Planning
Funeral tombstones and unveilings in South Africa
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
After the funeral, most South African families place a tombstone on the grave and hold an unveiling ceremony to mark it. This page explains what tombstones typically cost (as a guide), how the unveiling custom works, and how to choose a stone you will be happy with for years.
A tombstone, headstone or memorial stone is the permanent marker that carries the person's name, dates and often a short message or scripture. The unveiling is the gathering where the family reveals the finished stone, usually some months to a year after the burial.
Prices and customs vary widely by material, size and community, so treat the figures here as indicative and confirm everything with a reputable monument maker before you commit.
Tombstone cost ranges (indicative)
Prices depend heavily on the material, size, design and where you are, so these are rough guides only, not quotes:
| Type | Indicative price range |
|---|---|
| Simple flat marker or plaque | From around R3 000 - R8 000 |
| Standard upright headstone (granite) | Around R8 000 - R20 000 |
| Larger or double granite tombstone | Around R20 000 - R40 000 |
| Premium / custom design | R40 000 and up |
Granite is the most common and durable material in South Africa. Cheaper stones may use less durable material that weathers faster. Always get an itemised written quote that includes the lettering, transport and installation, not just the stone.
What the unveiling ceremony is
The unveiling (also called a tombstone unveiling or, in some communities, a setting of the stone) is the ceremony where the family formally reveals the completed tombstone at the graveside. The stone is usually draped in a cloth, which is removed during the ceremony.
It often includes prayers, a scripture reading or hymn, a few words about the person, and the removal of the cloth, followed by a meal or gathering. For many families it marks the end of the first mourning period and a moment to remember the person with a little more peace than at the funeral itself.
When the unveiling happens
Timing varies by custom and family:
- Many South African families hold the unveiling around a year after the burial, once the grave has settled and the stone is ready.
- Some hold it sooner, after a few months, depending on tradition and when the family can gather.
- In Jewish tradition the unveiling typically takes place within the first year, often around the eleven-month or first-year mark.
The grave needs time to settle before a heavy stone is installed, which is one practical reason families wait. Confirm with your monument maker when the ground will be ready.
How to choose a tombstone
A few things to weigh up:
- Material - granite lasts longest and resists weather; ask what the quote actually uses.
- Cemetery rules - many cemeteries restrict size, height and style, so check before you design.
- Lettering - confirm the spelling of names and the exact dates, and how the inscription is done (engraved or fixed lettering).
- The wording - decide on a short epitaph, scripture or message in advance.
- The supplier - use an established monument maker with references, and get the warranty and installation date in writing.
Take your time. A tombstone is permanent, so it is worth comparing two or three quotes.
Wording and inscriptions
Tombstone inscriptions are usually short. A typical layout is:
[Full name]
[Date of birth] - [Date of passing]
[Short line: "Rest in peace", "Forever in our hearts",
a clan name, or a brief scripture]
Many families add a short scripture such as Psalm 23 or Revelation 21:4, a clan praise, or simply "Loving father and grandfather". Keep it brief - space is limited and engraving is charged by the letter. Check every name and date twice before the stone is cut, because corrections are costly or impossible.
Budgeting and paying for it
A tombstone is a real expense that comes after the funeral, so plan for it:
- Some funeral packages and funeral cover include or offer a tombstone benefit - check whether yours does.
- Several funeral groups in South Africa sell tombstones directly alongside their funeral services.
- You can also buy from an independent monument maker, often at a competitive price.
- Ask whether you can pay in instalments, as many suppliers allow this.
Get the full cost in writing, including lettering, transport and installation, so there are no surprises on the day of the unveiling.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tombstone cost in South Africa?
It varies widely by material and size, so treat figures as a guide. A simple marker may start around R3 000 - R8 000, a standard upright granite headstone around R8 000 - R20 000, and larger or custom stones R20 000 and up. Get an itemised quote including lettering and installation.
What is a tombstone unveiling?
An unveiling is the ceremony where the family formally reveals the completed tombstone at the graveside, removing a cloth draped over it. It usually includes prayers, a reading or hymn, a few words about the person, and a meal, and often marks the end of the first mourning period.
When should you hold an unveiling?
Many South African families hold the unveiling around a year after the burial, once the grave has settled and the stone is ready, though some do it after a few months. In Jewish tradition it usually falls within the first year. Your monument maker can advise when the ground is ready.
What material is best for a tombstone?
Granite is the most common and durable choice in South Africa, resisting weather for decades. Cheaper stones may use less durable material that weathers faster, so confirm what a quote actually uses and ask about the warranty before you commit.
What do you write on a tombstone?
Keep it short - the full name, the dates of birth and passing, and a brief line such as "Rest in peace", a clan name, or a short scripture like Psalm 23. Check every name and date twice before the stone is cut, as corrections are costly or impossible.
Does funeral cover include a tombstone?
Some funeral packages and funeral cover offer a tombstone benefit, and several funeral groups sell tombstones directly. Check whether yours includes one. You can also buy from an independent monument maker, often competitively and sometimes in instalments.
Can I buy a tombstone in instalments?
Many monument makers and funeral groups allow you to pay for a tombstone in instalments, which helps because the cost comes after the funeral. Ask about payment terms up front and get the full price, including lettering, transport and installation, in writing.
