Choosing a headstone is one of those decisions most people only face once or twice in a lifetime, and it usually comes at a time when there’s a lot else going on. If you’ve started looking into it, you’ve probably noticed there are more options than you expected: upright monuments, flat markers, slant markers, bronze plaques, and more. Each one has its own look, its own price point, and in many cases, its own cemetery rules.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the main types, so you can walk into that decision feeling a little more prepared.
Upright Monuments
This is the classic image most people picture when they think of a headstone: a vertical stone set into a base, standing above the ground. Upright monuments offer the most space for engraving, so they’re a good fit if you want room for a longer inscription, a portrait, religious symbols, or family details across generations.
They also tend to be the most visible and personal option in a cemetery, which is part of why many families choose them. The tradeoff is that not every cemetery allows uprights in every section, so it’s worth checking with the cemetery before falling in love with a particular style.
Flat (Flush) Markers
Flat markers sit level with the ground, usually made of granite or bronze, set into a stone base. Many cemeteries, especially newer sections or memorial parks, require flat markers specifically because they’re easier to maintain with mowing equipment.
They’re generally more budget-friendly than upright monuments and have a quieter, more understated presence. That doesn’t mean limited, though. Flat markers can still include photos, custom shapes, and detailed engraving; there’s just less vertical space to work with.
Slant Markers
Slant markers are a middle ground between upright and flat. The stone sits at an angle, closer to the ground than an upright monument but still raised enough to be easily read while walking past. They’re a popular choice for families who want more visibility than a flat marker offers without the higher cost of a full upright monument.
Slant markers are also worth considering if a cemetery has size or height restrictions that rule out uprights but still allow something with more presence than flush granite.
Bronze Markers and Plaques
Bronze isn’t a shape so much as a material, but it deserves its own mention because it changes the whole look and feel of a marker. Bronze plaques are typically mounted on a granite base and are known for holding up well over time, resisting weathering better than some softer stones.
They also allow for finer detail in lettering and imagery, which is why you’ll often see them used for veteran markers, military honors, and memorials that include emblems or crests.
Companion and Double Headstones
For couples who want to be remembered together, companion (or double) headstones hold two names, dates, and inscriptions on a single, wider stone. These can be upright, flat, or slant in style, so the format decision still applies; it’s really about width and layout rather than a separate category on its own.
Companion markers are a practical and meaningful option for spouses, and many families choose to have one name and date engraved when the first spouse passes, leaving the second side ready for later.
Veteran and Military Markers
As a veteran-owned business, this is a category we know well and take seriously. Veterans and their families often qualify for government-issued markers through the Department of Veterans Affairs, available in flat marble, granite, or bronze, at no cost to the family. These typically include the veteran’s name, service branch, rank, and dates of service.
Families can also choose a private, custom headstone in addition to or instead of the VA-issued marker, which allows for more personalization while still honoring military service through engraved emblems, branch insignias, or additional inscriptions. If you’re navigating this process, it helps to work with someone who understands both the paperwork and the design side, so nothing gets lost in translation.
Which Type Is Right for You?
There’s no single “best” headstone type; it really comes down to a few practical questions:
- What does the cemetery allow?
- How much are you looking to spend?
- How much space do you want for inscriptions, photos, or family information?
- Is this for one person, a couple, or a family plot?
If you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly what we’re here for. We can walk you through what your specific cemetery allows, show you real examples in each style, and help you find something that feels right, not just standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a headstone and a grave marker?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but “grave marker” is really the broader term that covers any type, upright, flat, slant, or bronze, while “headstone” traditionally refers to an upright stone placed at the head of the grave. In everyday conversation, most people use them to mean the same thing.
Can all cemeteries have upright headstones?
No. Many cemeteries, especially newer sections or memorial parks, restrict certain areas to flat or flush markers only, usually to make mowing and maintenance easier. It’s always worth checking with the specific cemetery before choosing a style, since this varies a lot from one location to the next.
Which type of headstone is the least expensive?
Flat markers are generally the most budget-friendly option because they use less stone and require a smaller base than upright monuments. That said, price also depends on the material, size, and how much engraving or customization is involved.
Can you put a photo on a flat headstone?
Yes. Flat markers can absolutely include a photo, along with custom engraving and shapes; there’s just less surface space overall compared to an upright monument, so photos and additional details are usually a bit smaller in scale.
How do you get a headstone for a veteran?
Veterans and eligible family members can request a government-issued marker through the Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost to the family, available in flat marble, granite, or bronze. Families can also choose a private, custom headstone instead of or alongside the VA marker for more personalization.
What is a companion headstone?
A companion (or double) headstone is a single, wider marker that holds two names, dates, and inscriptions, typically for spouses. It can be made in an upright, flat, or slanted style, so the format decision still applies in addition to choosing a companion layout.
How long does it take to get a headstone made and installed?
Timing varies by material, design complexity, and cemetery scheduling, but it’s common for the process to take several weeks to a few months from order to installation. It’s a good idea to ask for a specific timeline once you’ve settled on a design, especially if there’s a service or anniversary date you’re working around.
Do flat markers sink into the ground over time?
It can happen if the base wasn’t set properly or the ground shifts, but a well-installed flat marker on a solid foundation should stay level for many years. This is one reason it’s worth working with an experienced monument company for installation, not just the stone itself.
Reach out to us at Bottinelli’s Monuments to talk through your options, whether you’re planning ahead or making a decision for a loved one right now.