Pre-Need Headstones: Can You Buy a Cemetery Monument in Advance?

Can you purchase a headstone in advance?

Yes, a person can generally choose and purchase a cemetery monument in advance. However, the monument must still meet the regulations of the cemetery where it will eventually be installed.

Some people plan their memorial after purchasing a cemetery plot. Others begin by exploring designs, materials and inscription options before finalizing every detail. The exact process depends on whether the cemetery and gravesite have already been selected.

Before approving a design, it is important to confirm:

• The cemetery and section where the monument will be placed

• The number and dimensions of the burial plots

• The memorial styles permitted in that section

• Maximum and minimum monument dimensions

• Foundation and installation requirements

• Rules concerning granite colors, finishes and accessories

Abby Rose works with cemeteries across New Jersey and Pennsylvania and can help families understand the requirements that may affect a proposed memorial.

Why do people choose pre-need headstones?

Planning a cemetery monument in advance gives the person being memorialized greater control over how they will be remembered. They can participate in decisions involving the stone, wording, religious or personal symbols and overall design.

It can also reduce the number of choices relatives need to make later. Instead of trying to determine what their loved one would have wanted, the family has a design that already reflects that person’s preferences.

The main benefits can include:

• More time to consider different memorial styles

• Direct involvement in the design

• Clear instructions for names, wording and symbolism

• The opportunity to coordinate a family monument

• Fewer design decisions for relatives in the future

• Time to verify cemetery requirements before production

Planning ahead does not mean every detail must be permanently completed. Dates and certain inscriptions may be added later through professional cemetery inscription services.

What type of monument can be planned in advance?

The appropriate option depends on the cemetery, the plot and how many people the memorial will represent.

A single upright headstone provides a traditional vertical format with space for a name, dates, an epitaph and personalized artwork. A double upright headstone may be suitable for spouses or two adjoining burial plots.

Families may also consider flat grave markers, slant memorials or larger family monuments. Each format provides a different amount of space and must comply with the rules of the selected cemetery section.

Choosing the granite, color and finish

Granite is widely used for cemetery monuments because it offers lasting outdoor durability and can hold lettering, emblems and decorative details with clarity.

The color of the stone also influences the appearance of the finished memorial. Dark granite can provide strong contrast for detailed etching, while lighter granite often creates a more traditional and understated result.

Families can review Abby Rose’s available granite colors and memorial materials before selecting the combination that best supports the intended design.

Can information be added to the monument later?

Yes. A pre-need monument can be created with the information currently available, while leaving space for future dates or additional inscriptions.

This is common with companion and family monuments. The original layout should reserve sufficient space so that later lettering remains balanced with the existing design. The font, depth, size and spacing of future inscriptions should also match the original work as closely as possible.

What happens during a pre-need memorial consultation?

A pre-need consultation should begin with the cemetery and plot information. The family can then review suitable monument types, granite samples, dimensions, finishes and design possibilities.

Abby Rose uses a guided design process that allows families to review and adjust the memorial before production. Cemetery coordination and installation requirements can also be considered as part of the planning process.

To discuss a monument for yourself, your spouse or your family, request a memorial consultation.

BUTTON: Start Planning Your Memorial

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy my own headstone before I die?

Yes. You can participate in choosing your own cemetery monument, provided the final design complies with the rules of the cemetery and the specific burial section.

Do I need to own a cemetery plot first?

Having the cemetery and plot information makes it possible to confirm the permitted monument type and dimensions. You can explore designs beforehand, but production should not begin until the relevant requirements are verified.

Can a date be engraved on the headstone later?

Yes. The monument can be designed with space for a future date, which can be added by a professional cemetery lettering service when required.

Can spouses plan a companion headstone together?

Yes. Couples can select the granite, design, inscriptions and shared elements of a companion memorial in advance.

Can a pre-need monument be installed before it is needed?

Installation policies vary by cemetery. The cemetery must confirm whether advance installation is permitted in the selected plot and section.

Does Abby Rose help with cemetery approval?

Abby Rose coordinates with cemeteries as part of its design-to-installation process, helping ensure the approved monument complies with applicable requirements.