Once someone is buried in a cemetery, a grave marker or headstone is used to pinpoint their exact burial spot. These markers are sometimes called tombstones or monuments. A grave marker is installed at the head of the grave and acts as an identification for the deceased. Usually, engraved on the marker are brief but crucial details of the deceased, including their names, dates of birth, and dates of death. The marker may also contain epitaphs such as photos and a personalized quote. 

The terms “grave marker,” “headstone,” or “tombstone” are often used interchangeably to refer to these burial monuments. However, most people don't understand that there's a difference between these funeral products and knowing which can help you make informed purchases. 

Grave Markers, Headstones And Monuments: What's The Difference?

When choosing a burial monument, the difference lies in its design and installation. A grave marker could be flat or raised above the ground. A flat grave marker is installed on the ground with the engraving clearly visible where the head of the grave should be. In contrast, a raised headstone is raised from the ground facing upwards and can be designed with unique carvings and artistic details, such as angels with wings. 

Popular flat grave markers are available as bronze plaques, usually attached to a granite stone base. They serve as a decoration for the grave, a monument to preserve their legacy, and, most importantly, an object of identification in a cemetery. 

Similarly, raised headstones are granite pieces installed as upright monuments. They serve the same purpose as flat grave markers and feature exact personal details and epitaphs. Gravestones are available in different designs, styles, and materials and at different costs. Most also offer various customization options, and the costs vary. Let's look at some of them. 

Types And Styles of Gravestones 

You're probably familiar with some of these headstones used to preserve legacies of departed loved ones. Common examples include:

Upright Headstones

Ideally, upright headstones are cut from natural stone or granite and are sometimes referred to as tombstones. These burial monuments are what come to mind when you think of a cemetery. The headstones are constructed at the head of the grave in a raised position. They can be a single stone with a few inscriptions to identify the deceased, or they can be made into elegant designs with varying sizes and shapes. 

Upright monuments often stand tall and proud as a sign that the deceased still holds a dignified place among the living. It's common to see loving words added to the inscription to show who the deceased was to the surviving family. You'll find raised headstones with words like “beloved husband and father,” or “dear, wife, dear mother.” The name and death/birth details are usually mandatory, and the inscriptions can be religious or philosophical quotes. 

Slanted Headstones

Slanted headstones are similar to raised ones except for their unique slanted design.

Obelisk Burial Monument

The tall, sharp-pointed burial monument dates back to Ancient Egypt and is commonly used as grave markers in European cultures, especially England. While these stone pillars are not as popular today, obelisks have been used to immortalize the legacies of those whose lives were as spectacular as their deaths. 

A good example is William Mackenzie, the 19th-century civil engineer and gambler, who died in 1851. His obelisk tomb in St. Andrew’s Churchyard in Liverpool is the subject of local legends. It’s said he died without winning his soul back from a pact with the devil and that he’s buried seated upright inside the obelisk with a winning hand of cards to cheat death.

What Are The Different Types of Flat Grave/ Burial Markers?

Here are some flat grave markers synonymous with most burials and cemeteries:

• Flush grave markers: These short grave markers flush with the ground and feature similar engraving for identification. 
• Ledger grave marker: Ledger grave markers are thick stone slabs that cover the whole grave. They're similar to the traditional flush grave marker, except that they're the same size and length as the grave. 

How Much Do Grave Markers Cost?

Headstone prices are determined by weight, so the bigger the headstone, the higher the cost. However, factors like engraving and customization are not included in the original costs but can be billed separately. If you purchase a burial monument online, expect the price to be higher since it comes with shipping costs, which are calculated based on weight. 

Where To Purchase Headstones

Grave markers are usually sold at funeral parlors and cemeteries. You can also purchase one online, or from local artisans. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, consumers have a right to purchase products from different funeral providers, including caskets, urns, flowers, and monuments. However, since cemeteries are not covered by this rule, they may not accept a burial monument bought from third-party vendors. In case they accept it, they may charge a fee for installation. 

What Are The Cemetery Rules And Requirements For Headstones?

Burial cemeteries can be public or privately owned, and each has specific regulations regarding the type, size, and design of grave markers allowed. That's why, as a consumer, you're encouraged to do your research and understand the policies of the cemetery you want to work with. 

Most cemeteries also work with burial monument artisans and may recommend the best places to shop for a grave marker. Still, local monument vendors are the best since buying from them means you will cut down on the cost of shipping and other logistics. 

Find A Monument Maker Near You 

As with everything involved in funeral planning, picking the best monument can be challenging. Whether for yourself or a loved one, you want a gravestone that resonates with your values, preferences, and wishes. You also want something beautiful and admirable, something that people will love to look at in memory of the deceased loved one. 

Since it's the last thing that will immortalize where your loved one lies, you want it made of durable materials. Most importantly, you want it to reflect your loved one's philosophy, beliefs, or ideologies. 

We are here to help you pick the perfect monument that will act as a lasting tribute because we know how challenging it is to find one. Carefully browse our list of monument makers in your area. Once you find one that meets your needs, contact the vendor at your convenience.