Types of High Quality Cemetery Monuments

Aug 19, 2024

The last goodbye to the one you love is hard to say, but everyone has to do it to rest their loved one’s body in peace. Picking high quality cemetery monuments can be tough during this hard time. There are so many types and materials to choose from, and you want one that will truly honor your loved one and last over time. The pressure to get it right can make an already hard time even more stressful.

But by learning about the different types of high quality cemetery monuments, you can make a choice that feels right and brings you some peace. Read on to learn about types of cemetery monuments.

10 Types of High Quality Cemetery Monuments

Upright Monuments

These monuments are the most common and recognizable type of cemetery monument. These monuments are made from granite or marble and stand vertically on a base. They offer ample space for inscriptions, epitaphs, and designs, making them highly customizable. Upright monuments are a timeless choice as they are prominent and dignified memorials.

Flat Markers

Flat markers, also known as flush markers, lie level with the ground. These high quality cemetery monuments are made from granite or bronze and are often used in memorial parks with specific regulations about monument height.

These are understated yet elegant, with a simple and refined way to commemorate a loved one. They require less maintenance and are easier to mow around, keeping the cemetery grounds neat and tidy.

Slant Markers

This monument is a hybrid between upright monuments and flat markers. They have a slanted face that allows easy reading while maintaining a lower profile. Made from granite, slant markers have a unique look and can be personalized with various inscriptions and designs. They provide a modern twist on traditional upright monuments.

Bench Monuments

These high quality cemetery monuments provide a place for visitors to sit and reflect while honoring the deceased. You can get it made from granite or other durable materials and in various designs, from simple benches to more elaborate structures with inscriptions and decorative elements. They offer a comforting place for family and friends to gather and remember their loved ones.

Obelisks

These are tall, four-sided pillars that taper to a point at the top. These impressive monuments have been used throughout history to commemorate notable individuals and events. This cemetery monument represents eternal life, heaven, or even the sun’s rays shining down on the dead.

Mausoleums

These are above-ground structures that house the remains of one or more individuals. A mausoleum is a final resting place that is typically grand and architecturally impressive. It is where people or families can be entombed or interred above ground. Mausoleums are not limited to any particular religion. Various religions use mausoleums, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islam, and Christianity.

Ledgers

Ledgers are large, flat slabs of stone that cover the entire burial plot. They can provide enough surface area for inscriptions, engravings, and decorative elements. These high quality cemetery monuments are a great way to honor the deceased, with ample space for detailed epitaphs, family information, and artistic designs. Ledgers are particularly suited for those who wish to create a grand and lasting memorial.

Statues and Sculptures

These types of cemetery monuments are artistic and expressive forms. These can range from religious figures like angels and saints to more personalized sculptures that reflect the deceased’s interests or personality. They are a powerful visual reminder of the loved one’s presence and legacy.

Columbariums

Columbariums are structures specifically designed to hold cremated remains. It contains niches where urns are placed, often within a serene garden or a dedicated area of the cemetery Monuments like these can be constructed from various materials, including granite and marble, and are designed to offer a peaceful and respectful resting place for cremated loved ones.

Pedestal Monuments

This high quality cemetery monument is typically large, with four faces for inscriptions and flat vertical sides (tapering or straight) topped with a flat capital or pediment (a triangular roof structure). There could also be an urn above the pediment or the capital. An acropodium is an elevated pedestal or plinth that bears a statue and is raised above the substructure that supports it (typically roofs or cornices).

Garden Memorials

Garden memorials mix natural plants with classic monument styles, making a calm and peaceful spot. They can have garden benches, birdbaths, sundials, and more decorative items that make the cemetery look beautiful. These memorials are made of granite and bronze and provide a quiet place for thinking and remembering loved ones. They are perfect for people who wish to make a lively and enjoyable tribute for visitors.

Ending Note

High quality cemetery monuments are enduring tributes to our loved ones, honoring their memory and comforting those left behind. Whether you choose an upright monument, flat marker, bench, or mausoleum, selecting a high-quality option ensures the monument will stand the test of time. By understanding the different types, you can create a meaningful and lasting tribute that will be cherished for generations.

For assistance in selecting, call Southern Stone Monuments to find the perfect one to love, respect, and honor your departed loved ones!