Process
How long does it take to get a headstone made?
Quick answer
Most custom headstones are completed within a few weeks of design approval, depending on the stone, the engraving, and cemetery scheduling. Simpler flat markers are faster; large premium stones with photo engraving take longer. If you're working toward a service date, tell us and we'll do everything we can to meet it.
What affects the timeline
- Complexity — a simple flat marker is faster than a sculpted premium upright.
- Engraving — photographic engraving and porcelain photos add time.
- Proof approval — production starts only after you approve the proof, so quick approvals speed things up.
- Cemetery scheduling — the cemetery sets installation windows and access.
- Material availability — unusual colors or sizes can add time.
If you're on a deadline
Let us know your service or unveiling date as early as possible. We'll prioritize the proof and tell you honestly whether the timeline is realistic — and what options exist if it's tight.
Frequently asked questions
Can a headstone be ready for the funeral?
Custom engraving usually takes longer than the time between passing and the funeral. Many families install the memorial a few weeks or months later; a temporary marker can be used in the meantime.
Does proof approval really speed things up?
Yes — we don't begin engraving until you approve the proof, so reviewing it promptly is the single best way to keep your timeline on track.
Ready to design a memorial?
Start online with a live preview, or work one-on-one with a designer. No charges until you approve the proof.