The short answer
- Adding a date only: about $175 to $400
- Adding a name and dates: about $300 to $800
- Longer inscriptions, symbols, or artwork: more, and hand-etched artwork can reach into the thousands
The best way to get a real number is to send us a photo of the stone. We’ll tell you what’s possible and what it will cost.
What affects the cost of adding a name or date
How many letters. Lettering is usually priced by the number of characters, so a short name costs a little less than a long one with a middle name. A date is a smaller job than a full name.
The material. Granite is the most common stone we letter, but marble and bronze are handled differently. If you’re not sure what your stone is, a photo will tell us. You can also browse our granite colors to see the range.
Where the work happens. Many additions can be done right at the cemetery, which means the stone doesn’t have to go anywhere. Some companies add a small setup or travel fee for on-site work, and others build it into the price. It’s worth asking. Our post on on-site headstone lettering covers what to ask before you schedule.
Matching the original. The new lettering should look like it belongs. That means matching the font, size, and depth of what’s already there. If you’re curious how styles differ, see our comparison of traditional and modern engraving styles and our tips on choosing an inscription font.
Extras. A symbol, emblem, or short quote adds to the total. Custom artwork is quoted separately.
The condition of the stone. An older or weathered stone may need cleaning or a little restoration first. That’s normal, and we’d rather tell you up front. See our guides to cleaning a headstone and restoration types and costs.
Not sure your stone has room for another name? Send us a photo and the cemetery name, and we’ll take a look. No pressure, no obligation. Contact us here.
Adding a name vs. adding a date
These are the situations we see most often.
A second name. When a spouse passes years after the first burial, we add their name to the shared stone. This is one of the most common requests we get, so you’re not asking for anything unusual.
A missing date. Many couples choose a double headstone while both are living, and add the second date of death later. This is usually the simplest and most affordable addition.
A correction or addition. Sometimes families add a nickname, a relationship line such as “Beloved Mother,” or fix an error. If you’re wondering about wording, like whether to include a maiden name, we have a short post on maiden names on headstones.
How the process works
It’s simpler than most people expect.
- You reach out. A call, a photo, or a showroom visit all work.
- We check the stone. We look at the material, the available space, and the existing lettering.
- We confirm cemetery requirements. Many cemeteries have rules about lettering, and some ask for approval first. We can contact the cemetery for you.
- You approve the layout. You see exactly how the wording will look before we do any lettering.
- The lettering is completed. Then we tidy up so the site is left neat.
For a fuller walkthrough, read our guide on adding a new inscription to an existing headstone.
How long does it take?
Most additions take a few weeks from start to finish. Cemetery approval and scheduling account for most of that time, not the lettering itself. Connecticut winters can push on-site work back, so if timing matters, tell us early.
Special cases worth knowing about
Bronze markers. Bronze works differently from granite. You can’t add letters later in the same way, so an addition often means a new or additional plaque. Our bronze marker care tips are a good place to start, and we’re happy to talk through what suits yours.
Flat markers. Flat markers can usually be lettered too, though the space is limited. It helps to measure or photograph what’s left.
Older or worn stones. Softer stone like marble can need extra care. We’ll be honest about what’s realistic before you commit to anything.
No room left. It happens, especially with shorter stones. We can talk through options, like a small companion marker or a new stone, and there’s no rush to decide.
Add a name or replace the stone?
Adding to an existing stone is almost always less expensive than replacing it, because the stone is already there and already set. Replacement makes more sense if the stone is badly damaged, has no space, or the family wants a different design. If you’re weighing that, our posts on what determines the cost of an upright headstone and affordable headstone options give you a sense of the other side of the comparison.
Getting an exact quote
To make it quick, it helps to have these ready:
- The cemetery name and location
- A clear photo or two of the stone
- The exact wording, spelling, and dates you’d like added
A cemetery deed is helpful but not required. We can contact the cemetery to get what we need.
Talk it through with us
You don’t have to have everything figured out to call. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to talk it through.
Call us at 860-443-5374, or stop by our showroom at 717 Broad Street Ext., Waterford, CT. We’re here Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and weekends by appointment. You can also message us or get directions. Bottinelli’s has served Southeastern Connecticut families since 1917 and is veteran-owned. You can also learn more about our cemetery lettering services.
Frequently asked questions
Can you add a name to an existing headstone?
Yes, in most cases. As long as there’s enough room on the stone and the cemetery allows it, we can add a name in matching lettering. Older or worn stones may need cleaning first, which we can check once we see it.
How much does it cost to add a second name to a headstone?
Adding a name and dates generally runs about $300 to $800, depending on the number of letters, the material, and where the work is done. A photo of the stone lets us give you a more accurate estimate.
How much does it cost to add a death date to a headstone?
Usually about $175 to $400, since it’s fewer characters than a full name. A setup or travel charge can apply for work done at the cemetery.
How long does it take to add a name to a headstone?
A few weeks from start to finish is typical. Most of that is cemetery approval and scheduling, and winter weather can delay on-site work.
Do you have to remove the headstone to add a name?
Usually not. Lettering can often be done with the stone in place, which is one reason adding a name costs much less than a new stone. We’ll confirm once we’ve seen the stone’s condition.
Can the new lettering match the old?
In most cases, yes. We match the font, size, and depth as closely as we can, and we’ll show you the layout before we do any lettering. On older stones, a perfect match can be tricky, and we’ll tell you honestly what to expect.
Can you add a name to a bronze marker?
Bronze works differently from granite. Letters can’t be carved in later in the same way, so an addition often means a new or additional plaque. Get in touch, and we’ll go over what suits your marker.
Do I need the cemetery’s permission?
Most cemeteries have rules about lettering, and some need written approval before work begins. We can contact the cemetery for you and take care of it.
Is it cheaper to add a name or replace the headstone?
Adding is almost always less expensive. Replacement can make sense if the stone is badly damaged, has no room left, or you’d like a new design.
What if my headstone is old or worn?
Cleaning or restoration may come first, especially with older marble. It’s worth doing before adding new lettering, and we’ll walk you through the options.