The Headstone Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

Before anything else happens, we have to work with the cemetery. This is the most important step, and it happens right after you approve the final design.

Think of the cemetery administration as the gatekeepers. They have a responsibility to maintain the grounds for every family. Because of this, every cemetery has its own set of rules and regulations. They might have specific requirements for the size of a monument, the material it’s made from, or the type of foundation it needs.
Getting their official permission before we deliver the stone is essential. It ensures that when the headstone arrives, it meets all their standards and the installation can happen without any delays or problems. It’s all about making sure everything goes smoothly.

The process is usually straightforward. Cemeteries typically ask for a few key documents to review. We put this package together for you. It generally includes:

• The final dimensions and the type of granite used for the memorial.
• A copy of the digital proof you approved, showing the design and all engravings.
• Information about who will be handling the delivery and final placement.

This part can feel like a lot of paperwork. You don’t have to handle it alone. We have worked with cemeteries all across Georgia for years, and we understand their processes. We can either contact the cemetery on your behalf to coordinate all the details, or we can provide you with every single document you need to submit to them directly. We are here to make this step as easy as possible for you.

Once we have the green light from the cemetery, our work begins. This is where our craftsmen take the approved design and start bringing it to life in stone.

This isn’t a rushed process. Creating a memorial is a craft that requires patience and precision. The granite is carefully cut, shaped, and polished. Then, our engravers get to work, meticulously carving every letter, symbol, and image into the stone. Good work takes time, and we want to ensure that every detail is perfect. This part of the journey usually takes a few weeks, and we believe the quality of the final tribute is well worth the wait.

When the memorial is finished and has passed our final quality check, it’s ready for its journey.

A granite headstone is heavy, and it is precious. We take its transportation very seriously. The memorial is carefully packed in a protective crate designed to prevent any chips or scratches. We only use experienced freight carriers who know how to handle such a significant item with the care it deserves.

We coordinate the delivery directly with the cemetery staff. They are expecting its arrival. When the memorial gets to the cemetery, their grounds crew will receive it and move it to a secure location, ready for the final installation.

This is the last step, where the memorial is set in its permanent place.

This is a really common question. Installation can be handled by our experienced team, the cemetery’s own staff, or another cemetery-approved third party. We work closely with you and the cemetery to determine the best option based on their policies, your preferences, and scheduling needs. This ensures the work is done safely and correctly, according to the cemetery’s specific standards for depth and stability.

It’s a bit like a construction project. First, the crew prepares the ground and pours a concrete foundation. This base is what gives the headstone its stability and makes sure it won’t shift or lean over time. After the foundation has cured and is completely solid, they use specialized equipment to carefully lift the headstone and set it securely in place.

Usually, no, your presence is not required. The installation is handled by the professional grounds crew during their normal working hours. If it is important for you to be there, you can always ask the cemetery administration if it’s possible to schedule a time to observe. They will let you know what their policy is.

• Is the cost of installation included in the price of the headstone?

Our price covers the memorial itself, the engraving, and the shipping to the cemetery. The fee for the actual installation is a separate charge that you will pay directly to the cemetery. They have their own staff, equipment, and labor costs for this service.

• How long after delivery will the headstone be installed?

This really depends on who is handling the installation and their schedule. If we perform it, we can often coordinate within a week or two. For the cemetery or a third party, timelines vary - some are able to install within a week or two, while others might have a longer queue, especially during busy seasons.

• What happens if the memorial arrives damaged?

This is extremely rare, but we are prepared for it. Every shipment is fully insured. If a memorial arrives with any damage, we will handle the entire claims process and create a new memorial for you at no additional cost.

• What if the cemetery rejects the headstone design after it's been made?

This is the exact reason why Step 1 is so important. We never, ever begin crafting a stone until we have written approval from you and the cemetery. This simple rule prevents this difficult situation from ever happening.

The installation process has a lot of moving parts, from paperwork to concrete. But every step is designed to do one thing: make sure the memorial you so carefully designed stands strong and secure. It is the final act in creating a place of remembrance that will honor your loved one for generations to come.
If you have questions about the installation process at a specific cemetery in Georgia, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are familiar with many local requirements and are here to help.