What to Look for When Buying a Headstone: A Complete Guide from a Monument Expert

Choosing a headstone is one of the most meaningful decisions a family will ever make. Unlike many purchases, a monument is designed to last for generations, serving as a permanent tribute to someone who was loved and remembered. For many families, it's also something they've never had to purchase before, making it difficult to know where to begin.

At Brunet Monuments, we've helped families throughout Cornwall and Eastern Ontario create lasting memorials for decades. One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that people start by choosing the monument itself. In reality, several important factors should be considered first.

If you're wondering what to look for when buying a headstone, this guide will walk you through the most important considerations based on our experience helping thousands of families create meaningful memorials.

Start with the Cemetery Plot, Not the Headstone

The first question we ask every family isn't what style of monument they like.

We ask:

"Have you already purchased your cemetery plot?"

The answer determines everything that comes next.

Every cemetery has its own bylaws that dictate what type and size of monument can be installed on each lot. These rules cover things such as:

• Maximum monument width

• Height restrictions

• Thickness requirements

• Foundation specifications

• Whether upright monuments or flat markers are permitted

I often describe cemeteries as mini cities. Just as every municipality has building bylaws, every cemetery has monument bylaws. Understanding those rules before designing a monument prevents disappointment and ensures your vision can become a reality.

If you haven't yet purchased a cemetery plot, ask for a copy of the cemetery bylaws before making any decisions about monuments.

Understand How a Headstone Is Built

Many people picture only the granite monument they see above the ground, but a quality memorial is built from the ground up.

The Foundation

An upright monument begins with a properly installed concrete foundation.

In most municipal cemeteries, the cemetery installs the foundation according to its specifications. In some rural cemeteries, where staff may not be available, the foundation may need to be arranged separately.

A properly installed foundation is critical for supporting the monument through Canada's freeze-thaw cycles.

The Granite Base

The granite base sits on top of the foundation and supports the upright monument.

The size of the base depends on both the monument design and the cemetery's requirements.

The Monument

Finally comes the upright monument itself—or, in some cases, a level marker that sits flush with the ground.

Each component works together to create a memorial designed to stand the test of time.

Think Beyond Today

One of the biggest mistakes we see families make is only planning for the first burial.

Many cemeteries allow more than one interment within a single plot. In our local cemeteries, for example, a single plot may accommodate one casket and up to two cremated remains.

Too often, families purchase a monument for one individual and later discover there's no room to add another name without installing an additional marker or making costly changes.

Whenever possible, we encourage families to think ahead.

Leave space for a spouse.

Consider future cremation burials.

Think about how the monument will serve your family decades from now—not just today.

Planning ahead creates flexibility while reducing stress for future generations.

Bigger Isn't Always Better

Many people assume that a larger monument automatically means a better monument.

That simply isn't true.

At Brunet Monuments, we price our granite by the linear foot, but some of the most beautiful memorials we've created have been modest in size.

Today's families are often choosing clean, timeless, minimalist designs enhanced with:

• Laser-etched portraits

• Elegant sandblasted lettering

• Custom artwork

• Beautiful granite colours

• Thoughtful layouts

Creativity matters far more than size.

Whether you're memorializing one person or creating a monument for an entire family plot, our goal is always the same: to create something meaningful within your budget.

Make It Personal

We believe every monument should be as unique as the individual it remembers.

A monument shouldn't simply tell people when someone was born and when they died.

It should tell their story.

Some of our favourite custom memorials have included:

• Laser-etched portraits that closely resemble a cherished photograph

• Grandma's handwritten recipe

• A favourite song lyric

• Tractors for lifelong farmers

• Beloved pets

• Flowers and nature scenes

• Natural granite boulders for those who love the outdoors

• Custom artwork that reflects hobbies, careers and passions

These personal touches transform a monument from a marker into a lasting tribute.

When families meet with us, we spend time asking questions about the person behind the monument because those conversations often inspire the most meaningful designs.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Headstone

Before placing an order, ask your monument company these important questions:

• Does this monument comply with my cemetery's bylaws?

• What type and quality of granite is being used?

• How thick is the monument?

• Who installs the foundation?

• Can future inscriptions be matched exactly?

• Who performs the engraving?

• What are the expected delivery timelines?

• Are installation costs included?

• Will you help coordinate with the cemetery?

The answers will help you compare companies based on quality and expertise—not simply price.

Common Mistakes Families Make

Over the years, we've noticed several mistakes that families often make.

Not Planning for Future Burials

Thinking only about the first person can leave little room for future family members.

Assuming Death-Date Inscriptions Are Included

This is one of the most common misconceptions.

When families pre-purchase a monument, birth dates and names can often be included immediately. Future death-date inscriptions, however, are completed years later and are typically charged separately because no one knows when that work will be required.

Focusing Only on Price

Choosing the least expensive option isn't always the best value.

Granite quality, monument thickness, craftsmanship and installation all contribute to how well a monument withstands Canadian weather over many decades.

Why Experience Matters

Once a monument is installed, it's permanent.

As we often tell families:

"Once it's set in stone, that's it. It's forever."

That's why experience matters.

When comparing monument companies, ask who performs future inscriptions.

Some companies subcontract engraving work years later, making it difficult to perfectly match the original lettering and fonts.

At Brunet Monuments, we're proud to be the only local monument dealer in Cornwall and Eastern Ontario with our own in-house inscription and sandblasting department.

Our experienced technicians have been with us for more than 20 years, allowing us to consistently match existing lettering and complete future inscriptions with precision.

We also offer rush inscription services when families need work completed quickly.

That consistency gives families peace of mind—not only today, but decades into the future.

Why Families Choose Brunet Monuments

Families don't choose Brunet Monuments simply because we sell granite monuments.

They choose us because we take the time to understand the person being remembered.

Whether it's incorporating a treasured family recipe, laser-etching a portrait, celebrating a lifelong career in farming, or designing a natural memorial that reflects someone's love of the outdoors, every project begins with listening.

Our goal has always been simple:

Create a monument that tells a story and gives future generations a place to remember.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for a headstone is never easy.

It's often one of the most emotional decisions a family will make, especially when they're trying to decide what someone else would have wanted.

That's why we encourage families to consider pre-planning whenever possible.

I often compare a monument to a permanent tattoo.

Would you want someone else choosing yours?

By selecting your cemetery plot, understanding the bylaws, and designing your monument in advance, you remove uncertainty from your loved ones and ensure your memorial truly reflects who you are.

At Brunet Monuments, we're honoured to help families throughout Cornwall and Eastern Ontario create lasting memorials that are as unique as the people they celebrate.

If you're considering purchasing a headstone or would simply like to learn more about your options, we'd be happy to guide you through the process—one thoughtful conversation at a time.