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How to Design a Headstone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing a headstone can feel overwhelming, especially while you're grieving. This guide walks you through every decision, at your own pace — from the type of stone to the lettering — with no rush and no obligation.

Speak to a Memorial Consultant

Or call us: (781) 281-2415

A memorial is a lasting tribute. Sometimes, it’s the one thing that remains for generations. Taking it one step at a time makes the process far less daunting. Below is exactly how a headstone comes together, and where to learn more about each choice. Whenever you’re ready, one of our memorial designers can guide you through all of it in person.

The steps, at a glance

Most families move through eight decisions. You don’t have to make them all at once, or in order, but this is the path most people follow.

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Confirm your cemetery's requirements

Cemeteries set rules for size, foundation, and whether a marker can stand upright or must lie flat. We know the requirements at cemeteries across the region, so your memorial is approved without delays. Call your cemetery to discuss your type of plot, plot number, size restrictions, and cemetery fees. We can always help.
See Cemeteries We Serve
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Choose the type of memorial

Upright headstone, flat or bevel marker, slant marker, bench, or a cremation memorial. The right type depends on your taste, budget, and what your cemetery allows.
Explore Headstones & Monuments
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Choose the size of your memorial or headstone

Single (1–2 graves), double (2–4 graves), or a larger family monument (3+). Shapes range from classic tablets to custom and unique designs.
Explore Family Monuments
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Pick the granite color and material

Granite comes in many colors: grey, black, pink, mahogany, blue. Each has different finishes. Color affects how lettering and etching will show, so it's worth seeing samples in person.
Explore Rose Quartz, one of our most popular colors
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Choose the shape or top of your stone

Single (1–2 graves), double (2–4 graves), or a larger family monument (3+). Shapes range from classic tablets to custom and unique designs.
See Unique Designs
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Choose your headstone or memorial's finish

There are 4 main types of finish: Polished, Steeled (Unpolished), Honed, and Rough. A stone can be all polished, steeled, honed, or rough or can be any combination of all finishes. Click below to see some examples of each.
Explore Family Monuments
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Decide on carvings, designs, and etchings on your headstone

There are 5 types of carvings: Flat, Shaped, Extra-Deep, Sculpture, and Etching. See some examples.
Explore Family Monuments
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Choose the size of your memorial or headstone

Single (1–2 graves), double (2–4 graves), or a larger family monument (3+). Shapes range from classic tablets to custom and unique designs.
Explore Family Monuments
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Contemplate layout, additional names, future names, and epitaphs

Think about your layout goals. Will you have full dates or just years? Do you want to include maiden names or nicknames? Do you need future space for additional names or an epitaph?
See Epitaph Examples
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Consider additional memorial features

Porcelain photographs, hero medallions, vases, wreaths, flags, vigil lights. Your vision is our north star. Let's navigate there together.
Explore Granite Flow Vases

A memorial is a lasting tribute. Sometimes, it’s the one thing that remains for generations. Taking it one step at a time makes the process far less daunting. Below is exactly how a headstone comes together, and where to learn more about each choice. Whenever you’re ready, one of our memorial designers can guide you through all of it in person.

Keep learning

Most families move through eight decisions. You don’t have to make them all at once, or in order, but this is the path most people follow.

Know Your Rights When Purchasing a Headstone, Monument or Memorial
Know what Massachusetts consumer protection law covers when you purchase a headstone.
Videos
Videos showcasing the production of memorials.
Useful Tips & Info
Helpful things to know as you plan.
The Monument Manufacturing Process
How a headstone is designed, cut, and finished.
The Cemetery Lettering Process
How final-date engraving is done, on-site at the cemetery.
Symbols, Designs, and Their Meanings
What common memorial symbols and designs represent.

ON THIS PAGE

  1. Cemetery requirements
  2. Choose headstone type
  3. Pick headstone size
  4. Select your granite
  5. Choose your shape
  6. Decide on your finish
  7. Explore designs and carvings
  8. Think about your layout
  9. Consider additional features

Speak with a Memorial Designer

Free and flexible. Visit an office, call by phone, or meet by video. No obligation.
Request a Free Quote
or call: (781) 281-2415

Want to browse first?

See 250+ designs at your own pace – online or mailed to your home.

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