Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a Headstone, Marker or Monument

July 8, 2026

Five things you need to know about choosing a headstone, marker or memorial, including materials, designs, inscriptions, and cemetery regulations.

Choosing a headstone, marker, or memorial is an important way to create a lasting tribute to a loved one. This permanent marker serves as both a identifier for the burial site and a meaningful expression of the deceased's life, personality, and legacy.

Headstones come in various materials, with granite being the most popular due to its durability and wide range of colors. Marble offers classic beauty but is more susceptible to weathering. Bronze markers are another option, often used in cemeteries that require flat markers for ease of maintenance. Each material offers different aesthetic and practical qualities.

Design options are virtually limitless. Traditional upright headstones, flat grave markers, bench monuments, and custom sculptures are all available. Engravings can include the deceased's name, dates, epitaph, religious symbols, military insignia, portraits, and decorative elements that reflect their interests or passions.

Before purchasing, check with the cemetery about their specific regulations regarding size, material, and design restrictions. Some cemeteries only allow flat markers, while others may have guidelines about height and width. Also consider the timeline — custom headstones typically take 8 to 12 weeks to complete and install.