How to Buy a Headstone Online (Step by Step)

Ten years ago, buying a headstone meant visiting a local monument dealer, sitting in a showroom, and paying whatever they quoted. Today, families can order a headstone online and have it shipped directly to their home, to a cemetery, or to a monument installer, often saving 30% to 60% in the process.

But buying something this important online feels unfamiliar. Questions come up: Is it safe? What if it arrives damaged? Can the cemetery refuse it? This guide walks through the entire process, from first click to installed marker, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Buy a Headstone Online?

The short answer: cost. Online memorial retailers operate without the overhead of a showroom, local inventory, and on-site sales staff. Those savings get passed to you.

The Numbers

A typical 28x16x3in flat granite marker costs $2,000 or more at a local monument dealer. The same quality marker from an online retailer that handles their own workshop typically costs $899 to $1,499, depending on the granite type. Add in free engraving (versus $15 to $18 per letter at a local shop), and the savings become significant.

Other Advantages

• Shop on your own time. No appointment needed. No salesperson watching you deliberate. You can compare options, think it over, and order when you are ready
• Local dealers are limited by their showroom and supplier relationships. Online retailers often offer a wider selection of granite types and colors
• Transparent pricing: Prices are listed upfront. No waiting for a quote or wondering if you are being upsold
• Digital proofs. You see exactly what the finished marker will look like before any engraving begins
• The marker ships to your door, the cemetery, or a local installer anywhere in the country. You are not limited to what is available in your area

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Check Cemetery Requirements

This is the most important step, and it needs to happen first. Before you look at a single headstone, call or visit your cemetery and ask:

• What marker types are allowed? (Flat marker, upright, slant?)
• What sizes are accepted? (Many cemeteries specify maximum and minimum dimensions)
• Are there material restrictions? (Some require granite, some allow bronze)
• What thickness do they require?
• Do they require a foundation? If so, who installs it?
• What is the setting/installation fee for a marker purchased elsewhere?
• Are there design restrictions? (Some cemeteries limit colors, images, or text)

Write down the answers. You will need them when choosing your marker. This 15-minute phone call can save you from ordering a marker that does not meet your cemetery's requirements.

For more detail, read our guide to cemetery headstone rules.

Step 2: Choose Your Stone

With your cemetery requirements in hand, you can narrow down your options. Consider:

• Granite type/color: Gray granite is the most affordable. Black granite offers high contrast for engraved text. Specialty granites cost more but make a distinctive statement
• Size: Match your cemetery's requirements. The 28x16x3in flat marker is one of the most commonly accepted sizes
• Thickness: 3-inch and 4-inch are both common. 3-inch markers weigh less (lower shipping cost, easier installation) and are equally durable

Step 3: Customize Your Design

Once you have selected a stone, you will provide the information for engraving:

• Full name
• Dates of birth and death
• Epitaph or inscription
• Any design elements (crosses, flowers, military emblems, etc.)
• Font preferences (if offered)

Take your time with this step. You do not need to decide everything immediately. A good retailer will work with you to get the wording and layout right.

Step 4: Review and Approve the Proof

A reputable online retailer will send you a digital proof before any engraving begins. This proof shows the exact layout of text, artwork, and design elements on the stone.

Review the proof carefully:

• Are all names spelled correctly?
• Are dates accurate?
• Is the epitaph text exactly what you want?
• Does the overall layout look balanced?
• Are any design elements positioned correctly?

Request revisions if anything is not right. You should never feel rushed at this stage. A good retailer will offer unlimited revisions until you are satisfied with the proof.

Step 5: Production and Shipping

After you approve the proof, production begins. Standard production typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Rush production (2 weeks or less) is available from some retailers for an additional fee.

The finished marker is packaged securely and shipped to your chosen destination. Look for retailers that offer:

• Wooden crate packaging with foam padding (not just cardboard)
• Full insurance during transit
• Tracking information
• Delivery to home, cemetery, or monument installer

Step 6: Installation

Once the marker arrives, it needs to be installed at the cemetery. You have a few options:

• Cemetery installation: Most cemeteries will install a marker for a setting fee ($200 to $800). This is the most common approach
• Local monument installer: You can hire a local monument company to install the marker. Compare quotes
• DIY installation: Some cemeteries allow families to place flat markers themselves, though this is less common. A flat marker needs a level surface and may require a concrete foundation

Check with your cemetery about their installation policies before the marker arrives so you are prepared.

What to Look for in an Online Retailer

Not all online headstone retailers are equal. These are the things that separate a trustworthy retailer from one that will cause headaches:

Transparent Pricing

The price should be clearly listed on the website. If a retailer requires you to "request a quote" for a standard marker, that is often a sign that prices are not competitive or they want to gauge your budget before quoting.

Clear Engraving Policy

Know exactly what is included. Is engraving free? Per letter? Per line? Ask before you order. The difference between "free engraving" and "$15 per letter" can be thousands of dollars on a single marker.

Digital Proof Before Production

Any reputable retailer will send a digital proof for your approval before engraving begins. If a retailer does not offer proofs, walk away. Once granite is sandblasted, there is no undoing a mistake.

Insured Shipping

A 150-pound granite marker being shipped cross-country needs full insurance. If the marker arrives damaged, you need to know the retailer will replace it at no cost to you. Confirm this before ordering.

Real Customer Reviews

Look for reviews on independent platforms, not just testimonials on the retailer's website. Check for mentions of product quality, communication, shipping condition, and how the retailer handled any issues.

Responsive Communication

When you email or message, do they respond within 24 to 48 hours? During the proof approval process, responsiveness matters. You do not want to wait a week for a simple revision.

Red Flags to Avoid

Be cautious of retailers that:

• Do not show prices on their website. If you have to call for pricing on a standard product, the price is probably higher than competitors
• "This price is only available today" is a sales tactic. A genuine memorial retailer understands you need time to decide and will never pressure you to order quickly
• Do not offer digital proofs: No proof means no way to verify accuracy before the stone is permanently engraved
• Have no physical address or phone number. A legitimate retailer should have a verifiable business address
• Some retailers use stock images of headstones they do not actually produce. Look for photos of their actual workshop or finished products rather than generic stock photos
• Charge non-refundable deposits before proofs: You should see what you are getting before committing a large non-refundable sum
• Ship without insurance. A granite marker shipped without insurance is a gamble you should not take

How SilkStone Handles Online Orders

When you order from SilkStone Memorials, the process works like this:

1. Choose your granite. Browse our collection and select from our Himalayan granite options: K2 Black (Absolute Black), Himalayan Gray (Georgia Gray), or Midnight Gold (exclusive to SilkStone). All markers are 28x16x3in
2. Submit names, dates, epitaph text, and any design preferences. Custom engraving is included free on every marker
3. Review your digital proof: We send a detailed proof showing exactly how the finished marker will look. Request as many revisions as you need until it is right
4. We engrave and ship. Once you approve the proof, your marker is hand-finished using sandblasting with stencils in our workshop. Standard production is 4 to 8 weeks. Rush production (2 weeks or less) is available for an additional $300
5. Your marker ships via UPS Ground in a wooden crate with foam padding, fully insured. We can deliver to your home, cemetery, or monument installer

Pricing starts at $899 for Himalayan Gray, $999 for K2 Black, and $1,499 for Midnight Gold. All prices include free engraving. Shipping is calculated at checkout. Payments can be split into 4 interest-free installments through Shop Pay (subject to eligibility).

Learn more about our process on our How It Works page, or visit our shipping page for delivery details.

Common Concerns (Answered)

Can I really buy a headstone online?

Yes. Thousands of families purchase headstones online every year. The process is similar to buying any custom product online: you choose options, provide details, review a proof, and the finished product is shipped to you.

Will my cemetery accept a headstone I bought online?

In most states, cemeteries cannot legally require you to purchase a marker from them or from a specific dealer. You have the right to buy from any source. However, the cemetery may charge a setting fee and may have specific size and material requirements. Always check with your cemetery before ordering.

What if it arrives damaged?

This is why insured shipping matters. A reputable online retailer will replace a damaged marker at no cost to you. When your marker arrives, inspect it before signing for delivery. Photograph any damage and contact the retailer immediately.

How do I know the quality is good if I cannot see it in person?

Look for retailers who provide photos of their actual products and workshop, not just stock images. Digital proofs give you a clear preview of the finished design. Customer reviews with photos are another strong indicator of quality.

How long does the whole process take?

From order to delivery, expect 4 to 8 weeks for standard production. The proof approval stage depends on you: some families approve within a day, others take a week or two to finalize the inscription. Rush production can cut the manufacturing time to 2 weeks or less.

Can I send it directly to the cemetery?

Most online retailers, including SilkStone, can ship directly to a cemetery or to a local monument installer. Confirm with your cemetery that they will accept a delivery on your behalf, and coordinate the timing with their staff.

What We Recommend

Buying a headstone online is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Check cemetery requirements first, choose a reputable retailer with transparent pricing and digital proofs, and confirm insured shipping before placing your order.

The biggest advantage is cost: online retailers typically save families 30% to 60% compared to local monument dealers for the same quality granite and engraving. The trade-off is that you cannot see the stone in person, but digital proofs and insured shipping address the most common concerns.

If you are ready to start, browse our granite collection or visit our How It Works page to see the full process.