What is a Cremation Headstone Called?

When someone you love passes away and is cremated, you want to set up a memorial for them. Many people will place a special marker on the spot where the ashes are resting. But what do we call this marker? The answer may surprise you, as it has several names.

What Is a Cremation Headstone?

A cremation headstone is a stone marker, which indicates the location of the cremated remains (ashes) of someone either buried or placed there. These markers appear similar to regular headstones but are smaller. Their role is the same: to pay tribute to a deceased individual, giving family members a place to visit and remember.

Different Names for Cremation Headstones

Many names are used for these markers. The following are the most common:

Cremation marker – This term is the most common. This is self-explanatory: it marks the spot of a cremation burial.

Cremation memorial – Some people prefer this name since it places the emphasis on remembering the individual.

Urn marker – This name makes more sense in practice when the ashes are placed in an urn underground.

Cremation plaque – It is used to describe flat markers that are situated at ground level.

Niche marker – If the ashes were to go in a columbarium (a special building with spaces for urns), the marker would be a niche marker.

All these names mean the same thing: a permanent marker for cremated remains.

Types of Cremation Markers

Cremation markers come in different styles. The three main types are:

Flat markers – These lie flat on the ground. They are suitable for cemeteries that wish for uniformity and neatness in appearance. Many people call these “flush markers” because they would be flush with the ground or grass.

Upright headstones – These stick up from the ground like traditional grave markers. They are more conspicuous to people far away. These upright headstones are selected when the family wants the memorial to stand out.

Bevel markers – These markers are set on a slant. They are intermediate between flat and upright markers. The slant, combined with a low profile, allows easy reading of the engraved text.

Cremation Headstones Prices

The cost of cremation markers varies a lot. The price is influenced by several factors:

Size matters. Small markers fetch lesser prices. A basic flat marker may be about 12 inches by 24 inches in size while upright stones can be 36 inches wide or more.

Material selection. Due to granite’s strength and durability, it is the most used material. Bronze is pricier yet has an elegant shine about it. Marble is another choice, but this substance is brittle.

Design elements. An ordinary marker, inscribed just with a name or two dates, is inexpensive. When some photos (called “etchings”) or some special types of borders or religious symbols are added, this is when the markers become more expensive.

Keep in mind that cremation headstones prices account for installation. Most cemeteries take some kind of fee (from $100 to $300) to put the marker. Other places quote an extra charge if a concrete foundation is required (another $150 to $400).

Real Examples from Families

Ohio’s Sarah Johnson selected a flat granite marker for her mother. “Mom loved simplicity,” Sarah said. “We picked a rose design and her favorite Bible verse. The entire thing cost us $650, including installation. Whenever I go, I feel close to her.”

In Texas, the Martinez family selected an upright monument for their father. Roberto Martinez Jr. related, “Dad was a veteran. We wanted something to honor his service. We included the Army emblem and a photo etching of him in uniform. It cost $3,200; worth every penny. People stop and look at it as they walk by.”

Linda Chen from California chose a bronze plaque for her husband. “The cemetery where he rests only allows flat markers,” she said. “Bronze gave us a way to make it special. We spent $1,800. The bronze will last for generations.”

These stories show that families select markers according to their feelings. There are no wrong choices.

How to Choose the Right Memorial

Choosing a cremation marker requires a thoughtful approach. Here are suggestions:

Check cemetery rules. Each cemetery has its own rules. Some may allow only flat markers, while others allow you to choose any design. Inquire about size restrictions and acceptable materials prior to making an order.

Consider the person. What were his/her likes? What mattered to them? A teacher would appreciate symbols with books. A gardener would like flowers. For a veteran, it is proper to have symbols of military service.

Put some thought into the weather. Granite is the most reliable material used in all climates. Over time, bronze can develop a green patina, which some people appreciate. Marble is beautiful, but under extreme winter conditions, it can develop cracks.

Think about the future. Some couples purchase double markers for when they both pass. This way, they spend less than if they purchase two separate markers at a future date.

Read your contract. Understand what your payment covers. Does it include the cost of engraving? Installation? Does this company give any guarantee? The Monument Builders of North America (MBNA) suggests that everything gets put down in writing.

Common Materials Used

Different materials work better for different situations:

Granite – This rock is super-strong. It is available in a lot of colors: gray, black, pink, red, and more. Granite can stay for hundreds of years unharmed. Most cremation markers are made of granite.

Bronze – Gives a traditional look to the ambience. Shines at first; with time, it develops a greenish tone. Most bronze memorials are made for military commemorations.

Marble – Pure white marble looks beautiful. But it is softer than granite. Damage can be caused to marble over the years by either acid rain or pollution. Many of the old cemeteries do not allow marble nowadays.

Composite materials – Some new markers incorporate some man-made materials. Some can imitate stone, without costing as much. Good when they are used as temporary markers, or in situations when they are cost-prohibitive.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of other names for cremation headstones: markers, memorials, plaques, or monuments. All of these things somehow offer a legitimate place to the family for relating to their departed ones.

The price of cremation headstones may run from a few hundred dollars to thousands, but it is important to remember that here, we are not talking about buying a stone. We here are discussing permanent remembrance. Both $300 and $3,000 honor their loved ones.

Taking your time in this decision is good. Visit cemeteries so you can see what you like in terms of style. Speak with memorial companies about possibilities. Most importantly, find something that feels right for the person that you’re honoring.

Free markers for veterans are given by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Social Security Admin. (SSA) will pay a one-time death benefit that may help you with some memorial costs. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accepts some funeral costs as tax write-offs. Find out what assistance might be available to you.

A well-made cremation marker can last for 100-plus years. Generations to come will stand in this very spot and learn about someone they never met. Thus, selecting the right memorial is an important act of love.