Shopping for a headstone often takes place at an emotional time, but don’t worry – it is a process, and at the beginning you don’t need to have all the answers. Rock of Ages and its authorized dealers can help you navigate the journey and create a monument to your loved one that you’ll be proud of. To help you prepare for the work ahead, we’ve outlined 8 steps you can expect to see along the way.  

WM V. SIPPLE & SONS | UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY | ALL POLISHED R/S STARLIGHT BLACK™ GRANITE

Step 1: Understanding Your Needs

A good starting point is to consider your overall needs. Are you working with a set budget? Did your loved one express any specific wishes for their memorial? Did your loved one make any specific preferences know for their memorial? After giving this some initial thought, contact an authorized Rock of Ages dealer in your area. They can work with you to gather all of the pertinent information needed to help you develop a vision for the monument and ensure it will be fulfilled.

Step 2: navigating cemetery restrictions

With the world’s finest team of stone artisans and the largest selection of granite options, Rock of Ages provides nearly limitless possibilities for your headstone design. However, cemetery regulations and the size of your loved one’s burial plot may influence what’s feasible. For example, some cemeteries might not allow polished headstones, while others may only permit flat markers in specific areas. Rock of Ages dealers have experience working with local cemeteries and can offer valuable insights about the facility’s guidelines.

KLINE MEMORIALS | MANASSAS, VIRGINIA | R/S BLUE GRAY™ GRANITE

Step 3: Define Your memorial vision

Now that you have a better understanding of the possibilities, it’s time to start envisioning the appearance and essence of the monument. Consider what the headstone should look like to truly represent your loved one’s life and personality. Are there any specific messages or artwork that could enhance its meaning? Here are some features to think about:

• An inscription of a meaningful quote or religious verse.
• Fonts that reflect their culture and personality.
• Symbols representing clubs, affiliations, military branches, and alma maters can add personal significance. Religious symbols, such as the Celtic Cross, can also convey cultural pride and faith.

Taking a stroll through the cemetery can spark ideas, as it serves as a showroom of styles and designs others have chosen. Feel free to take photos and measurements of any designs you admire. We also encourage you to explore the Rock of Ages headstone image gallery for additional inspiration.

Step 4: Collaborating with Design Experts

At this point, you’re ready to have a more in-depth discussion with a Rock of Ages expert about designing the tombstone. With all the information and ideas you’ve gathered, come prepared with your notes and set aside a few hours for your appointment.

The Rock of Ages team is experienced in every aspect of the design process and knows how to transform your vision into a beautiful and unique memorial. They will approach the process with sensitivity and collaboration, working with you to refine the design and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you have a plan you’ll be proud of.

STONE ART MEMORIAL COMPANY | LACKAWANNA, NEW YORK | R/S BLUE GRAY™ GRANITE

Rock of Ages can accommodate all of the most common headstone options, including upright, flat, slanted and beveled monuments, as well as any custom design ideas you may have. Download our Granite Headstone Style Guide for a helpful comparison of these options. Symbols and icons can be added to imbue personal meaning to the headstone.

As with all steps in the process, we encourage you to take your time with the decision. Our memorial counselors stand ready to review your preferences with you once you’ve reached a point of peace and certainty with the choice.

Step 5: selecting the right material and Finishes

You can choose polished finishes to achieve a smooth reflective appearance, a memo finish that showcases the stone’s natural beauty, or a rock pitch finish with rough edges for a rustic charm.

Each of these styles has its own unique appeal. Ultimately, the choice will depend on which best represents the personality of your loved one and whether you aim to achieve a traditional, unique, old-world or one-of-kind memorial. 

MAUMEE VALLEY MEMORIALS | WATERVILLE, OHIO | R/S BLUE GRAY™ GRANITE

Step 6: Reviewing the Design

You’ve successfully navigated the headstone design process! With your materials and design choices finalized, Rock of Ages will provide a design proof for your careful review. We encourage you to take a close look at the artwork to ensure it meets your expectations and captures your vision. If you have any questions or need clarification, we’re here to help!

Now that you’ve approved your memorial design, it’s time to kick off the production process. Typically, headstones are delivered within 8 to 10 weeks after the order is placed, but we can expedite this timeline based on your needs. Rock of Ages and its dealers are dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and prompt service, working closely with you to ensure you receive both.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY CATHOLIC CEMETERIES OF THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT | NORWALK, CONNECTICUT | R/S BLUE GRAY™ GRANITE

Step 7: OUR ARTISANS CREATE YOUR STORY IN STONE

The Rock of Ages team is ready to start crafting your memorial at the Craftsmen Center in Graniteville, Vermont. Did you choose the renowned Blue Gray™ granite for your family memorial? This celebrated stone is quarried from our E.L. Smith Quarry, which is located right next to the Craftsmen Center. Be sure to check out this exciting video that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the artisans at the Craftsmen Center and offers a sneak peek of our Vermont quarries!

Step 8: INSTALLING AND REVEAL OF YOUR Memorial

Your dealer will manage the installation efficiently, considering your needs, cemetery regulations, and any weather or seasonal factors that may affect stability. Their team is experienced in all aspects of the installation process and will carry it out with great care and precision.

At last, the moment has arrived to celebrate the completion of the memorial and to honor your loved one in accordance with your wishes and traditions. Please remember that Rock of Ages and your dealer are here to support you with any questions or needs that may arise, including tombstone maintenance. We encourage you to share photos and stories from the unveiling of the memorial with us and others to inspire them on their journey.

WELLWOOD MEMORIALS INC. | WELLWOOD CEMETERY, NEW YORK | R/S BLUE GRAY™ GRANITE

This post was originally published on the Rock of Ages website.