When someone dear to you passes away, it’s important to designate a place to visit and pay your respects in the years to come. To do so, many families choose grave markers, which feature the individual’s name, the years they lived, and sometimes a short, heartfelt remark. However, before deciding these details, you’ll need to choose a design for the marker itself. Use the following guide to learn about some of the most common options.

3 Different Types of Grave Markers

1. Flat Grave Markers

This style is known for being the most affordable, thanks to its minimalist design. However, it offers a more intimate experience for family members who are paying their respects since, to see the inscription, they’ll have to step up close and look down. These grave markers are also longer-lasting than headstones, which are more pronounced and subsequently more vulnerable to chipping and erosion. Plus, these grave markers will preserve the meadow-like look of the cemetery, highlighting the natural beauty of your loved one’s resting place.

2. Headstone Grave Markers

You might be most familiar with this grave marker design, which stands up and faces the viewer. It’s usually rounded on top, and the inscription can be read from a slight distance. While this design is more vulnerable to the elements, it offers a more grandiose appearance than a flat marker, highlighting your loved one’s presence in the cemetery.

3. Custom Grave Markers

These monuments can be customized to better represent your loved one. For example, some couples might like a wide rectangle that fits both of their names, or even a heart-like shape. Christian families might prefer to visit a cross-shaped headstone, while veterans might request the shape of a waving flag. Some families also choose custom grave markers to better represent pets or infants. 

If you’re hoping to commemorate your friend or relative’s life with a grave marker, you can find a place for it inside Oak Grove Cemetery. Based in La Crosse, WI, this cemetery has been welcoming loved ones since 1852. In addition to cemetery plots, they can also arrange burial services, refer families to counseling, or set up seasonal decorations for your loved one’s grave. To learn more about their property, visit the website, or call (608) 782-6956.