December 3, 2025
After the loss of a loved one, there are many difficult tasks to handle. One of the most emotional steps often comes months later: deciding when to place a permanent headstone or monument.
Families are often unsure how long they should wait before ordering a memorial. Some feel ready to begin immediately, while others need time before making such a permanent choice.
As a trusted cemetery monument company, we guide families through this process with compassion and clarity. There is no single “right” answer, but there are practical and emotional factors to consider.
This blog will help you understand what affects monument timing, why planning can reduce stress, and how our team at Summit Memorials supports families at every step.
We will also walk you through the different types of memorial headstones we offer, so you can begin thinking about the style that best honours your loved one.
While it is possible to start designing a monument right after the burial, the ground beneath a gravesite often needs time to settle before heavy monuments are installed. Most cemeteries recommend waiting at least a few months — especially for larger upright monuments that require strong foundations.
This waiting period helps prevent future shifting or sinking. Installing too soon can risk uneven settling, which may damage the stone or require costly adjustments later.
However, most cemeteries leave an area of undisturbed ground at the head of the grave specifically for placing the memorial. This means waiting for the ground to settle is usually unnecessary.
Either way, Summit’s installation guarantee covers the monument against tilting or sinking for a period of five years, so families can have complete peace of mind that the memorial will remain stable and secure once installed.
Other timing factors include:
Because of these factors, many families choose to start the design process early but schedule installation for a later date when the ground is ready.
Timing is not just about logistics. It is also about emotional readiness. Some families find comfort in creating the monument right away, while others prefer to wait until their grief is less raw.
Both approaches are completely valid. What matters is choosing the pace that feels right for you and your family.
Starting the process early can actually relieve stress. It gives you time to explore design options without feeling rushed, and ensures the monument will be ready in time for future memorial gatherings or anniversaries. On the other hand, taking a pause can help you make decisions with a clearer mind and a calmer heart.
As a cemetery monument company, we understand these emotions well. We never pressure families to decide quickly. Instead, we work at the timeline that fits their needs: whether that means starting designs right after the burial or months later when they are ready.
When thinking about when to order a headstone, it also helps to know the different types of memorials available. Each style has different installation needs, which can affect timing.
At Summit Memorials, we offer a full selection of monument types to suit different preferences, cemetery rules, and budgets:
Choosing the monument type early helps us estimate timelines more accurately and plan the installation at the ideal time.
Ordering a headstone is more complex than simply choosing a stone. Cemeteries have detailed regulations about size, material, placement, and installation requirements. Handling these steps alone can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief.
This is where working with a professional cemetery monument company makes a difference.
At Summit Memorials, we handle the entire process for you, including:
By managing these details, we ensure your loved one’s memorial is completed smoothly and beautifully, without adding stress to your family.
At Summit Memorials, we understand how important it is to choose the right moment to begin this deeply meaningful process. As a trusted cemetery monument company, we support families at their own pace. Some want to begin designing right away, while others need more time. We respect both.
We also provide a complete selection of monuments, including upright monuments, pillow markers, flat grave markers, custom monuments, columbaria, benches, and boulders. Each one is crafted with care, precision, and respect for your loved one’s legacy.
If you are unsure when to start, we can walk you through your options, explain your cemetery’s requirements, and help you plan so your chosen memorial will be ready when the site is prepared.
Contact us today to speak with our team about designing a lasting, meaningful headstone for your loved one.
