstones offer distinctive designs. Ask the cemetery to approve the specific shape and dimensions.

For a memorial honoring two people, look for a suitable companion layout and enough space for the wording you want. Available layouts and customization options depend on the product selected.

Use the current product page and your selected options to establish the memorial price. Then list the other items you may need: a layout proof, an optional portrait or accessory, delivery services for your destination, cemetery approval charges, foundation work and installation.

Signature Headstones’ advertised memorial prices do not include cemetery or installation fees. Ask the cemetery or installer for those costs separately. Check the shipping policy for address restrictions and additional delivery charges before comparing totals.

Write out each person’s full name and dates exactly as they should appear. Decide whether you want a short inscription, a family name, artwork or a photograph, where those options are offered. Keep the amount of wording appropriate for the available design area.

A useful final check is to have another family member compare the design with your written wording. Check spelling, date order, punctuation and the relationship between names and dates. A saved screenshot can help you discuss the design, but it does not replace any formal approval required by the cemetery.

An online design preview and a separate production layout proof are different steps. If you want to review a prepared layout before engraving, see the Layout Proof option for its current price, included revisions and approval process.

If your cemetery requires a drawing, tell our team before placing your order. Share the cemetery’s instructions so you can confirm which document it needs and when approval must be obtained.

Confirm the receiving address and contact person before ordering. Ask whether the cemetery or installer accepts deliveries from an outside memorial supplier, whether an appointment is required, and what arrangements are needed to receive the shipment.

Production, shipping transit and cemetery installation are separate parts of the schedule. If you have a dedication, unveiling or family visit planned, contact us with the date before ordering. Ask for an estimate for the specific memorial and destination, then coordinate installation directly with the cemetery or your installer.

1. Your selected size and style meet the cemetery’s written requirements.
2. Names, dates, wording and artwork have been checked.
3. You understand the selected options and whether a layout proof is needed.
4. The delivery address and receiving contact are correct.
5. Cemetery charges and installation arrangements are understood.
6. You have reviewed the current shipping and refund policies.

Explore our headstones and grave markers, or contact our team with the product link and cemetery requirements. Call 800-388-2853 or email sales@signatureheadstones.com.