Many families are surprised to learn that the monument process takes two to three months from start to finish. Understanding the timeline helps set proper expectations and reduces anxiety during an already difficult time.
Week one through two is the design and approval phase. During this time, you work with your monument company to finalize the design, select granite, choose fonts and artwork, and write the inscription. Most companies provide a digital proof for your review. Once you approve the design, it is submitted to the cemetery for their approval. Cemetery reviews typically take one to two weeks, though some cemeteries are faster and others may take longer, especially during peak seasons in spring and early summer.
Weeks three through eight cover the fabrication process. Once the cemetery approves your design, production begins. The raw granite block is cut to size, the surfaces are polished to the desired finish, and the inscription and artwork are carefully sandblasted or etched into the stone. Complex designs with portraits, detailed scenes, or multiple panels take additional time. If you selected an imported granite color, allow an extra two to four weeks for the stone to arrive from the quarry.
Weeks nine through twelve involve delivery and installation. The finished monument is shipped to the installation crew nearest your cemetery. The crew coordinates with the cemetery sexton to schedule the setting date. On installation day, the crew pours a reinforced concrete foundation, allows it to cure, and sets the monument in place. The entire installation process typically takes a few hours. After setting, the crew cleans the monument and ensures everything meets cemetery standards. Your monument company should provide photos of the completed installation.
Planning ahead makes the entire process smoother. Many families begin the monument process within a few months of the funeral, but there is no required timeline. Some families wait a year or more, especially if they want to include final dates or additional information on the memorial.