Designing and installing a headstone for your loved one is an emotional journey. Unfortunately, this journey can become stressful and overwhelming when unexpected delays arise, impacting the timeline you had envisioned for the memorial. From cemetery regulations to weather conditions, there are many factors that can make it difficult to give an exact installation date.
No matter the delay, we want to make sure that you have a headstone that you are proud of. This is why we create your loved one’s headstone in-house with our fully equipped manufacturing facility and add details that are as unique as the person they symbolize.
We understand how important it is for your loved one's memorial to be perfect, and we share your desire for everything to go smoothly. To help manage expectations and provide clarity, we have outlined the top factors that can cause delays in the headstone process.
>>> Related Resource: Headstone Design Guide
Consideration of Cemetery Regulations and Schedules
Each cemetery has its own set of rules, regulations and procedures which can also affect the timeline of completion for your memorial as well. The cemetery memorial approval or notification from the cemetery personnel can include needing a signature from the cemetery management team confirming the person is buried in that cemetery, the specific plot location, color, size, information and designs are to their standards.
Even before you settle on a design, it’s important to consider that producing a standard headstone may take six to 12 weeks. If the design is highly customized, the process can extend to three to six months, depending on the complexity of the overall design, size and shape. This is why finalizing the design and submitting the necessary approvals and payments promptly is critical to avoid additional delays. As a family-owned business, we’re here to support you and those close to you through this difficult time. If you have a specific timeline in mind for installation, please share it with your memorial specialist at Milano Monuments, and we will do everything we can to make it happen.
Unintentional Delays by the Family
A key factor that can affect the timeline of your headstone is the timely completion of certain tasks. We understand that this is an emotional process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. However, there are a few crucial points where the process may stall if specific actions aren’t taken promptly.
- Memorial and Cemetery Payments: We cannot proceed with the creation of the memorial until certain payments are met. Any delay in this can push back the start of production.
- Approving the Final Design: Before we can begin engraving or crafting your loved one’s headstone, we need you to review and approve the final design. This ensures that the memorial reflects exactly what you have in mind, but delays in approving these details can slow down the process.
- Providing Necessary Information or Photos: With custom headstones, they can require specific photos or additional information, such as personal inscriptions or artwork. If these items are not provided in a timely manner, it can hold up the design phase.
Although these may seem like straightforward tasks, we fully recognize that in the midst of grief, even small decisions can feel overwhelming. Finalizing designs, submitting photos, or making payments might seem simple in theory, but we understand that they can be difficult to navigate during such a challenging time. That’s why our memorial specialists are here to offer guidance and support at every step, helping you move forward at a pace that feels comfortable while ensuring your loved one’s memorial is completed carefully and within a timely manner.
>>> Related Resource: How To Narrow Your Headstone Design Choices With a Vision Board
Weather Conditions Preventing Proper Headstone Installation
Many families are unaware that changing weather conditions, especially in Northeast Ohio, plays a significant role in the timeline of headstone installation. From extreme cold temperatures to substantial snow or rain, some weather conditions can slow down cemetery crews from safely installing the memorial.
For instance, if the cemetery grounds are too wet, installation crews must wait for the ground to dry or warmer weather to ensure the headstone is installed properly. An added variable depends on if the cemetery allows installation under its conditions. While we can’t predict Mother Nature’s challenges, we work diligently to navigate these obstacles and complete the installation as efficiently as possible.
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Learning how to avoid delays while planning a memorial for your loved one can be challenging to navigate on your own. Understanding these key factors like cost, design, and timelines is a helpful first step in making the process smoother. If you are interested in more memorial provider headstone creation resources, subscribe to our email newsletter.
