Grave Markers & Headstones: The Complete Guide
Choosing a marker is one of the most lasting decisions you'll make. This guide explains the terms, the types and materials, what things cost, what the symbols mean, and how a small QR plaque lets any marker hold far more than a name and two dates.
Guides in this collection
- Headstone vs Gravestone vs Grave Marker vs Tombstone
- Flat & Flush Grave Markers
- Bronze Memorial Plaques
- Memorial Garden Stones
- Memorial Benches With a Plaque
- How Much Does a Grave Marker Cost?
- What Headstone Symbols & Markings Mean
- How to Clean a Headstone Safely
- In Loving Memory: Meaning & Wording Templates
- In Memoriam: Meaning & Usage
- Memorial Plaque for a Friend (with Music)
- Epitaph & Headstone Wording Generator (Tool)
- QR Code Headstones
Frequently asked questions
A headstone is one type of grave marker — specifically an upright stone. "Grave marker" is the umbrella term for anything that marks a grave, including upright headstones, flat/flush plaques, and bronze tablets. All can carry a QR memorial plaque.
Flat markers are generally the most affordable, uprights cost more, and bronze more still — driven by material, size, engraving and installation, plus any cemetery fees. See our grave-marker cost guide for the ranges and what drives them.
Yes. A QR memorial plaque attaches to almost any headstone or marker; scanning it opens a free digital memorial page with unlimited photos, video, voice and stories — no app required.
Keep their story
A free digital memorial page holds their photos, voice and story, and a small QR memorial plaque opens it from any resting place. Explore the full resource hub.