How Long Does It Take to Get a Headstone After a Death?

Understanding the Headstone Timeline

After losing a loved one, families often ask: how long does it take to get a headstone after a death? It's a question that comes up during some of life's most difficult moments, and the answer matters. Whether you're planning ahead or working through the decisions that follow a recent loss, understanding the typical timeline can bring clarity and peace of mind during an uncertain time.

At Gifford Monument Works, we've been serving Oklahoma families since 1936. Over nearly nine decades, we've walked alongside thousands of families through this process. While every situation is unique, the typical timeline from initial design to final installation is 8 to 12 weeks. Here's what happens during that time—and what can speed things up or slow them down.

The Three Phases of Creating a Memorial

The headstone creation process breaks down into three distinct phases, each with its own timeline and requirements.

Phase 1: Design and Approval (1–2 Weeks)

The first step is creating a design that honors your loved one's memory exactly as you envision it. During this phase, you'll work with our team to choose:

• Monument style — flat marker, upright headstone, or custom monument
• Granite color — classic gray, deep black, warm mahogany red, or blue pearl
• Personalization details — epitaph text, dates, religious symbols, portraits, or custom imagery
• Size and shape — within cemetery guidelines

Once you select these details, we create a digital proof for your review. This is your opportunity to make any changes before production begins. Most families approve their design within a few days, though some prefer to take more time to discuss with extended family or reflect on the wording. There's no rush—we want you to feel completely confident in the final design.

Phase 2: Fabrication and Engraving (6–8 Weeks)

After you approve the design, the headstone moves into production. As a factory-direct monument company, Gifford fabricates each memorial in-house rather than outsourcing to third-party vendors. This gives us quality control and allows for customization that many retailers can't offer.

During fabrication, skilled craftsmen:

• Cut and shape the granite to precise specifications
• Polish the stone to a mirror finish (for polished monuments)
• Laser-etch or sandblast the lettering, designs, and imagery
• Apply any custom finishes or color fills
• Inspect the completed memorial for quality assurance

This phase typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, though it can vary depending on the complexity of the design and current production volume. Custom laser portraits, intricate religious imagery, or unique monument shapes may require additional time to ensure every detail is perfect.

Phase 3: Delivery and Installation (1 Week)

Once your headstone is complete, we coordinate delivery and installation with the cemetery. This includes:

• Scheduling the installation with cemetery staff
• Pouring a concrete foundation (if required by the cemetery)
• Allowing the foundation to cure (typically 3–5 days)
• Setting the monument on the foundation
• Final leveling and alignment

Most cemeteries across Oklahoma and North Texas have specific installation guidelines we follow closely. Our team handles all coordination and paperwork, so you don't have to navigate cemetery regulations during an already difficult time.

What Can Speed Up or Delay the Timeline?

While 8 to 12 weeks is the standard timeline for how long it takes to get a headstone, several factors can make the process faster or slower:

Factors That Can Speed Things Up:

• Pre-planning — Choosing a memorial design before it's needed eliminates the approval phase entirely
• Standard designs — Simple flat markers or classic upright monuments with standard text are faster to produce
• Quick decision-making — Families who approve the design proof within a few days get into production sooner
• Off-season timing — Winter months typically have shorter production queues

Factors That May Cause Delays:

• Highly custom designs — Unique shapes, intricate laser portraits, or specialty granite colors require additional production time
• Cemetery approval delays — Some cemeteries take longer to process installation permits or have limited installation windows
• Weather conditions — Severe winter weather or heavy rain can delay foundation pouring and installation
• Peak season volume — Late spring and summer are busier, which can extend production timelines slightly

At Gifford Monument, we keep families informed throughout every phase. You'll never wonder where things stand—we proactively update you on production progress, delivery scheduling, and installation dates.

Why Oklahoma Families Trust Gifford Monument

For nearly 90 years, Gifford Monument Works has been a cornerstone of the Ada, Oklahoma community. As a factory-direct monument company, we offer advantages that retailers simply can't match:

• In-house fabrication — We control every step of production, ensuring quality and allowing customization
• Transparent timelines — We provide realistic expectations and keep you informed throughout the process
• Statewide service — We serve Oklahoma families from Tulsa to Oklahoma City to Lawton, plus Dallas and DFW areas in Texas
• Compassionate guidance — Our team understands grief and handles all cemetery coordination so you can focus on what matters

Whether you're planning ahead or need a memorial created soon after a loss, we're here to help with expertise, empathy, and a commitment to honoring your loved one's memory exactly as it deserves.

What to Expect After Installation

Once your headstone is installed, most cemeteries require a settling period before allowing any adjustments. Granite is incredibly durable and will stand for generations with minimal maintenance. We recommend visiting the gravesite a few weeks after installation to ensure everything looks exactly as you envisioned.

If you ever notice settling, shifting, or damage years down the road, Gifford Monument offers repair and restoration services. Granite memorials are built to last, but Oklahoma's freeze-thaw cycles and extreme weather can occasionally cause minor issues that we're equipped to address.

Start Planning Your Memorial Today

If you're wondering how long it takes to get a headstone, the answer is typically 8 to 12 weeks from design approval to installation. But the best time to start the process is when you're ready—not when you're rushed.

Many Oklahoma families choose to view our monument packages and plan ahead, locking in today's pricing and ensuring their wishes are honored without placing the burden on loved ones. Whether you're planning now or need a memorial created soon, Gifford Monument Works is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to discuss your memorial needs, request a free consultation, or get answers to any questions about the process. We're located in Ada, Oklahoma, and proudly serve families across the state and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.