When Can the Headstone Be Placed? Here's the Timeline You Need to Follow

Have you lost a loved one and now wish to create a dignified grave with a headstone? While you have complete freedom to design a personalized memorial, there are important principles to consider when it comes to placing the stone. A certain amount of time must pass before it can be set up, as the ground needs to settle completely first.

If a headstone is placed too early, there is a significant risk that the grave may tilt. This can lead to injury or damage to nearby graves. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the necessary timeframe. This article explains how long this process takes and provides details on the steps from purchasing the headstone to its final placement.

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Placing a Headstone: Different Waiting Times for Urn and Earth Burial

Depending on which form of burial you choose, the waiting times for setting up the headstone vary. For instance, a urn grave headstone can be placed just a few days after the burial. In the case of an earth burial, however, the grave first needs a freeze-thaw period to properly settle. Therefore, ideally, a winter should pass for the stone to be set without issues. Depending on the time of year of the passing, the family may have to wait up to a year for the final completion of the grave.

The soil condition is a crucial factor in determining whether it can support the heavy weight of the headstone. Since the ground is loosened for the burial of a coffin, it needs time to settle again. Only after the earth has compacted can it bear the significant weight of the headstone without the risk of sinking or the stone tipping over.

Placing a Headstone in Winter

Placing a headstone in winter poses a particular challenge and requires careful planning. During the colder months, the frozen ground can make setting the headstone more difficult, potentially leading to delays in the completion of the grave. It is essential to consider the weather conditions and soil properties in advance. In some cases, it may be necessary to postpone the installation until spring when the ground is thawed and easier to work with. However, in some instances, it is still possible to set headstones in winter. Please contact us to discuss this further.

Stability When Setting Headstones

To ensure maximum safety and stability of the chosen headstone, we plan conservatively. For example, for the installation of a headstone with a base, we use so-called ring foundations. This is established on the natural ground wherever possible. This way, the stone can be immediately set stably. Additionally, this method makes it nearly impossible for the headstone to become loose or tilt. At Messerschmidt Headstones, we do not use point foundations. Instead, we prioritize the use of high-quality, reliable materials. This also applies to the edging of a grave.

Of course, the stability must also be regularly checked after installation. This is carried out by the responsible cemetery operators. Should any unexpected issues arise or anything becomes loose, we will immediately rectify it. At Messerschmidt Headstones, we promise you a lifetime stability guarantee!

Grave Usage Duration: How Long a Headstone Lasts

In the UK, each cemetery operates under its own regulations, which can be established by the local council according to the burial laws. These comprehensive sets of rules provide detailed information about all the regulations of the cemetery. Apart from the opening hours and details regarding allowed grave design, size, or planting, they specifically mention the so-called rest periods. These may differ from one cemetery to another. Generally, the usage duration for graves is 20 years for ashes and up to 25 years for bodies.

Dignified Grave Decoration During the Transition Period

Until the chosen headstone can be placed, a loved one's grave doesn't need to remain bare and forlorn. During the waiting period before the headstone is set up, the resting place can be marked with a wooden cross. Alternatively, a temporary marker could be used to adorn the grave.

Graves can also be personalized using temporary plantings. By choosing the favorite flowers or colors of the deceased, their memorial gains a personal touch. Additionally, creative decorations like stones and shells can be laid down.

Steps to Purchasing a Tombstone: Here's How Much Time You'll Need

• Your Inquiry: Have you recently lost a loved one and are now in search of a fitting tombstone? We understand how challenging and emotional this process can be. That’s why we are always here to assist you with our extensive expertise. Whether you need a no-obligation consultation or answers to specific questions, reach out to us, and we will handle your concerns promptly and efficiently.
   
• Personal Consultation: As soon as possible after your initial contact, we offer you a free consultation. This can be done in person at our location in Crailsheim, Baden-Württemberg, over the phone, or online. The choice is yours! We are flexible.
   
• Your Requirements and Expectations: If you wish to have a tombstone from Messerschmidt, we now need all the essential information and details from you. Besides your individual design preferences, we also need some crucial information about the grave. This includes exact measurements, the location, and the existing conditions of the chosen cemetery. Ideally, please also provide us with photos of the affected gravesite.

• Approval from Cemetery Administration: Before a headstone can be installed, the responsible cemetery administration must first approve the installation. We will obtain the necessary approval for you. This process usually takes about 3 weeks.
   
• Production in Crailsheim: Once you are satisfied with the selected headstone design, we begin production. This takes place in our modern production facility in Crailsheim. Afterward, we deliver to your desired location throughout Germany. If needed, we will contact you again to finalize details such as the inscription. The entire production process requires a timeframe of about 2 weeks.
  
  
• Installation and Setup: Once the production of the chosen headstone is fully completed, we take care of the professional installation planning. To properly and safely install the high-quality headstone, you should consider an additional timeframe of up to 4 weeks.

Important: The specified timeframes are average estimates, which may vary in some cases. Our work is significantly influenced by external factors, particularly wind and weather conditions. Unexpected delays can occur, especially during frosty winter months. Additionally, longer processing times from some cemetery administrations should be anticipated.

Setting a Headstone Yourself: Is It Possible?

Are you looking to save time and money and wondering if you can set a headstone yourself? With standing headstones, this is not possible! They must be professionally installed due to their enormous weight and the resulting high risk of accidents. Improper installation can easily lead to serious injuries or damage. If you install the headstone yourself, you are solely liable for any issues. Conversely, the monument company is responsible for the stability if they handle the installation.

Authorized companies also have the necessary materials and tools to securely install headstones. Depending on the stone, a crane may even be required. Complex installations like these can quickly overwhelm private individuals.

However, there is an exception: Flat stones or slabs without a foundation are generally allowed to be installed by individuals. Even here, however, restrictions from the responsible cemetery administration may apply. It is advisable to clarify your plans with them in advance.

Conclusion: Utilize the Waiting Time for Personalized Grave Design

As a rule, if you have chosen a standing headstone, you cannot install it yourself. You should also plan sufficient time for the completion of a burial plot. While the ground settles, you can already adorn the final resting place of a loved one with comforting decorative elements and loving plantings. A wooden cross or temporary marker can also serve as a dignified interim solution until the actual headstone is installed.

We understand how challenging and emotional it can be to choose the right headstone for a loved one. Therefore, we take ample time for a thorough consultation. As an experienced master company, we support you in selecting and designing a suitable memorial, right through to its professional installation – including a lifetime stability guarantee. We look forward to your inquiry!