Different Types of Headstones and Grave Markers

When a loved one passes away, family members do everything in their power to make sure that their final resting place looks good. There are plenty of ways to go about doing this. One thing a family may do to help the appearance of their loved one’s grave is to purchase a headstone or grave marker. There are plenty of options to choose from, so families can take their time finding the one that fits their needs. If you and your family are interested in learning more about the types of headstones and grave markers that are available, cremation services in Ridge, NY would love to help you. 

What are Headstones and Grave Markers: 

A headstone is a way to help decorate the grave of your loved one. They can be small or very large structures, and they are usually made from some sort of stone. Most headstones include space for the name, date of birth, and the date of death of the deceased. These can come in several different styles, and some may even include photos. 

Grave markers are usually flat and sit at the head of the grave. They also have the name of the deceased, the date of birth, and the date of death. They sometimes have holders built into them for visiting family members to place flowers and flags. 

Types of Headstones and Grave Markers: 

• Upright – Probably the most popular and most noticeable of all the headstones and graves markers is the upright headstone. They are everywhere. Everyone has probably seen one, either up close, or when driving past a cemetery. These big headstones allow for some detailed designs to be displayed on them. They also allow ample room for all the information regarding the deceased. Their size is also good for withstanding weather damage, such as strong winds. These are beautiful headstones that are meant to last. 

• Slant – Slant style headstones are named that for the slant on the top of the headstones. These are still just as gorgeous as upright headstones and are usually the second most picked behind upright headstones. They have plenty of rooms so that all the details related to the deceased can be put on them. They lose no beauty by being smaller than the upright headstones. 

• Benches – Benches may seem like out-of-the-ordinary headstones, and that’s because they are. And though these aren’t usually on actual gravesites, they are another option. The seat of the bench can feature a message, date of birth, date of death, and maybe even an image of the deceased. They are perfect for memorial gardens, putting in front of a building, or maybe even in a personal garden at your home to help celebrate the life of your special loved one. 

• Statues – There is a good chance that you have seen these from the road when driving past a cemetery, or maybe even up close. These statues are very nice and elegant, and also very expensive. Most statues that appear in cemeteries are of religious figures or something important to the deceased. They are just one of the many options that family cans choose from. 

• Grave Markers – A grave marker is a simple and basic way to decorate the grave of a loved one. They are usually flat on the ground, with the name, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased on their face of them. Though they may appear flat and thin, most grave markers are about 8 inches thick. It is the grass that gives them the appearance of being much smaller. 

Cost: 

When it comes to the cost of these headstones and grave markers, it is usually dependent on the size, detail, and material that it is made from. Upright, slant, and statues will be among the most expensive options, while grave markers will be some of the cheapest. 

Picking the headstone or grave marker for your deceased loved one is a big deal. You want to pick the one that you feel will best fit your loved one’s grave and personality. If you are in search of more information regarding headstones and grave markers, cremation services in Ridge, NY can help you.