What to Expect When Ordering a Headstone

Your Guide to Choosing, Designing, and Placing a Lasting Memorial

Choosing a headstone for a loved one is one of the most important and meaningful decisions you’ll make when honoring their life. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating the process after a loss, understanding how to order a headstone can ease uncertainty and ensure the final monument reflects your family’s wishes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the custom headstone process, help you understand design options, and answer common questions to help you make a confident, informed decision.

 

Why a Headstone Matters

A headstone is more than a marker—it’s a tribute, a story, and a legacy. It provides a place for remembrance and reflection while offering future generations a connection to the past. That’s why selecting the right headstone is about more than choosing stone—it’s about preserving a life in the most personal way possible.

 

Step 1: Understand Cemetery Requirements

Before starting the headstone ordering process, it’s essential to check with the cemetery where your loved one will be laid to rest. Each cemetery may have its own rules and regulations regarding:

  • Headstone size and type (upright, slant, flat, or bevel)

  • Material limitations (granite, marble, bronze, etc.)

  • Installation policies

  • Permit and foundation requirements

Most reputable headstone providers, like Patten’s Michigan Monuments, will work directly with the cemetery to ensure your design meets all requirements.

 

Step 2: Choose the Right Headstone Material

The material you choose plays a major role in the durability, look, and cost of the monument. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:

Granite

  • Most popular choice due to its durability and wide range of colors

  • Resistant to weather and fading

  • Easy to engrave and customize

  • Ideal for Michigan’s climate

Marble

  • Known for its elegant, soft appearance and unique veining

  • Less durable than granite—can weather and erode over time

  • More common in older cemeteries

Bronze

  • Often used as plaques mounted on granite bases

  • Offers a classic look and low maintenance

  • Typically required in memorial parks

Tip: Granite headstones are typically the best long-term investment for durability and customization.

 

Step 3: Select the Headstone Style

There are several monument styles to consider, depending on budget, preference, and cemetery guidelines:

  • Upright Monuments – Tall and traditional, allows for large, detailed inscriptions.

  • Slant Markers – Angled face for easy reading, slightly more modest in size.

  • Flat Markers (Grass Markers) – Simple, elegant, and budget-friendly.

  • Bevel Markers – Similar to flat but with a slight slope.

  • Custom Shapes – Crosses, hearts, benches, and other unique silhouettes.

Each style allows for varying levels of engraving and personalization.

 

Step 4: Design the Headstone

Designing a headstone is your opportunity to celebrate a life. Many families find comfort in creating something that reflects their loved one’s personality, values, and legacy.

Key Elements of Headstone Design

  • Name and Dates – Full name, birth, and passing dates are standard.

  • Epitaph – A short phrase, quote, or verse that speaks to their character.

  • Symbols and Imagery – Religious symbols, flowers, military emblems, or custom artwork.

  • Photographs or Portraits – Laser-etched images or ceramic photo inserts.

  • Font and Layout – Choose styles that are timeless and legible.

Many companies provide digital previews or design tools to visualize the final product before engraving.

 

Step 5: Decide on Custom Engraving

Custom headstone engraving adds the most personal touch. This includes:

  • Bible verses or poetry

  • Personal mottos

  • Artistic carvings (animals, hobbies, nature)

  • Family heritage symbols or crests

Modern technology like laser etching allows for incredible detail, especially on black granite.

 

Step 6: Pre-Need vs. At-Need Ordering

Pre-Need Headstones

  • Ordered in advance of passing

  • Allows individuals to design their own memorial

  • Reduces emotional and financial stress on loved ones

  • Can be paid over time

At-Need Headstones

  • Ordered after a loved one has passed

  • Often done during a time of grief, which makes compassionate guidance essential

  • Timelines and decisions may be more urgent

Pre-need planning is becoming increasingly popular among families looking to ease future burdens and lock in current pricing.

 

Step 7: Understand the Timeline

Headstones are custom-made, so the process can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on design complexity and material availability. This includes:

  • Design and approval

  • Engraving

  • Shipping and delivery

  • Cemetery installation (which can be delayed by weather)

Start the process early if you’re planning a memorial unveiling or service.

 

Step 8: Headstone Installation and Setting

Once your monument is ready, it will be delivered and installed at the cemetery. This process includes:

  • Preparing the foundation

  • Securing the stone

  • Making sure it is level and properly placed

At Patten’s Michigan Monuments, our team handles this step to ensure the headstone is placed with care and precision.

 

Step 9: Headstone Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your headstone ensures it remains beautiful for generations. Tips include:

  • Cleaning with soft brushes and non-abrasive soap

  • Avoiding power washers or acidic cleaners

  • Scheduling professional restoration if needed

Granite requires the least maintenance, while marble may need periodic professional care due to weathering.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a headstone cost?
 A: Prices range from $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on size, material, engraving, and custom features. Granite is the most cost-effective long-term option.

Q: Can I design a headstone online?
 A: Yes, many providers offer online design tools or virtual consultations to help you customize a memorial from anywhere.

Q: Can I add to an existing headstone later?
 A: Yes, inscriptions (like final dates) can be added on-site through cemetery lettering services.

 

Why Families Choose Patten’s Michigan Monuments

With over 100 years of trusted service, Patten’s Michigan Monuments helps families across Michigan design headstones with care, respect, and unmatched craftsmanship. Our team walks alongside you, making sure every detail is perfect—from first design to final placement.

We offer:

  • In-house engraving

  • Full customization options

  • Cemetery coordination

  • Pre-need planning services

  • Professional restoration and cleaning

 

Final Thoughts

Ordering a headstone doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By understanding each step of the process—from choosing materials to customizing the design—you can feel confident in creating a memorial that reflects your loved one’s unique story.

A headstone is a lasting legacy. With guidance, compassion, and expert craftsmanship, your family can create a meaningful tribute that stands the test of time.

Need Help Getting Started?

Create a lasting tribute for your loved one.
 Get a free granite headstone quote today:
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