Grave markers (historically called headstones or tombstones) are permanent tributes to loved ones. Purchased separately from cemetery propertythere are several common types of markers in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each cemetery has its own policies on the type of grave markers allowedand costs vary according to a number of factorsincluding materialsize and customization.

Most people buy grave markers from a funeral home or cemeterybut they can also be purchased elsewhere and installed by your cemetery for a fee.

In this article you will learn:

• What is the purpose of grave markers?
• How much do grave markers cost?
• Where can I buy a grave marker?
• What questions should I ask when buying a grave marker?
• What are the types of grave markers and monuments?
• What are companion or family grave markers?
• What is the average cost of marker engraving?
• How much does it cost to install a grave marker?
• How long before a marker can be installed on a grave?
• What happens if there is a problem with a grave marker?

People have created ways to remember loved ones since ancient times. For manyit's important to leave a permanent remembrance that represents their legacy for the generations that follow. Graves and their markers serve as a place for children and loved ones to visit and remember dear relatives; they are also used as genealogical records for ancestry researchers. Available for both traditional full-body burial and buried cremated remainsuniquepersonalized memorials come in a variety of sizes and materials.

A funeral or cemetery professional can guide you through the process of choosing a marker. There's no rush to make a decision and no rule on when a grave marker needs to be placed after a funeral. It's okay to take your time determining the best way to memorialize a loved one.

In most areasyou can buy grave markers from cemeteriesfuneral homesmonument companies or online retailers.

Buying markers from a cemetery

Most buyers purchase their cemetery property and grave marker at the same time. Cemeteries will coordinate every detail of the purchase on your behalffrom getting a quoteorderingdesigndelivery and installation. And the cemetery staff members are very knowledgeable about property requirementsso you know the you order will be accepted in the cemetery section you have purchased.

Pluswhen buying in advanceyou can take advantage of monthly payment plans offered by the cemetery. Andin some casesif the marker was purchased and engraved in advanceit can be delivered and installed more quickly at the time of need.

Buying markers from a funeral home

Some families choose to buy their grave markers from their funeral homes or combined funeral home and cemetery providers. In this casethe funeral director will coordinate all the details for you. You will still have a single point of contact from quote to deliveryalthough there may be a bit more processing and paperwork due to the pass-through cost. This is a good option when your cemetery property is smallprivate or does not provide a full-service offering for grave markers.

Buying markers from a monument company or online retailer

When you buy a grave marker directly from a monument companyyou can shop for the best value or find choices that a funeral home or cemetery may not offer. This approach puts you in control of every detail. Howeveryou will also be responsible for all of the coordinationfrom getting a quoteorderingdesignproofingdelivery and installation. Buyers are responsible for knowing the grave marker rules of the cemetery and purchasing the material and size of marker accepted at their preferred locationamong other details.

1. What type of markers and monuments are allowed in the cemetery?
2. What size of marker or monument is allowed? Are the sizes standard or custom?
3. What materials and colors are allowed? (Some cemeteries place restrictions on types of stone or require specific colors.)
4. What are other restrictions enforced by the cemetery? (Some cemeteries have restrictions on polished stone. Ensure customizations like flower vasesedging or ceramicsand color photos are permitted if you're interested in those options.)
   
   

Types of grave markers

The two most popular types of grave markers are flat markers and upright monumentsthough many people choose statuesbenches or other types of specialty markers. Any of those choices can pay tribute to one persontwo people (companion markers) or a whole family.

Today’s engraving and embossing technologies allow markers and other memorials to be personalized in limitless waysfrom the traditional name and lifespan datesto song lyrics or poetryto nature scenes and even photography.

Flat markers

An individual or couple often chooses a flat marker because it fits in with the parklike aesthetic of their chosen cemetery. These elegantminimalist memorials are not only beautifulthey tend to be less expensive than upright monuments. For a number of reasonsincluding ease of maintenance and property viewssome cemeteries allow only flush markers and have restrictions on sizeso your choice could be restricted to certain parameters. A cemetery might be called a memorial park when no upright markers are present.

Flush to the groundwith a flat top or beveled edgesflat grave markers are made of solid stone or stone topped with a bronze plaque. They come in a variety of colors and can be customized with wordsphotosillustrations and more. Flat markers are placed at the head of a burial space or cover the entire burial plotand come in single or companion s.

When you order a flat marker you may have the option of adding a vasewhich some memorial parks require if you want to leave flowers at the gravesite. When not filled with flowersor during snowy winter monthsthe vase is often stored upside down in the marker.

Upright monuments

An erect stone slab with a stone basean upright monument is much more prominent than a flat marker. They are what come to mind when you imagine a headstone or tombstone. Upright markers come in different sizescolors and shapesfrom simple rectangles or custom shapes like heartsopen books or crosses.

Upright monuments provide a large canvas for personalization. In addition to names and datesthey might include versesetched photos or illustrations of things people loved. They are a good way to tell a story about a loved one—or to tell your own story if you are purchasing cemetery property in advance. When personalized with a loved one's likenesssymbols of faithor images of sports gearbeloved pets or items that give a nod to signature hobbiesthey can reveal a bit about personality and values. They can be immediate reminders to everyone who sees them how much the people they pay tribute to were loved and cherished.

In designs for individualscouples or familiesupright monuments make an impression. Though they are generally more expensive than flat markersthey are a popular choice for burials in cemeteries that allow them.

You will often find upright monuments allowed in spaces like hedge estates or walled estates (read more about types of cemetery property)where the cemetery maintains a consistent aesthetic that is easier to keep up in perpetuity.

Specialty markers

Memorial benchesangel statuaryobeliskscrosses and other highly customized designs take permanent memorials to the next level. Uncommon shapes stand out in a cemeterythey draw attention and pique curiosity. Who doesn't want a closer look at a marker shaped like a dolphin leaping above the waves or a 15-foot polished black granite obelisk? Specialty markers are a unique offering for unique people.

A number of things influence cost:

Material. In generalbronze markers are more expensive than comparably sized stone markersand granite markers are less expensive than marble markers. The price of the granite depends on where it comes from and how it's extracted from the earth. Though marble costs the mostmany choose it for its polished appearance. Marble weathers more quicklyhoweverand requires more upkeep over the years.

Size. Generallythe larger the grave markerthe pricier it will be.

Customization. Bronze markers are embossed. Stone markers are carvedetched and engraved. Either waythe more detailed the markerthe higher the cost. Typicallyengraving of a namebirth date and death date costs about $500. Prices go up from there. Howeverthough many funeral homescemeteries and other sellers charge separately for engraving or embossingDignity Memorial marker prices include this service. A funeral director or cemetery associate can help you decide exactly what to put on a marker. Contact us for more information.

Because of their weight and sizegrave markers must be installed by professionals. Most cemeteries offer installation serviceswith starting prices ranging from $200 to $2,000depending on the size of the monument and location of the cemetery.

Many grave markers are installed after a funeral takes place. From the time a final design is approvedproduction and delivery time on a grave marker can range from 10 weeks to six months or longerdepending on the complexity of the design and where the stone originates. Depending on your location and the time of yearthe ground may need to thaw or settle for installation to take place.

During the time between a burial and the installation of the markerthe grave is marked by a temporary marker. A growing number of families are electing to buy and install markers before their time of need to avoid delays and more easily identify their final resting places.

When you order a marker from a Dignity Memorial providerbe sure to carefully check the order paperwork for errors such as a misspelled name or wrong date. If the marker doesn't arrive as you expectedwe will do everything required to correct it. If a grave marker purchased from Dignity Memorial becomes damaged at one of our memorial parkswhether by natural events or maintenance activitiesyou need only call and request maintenance or repair.

In any casewith our Service Guaranteeif you are not 100% satisfiedwe'll make every effort to to correct the situation immediately. Please contact us for customer care.