How to Request a Headstone Quote

A vague request gets a vague quote. The more details you give a monument company, the more accurate and comparable the price you'll receive.

The essentials

• Cemetery name and section — rules and fees vary.
• Type — upright, slant, bevel or flat.
• Size — width, height and thickness, if known; see headstone sizes.
• Granite colour — see granite headstone colours.
• Shape — see headstone shapes.

Wording and artwork

• Full names and dates, spelled exactly.
• Epitaph and any verses.
• Symbols or artwork — a photo or sketch helps.
• Portrait, if wanted.
• Back engraving, if any.

Extras and logistics

• Base and vases.
• Delivery and installation — included or not?
• Deadline — e.g. before an anniversary.
• Budget range — helps the company suggest options.

Make comparing easy

Send the same details to each company and ask for an itemised quote. See how to compare headstone quotes and questions to ask at a showroom. Or design it yourself in the Design Studio and use Check Price, then request a quote.

Mistakes that cause inaccurate quotes

• Not naming the cemetery, so setting fees and size limits are missed.
• Vague sizes like "medium".
• Leaving out the back engraving.
• Forgetting vases or a portrait.
• Not saying whether the second date will be added later.

Filling in these details first saves time and surprises.

Use photos

Photos of the plot, neighbouring stones and any existing family memorial help the company understand the setting and suggest a design that fits in.

Key Takeaways

• Give the cemetery, type, size, granite and shape.
• Include exact names, dates and wording.
• Ask whether delivery and installation are included.
• Send identical details to each company.

Next Step

See headstone ordering timeline.