Guides & answers
Headstone questions, answered
Straightforward, compassionate answers to the questions families ask most — costs, sizes, materials, timelines, and what to write.
Costs
How much does a headstone cost?
Headstones typically range from about $199 for a simple flat, grass-level marker to $5,000 or more for a large premium companion upright. Most single upright headstones fall between $1,000 and $3,000. At My Custom Headstone, flat markers start at $199, engraving is included, and pricing is shown up front with no hidden fees.
Choosing
How to choose a headstone
To choose a headstone: (1) check your cemetery's rules, (2) pick a type — flat, slant, or upright, (3) choose the granite color and material, (4) plan the inscription, (5) add a symbol or photo, and (6) review a design proof before engraving. Working with a designer makes each step simpler.
Choosing
What size headstone do I need?
Common flat markers are 16"×8" up to 24"×12". Single upright stones are often 20–24" wide; companion uprights 36–48" wide. Your cemetery sets the maximum allowed size, so always confirm their specs before ordering.
Choosing
Flat vs. upright vs. slant headstones: which should you choose?
Flat (grass-level) markers are the most affordable and most widely accepted by cemeteries. Slant and pillow markers add an angled reading face. Upright (tablet) stones stand tall with the most engraving room but are restricted in some sections. Choose based on your cemetery's rules, your budget, and how much you want to engrave.
Materials
Granite vs. bronze grave markers: what's the difference?
Granite is the most popular choice — durable, affordable, and available in several colors with deeply engraved lettering. Bronze markers (cast on a granite base) have raised lettering and a classic look, cost more, and are required by some cemeteries. Both last for generations.
Process
How long does it take to get a headstone made?
Most custom headstones are completed within a few weeks of design approval, depending on the stone, the engraving, and cemetery scheduling. Simpler flat markers are faster; large premium stones with photo engraving take longer. If you're working toward a service date, tell us and we'll do everything we can to meet it.
Basics
Headstone vs. gravestone vs. monument vs. marker: what's the difference?
The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. In general: a 'marker' is a flat, ground-level stone; a 'headstone' or 'gravestone' is the memorial at the head of a grave (flat or upright); a 'monument' usually means a larger upright memorial; and 'tombstone' is an older word for the same idea.
Inscriptions
What should you write on a headstone?
A headstone usually includes the full name, birth and passing dates, and an optional short epitaph or relationship line (like 'Beloved Mother'). Keep it meaningful and concise — a few words you'll be glad to read for decades. Below are epitaph ideas you can use or adapt.