A Season of Opportunity for Timely, Thoughtful Memorial Planning

When it comes to honoring the memory of a loved one, few decisions are as meaningful as choosing a headstone. It’s not just a marker—it’s a permanent tribute, a symbol of remembrance, and a piece of family history. While families can order a headstone at any time of year, summer stands out as the most practical, convenient, and meaningful season to begin the process.

Whether you’re placing a memorial for a recent loss, preparing for a summer tribute, or making plans in advance, here’s why summer is the best time to order a headstone—and how it can help you avoid delays and complications later in the year.

 

1. Better Weather Means Faster Headstone Installation

One of the biggest benefits of ordering a headstone in summer is the favorable weather. Unlike winter or early spring, when frozen soil, snow, and heavy rains can delay installation, summer brings dry ground, clear skies, and steady temperatures—ideal conditions for cemetery crews to:

  • Pour foundations
  • Set headstones securely
  • Complete large or complex monument placements

In states like Michigan and other northern regions, cemeteries often have a short window of optimal installation time. By ordering in summer, you increase the chances of having the headstone installed before fall or winter returns.

 

2. Avoiding the Fall and Winter Rush

Summer is a sweet spot between spring orders and fall deadlines. Many families wait until late fall to place an order—often hoping the headstone will be ready by a holiday, anniversary, or year-end memorial. Unfortunately, this timing can lead to:

  • Backlogs in production
  • Weather-related delays
  • Cemetery cut-off dates for new installations

By contrast, ordering in summer gives you a head start. Your headstone will move through the design, engraving, and delivery process more smoothly, and you’ll beat the seasonal crunch that can cause frustration later.

 

3. More Time for Customization and Thoughtful Design

Choosing a headstone is not something to rush. Most families want time to consider:

  • The right material (granite, marble, or bronze)
  • A meaningful inscription or epitaph
  • Special touches like religious symbols, military emblems, or photo etchings

When you order in summer, you allow time to collaborate with a designer, explore options, and make thoughtful decisions without pressure.

Plus, summer tends to be when family members gather—whether for holidays, reunions, or vacations. It’s an ideal moment to involve loved ones in the design process and ensure everyone’s voice is heard before finalizing a lasting tribute.

 

4. More Flexible Scheduling for Memorial Events

Summer is the most popular time for memorial unveilings, celebrations of life, and cemetery visits. By ordering your headstone in early summer, you’ll be in a better position to schedule:

  • A memorial service or headstone unveiling ceremony
  • A milestone tribute (e.g., one-year anniversary, Father’s Day, or other observance)
  • A family visit to the grave site while everyone is available

Having the headstone placed on time gives your family a sense of closure and allows you to gather meaningfully without worrying about logistical delays.

 

5. Easier Communication and Planning

During the summer months, headstone and monument companies are fully staffed, and cemeteries operate at full capacity. That means:

  • Faster turnaround times for design mock-ups and approvals
  • Easier coordination with cemetery offices
  • Clearer timelines for delivery and installation

If you’ve ever tried to place an order during the holiday season or a Michigan winter storm, you know how challenging it can be to get answers or action. Summer gives you a smoother experience from start to finish.

 

6. Headstone Material Availability and Color Options

Headstone materials—especially granite—are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. But due to high demand and limited imports, some colors or specialty materials may be in short supply during fall or winter.

Ordering in summer increases your access to:

  • In-stock materials
  • Rare or custom granite colors
  • Faster delivery from suppliers

If your heart is set on a particular look or style, summer is your best chance to secure it before year-end demand spikes or winter shipping slows things down.

 

7. Better Conditions for Headstone Cleaning and Maintenance

For families planning to clean or restore an existing headstone before placing a new one (such as in the case of a companion monument), summer offers the best conditions. Dry weather and longer daylight hours make it easier to:

  • Clean and inspect the existing site
  • Take clear photos for design reference
  • Work with your monument provider for accurate measurements

This is especially helpful if you’re trying to match a companion headstone or coordinate a new placement alongside an older family plot.

 

8. Peace of Mind for Pre-Need Planning

Summer isn’t just for immediate needs—it’s also the ideal time to pre-plan a headstone. Many individuals or couples choose to plan their headstone in advance, ensuring:

  • Their wishes are documented
  • Families aren’t burdened later
  • Costs are locked in at today’s pricing

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to begin these conversations in a calm, non-urgent environment. It’s a season that encourages reflection, planning, and connection—making it the right time to make thoughtful decisions about your legacy.

 

9. Lower Risk of Supply Chain Disruptions

The monument industry is impacted by global material sourcing, especially for granite colors that are imported. During the fall and winter, shipping slowdowns and supply chain disruptions can delay headstone deliveries by weeks or months.

By ordering in summer, you:

  • Give manufacturers time to produce and ship your monument
  • Avoid rush orders or premium fees
  • Reduce the risk of project delays due to material shortages

This is particularly important if you’re selecting black granite, colored granite, or specialty engravings.

 

10. Take Advantage of Summer Promotions and Events

Monument companies, including Patten’s Michigan Monuments, often offer seasonal promotions during the summer to encourage early action. You might find:

  • Discounts on custom engraving
  • Reduced pricing for pre-need headstones
  • Free consultations or design upgrades

These promotions are rarely available during the busy fall season, and they provide real value to families ready to take that important next step.

 

How to Get Started This Summer

If you’re considering ordering a headstone, here’s how to begin:

✅ Step 1: Talk to Your Cemetery

Confirm size, material, and design regulations.

✅ Step 2: Gather Inspiration

Think about what made your loved one unique—quotes, symbols, or imagery.

✅ Step 3: Contact a Trusted Monument Provider

Work with a team that offers in-house design, engraving, and cemetery coordination.

✅ Step 4: Approve the Design and Place Your Order

Allow time for layout review, engraving, and delivery scheduling.

✅ Step 5: Plan the Installation or Unveiling

Coordinate the best time for placement or a family gathering.

A headstone is more than stone—it’s a story etched in memory and love. Summer offers the time, space, and conditions to make that story beautifully and thoughtfully told.

By starting the process now, you avoid seasonal delays, create more meaningful designs, and ensure your loved one’s memory is honored without compromise.

At Patten’s Michigan Monuments, we’re here to walk beside you—from first consultation to final placement. Let’s create something timeless together, this summer and beyond.

 

Create a lasting tribute for your loved one.

Get a free granite headstone quote today:
 👉 https://pattensmichiganmonuments.com/contact/