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Temporary grave marker: Materials, regulations, and placement
Temporary grave marker , 2026 guide to materials, regulations, placement, costs, and how temporary markers differ from permanent headstones. permanent headstones.
A temporary grave marker is a short-term marker placed on a grave while a permanent headstone is being designed, ordered, and installed. Most cemeteries require or recommend temporary markers during the weeks or months between the burial and the installation of the permanent stone. They serve both a practical purpose (locating the grave for visitors) and a memorial purpose (marking the name and dates during a difficult time).
This page covers the types of temporary grave markers, common materials, cemetery regulations, and how they differ from permanent headstones.
Why temporary markers are used
Permanent headstones typically take 6 to 16 weeks to design, fabricate, and install. Granite and bronze markers require a foundry or a stone cutter, custom engraving takes additional time, and cemetery installation must be scheduled around weather and groundskeeping. During that interval, a temporary marker identifies the grave.
Temporary markers also serve a practical role in identifying graves during the early weeks after burial, when the ground may still be settling and the burial location may not be obvious to visitors.
Common materials
The most common temporary grave marker materials:
Aluminum stake markers. Lightweight metal stakes with a printed or engraved name plate. Inexpensive, weatherproof, and easy to install. Prices run $20 to $60. Most common material for cemetery-supplied temporary markers.
Plastic or vinyl stake markers. Printed plastic or vinyl signs on a wire or wooden stake. Lower cost ($10 to $40) but less durable in wind and weather.
Cast aluminum or bronze plates. Higher-end temporary markers that look more like a permanent plaque. Prices run $80 to $250.
Wooden crosses or stakes. Traditional in many cemeteries, particularly in older sections. Cedar or pine crosses run $15 to $50 and last 1 to 3 years.
Cast iron or cast bronze government-issued markers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a free temporary marker for veterans, typically a flat bronze or aluminum plate on a stake. The temporary marker is replaced by the permanent government-issued marker once it is fabricated.
Cemetery regulations
Most cemeteries have specific rules about temporary grave markers:
- Size limits. Many cemeteries specify a maximum size for temporary markers (typically 8”x12” or 12”x18”).
- Material restrictions. Some cemeteries restrict temporary markers to specific materials (most commonly aluminum stakes).
- Time limits. Temporary markers are usually permitted for 6 to 12 months. After that, the cemetery may remove them to make way for permanent markers.
- Installation requirements. Temporary markers are typically inserted into the ground rather than attached to the headstone. Most cemeteries provide installation for free or for a small fee.
Check with the cemetery office before ordering a temporary marker. Many cemeteries supply them directly, often at cost or free of charge. Buying through the cemetery ensures the marker meets local regulations.
Temporary vs. Permanent Markers
Temporary markers are designed to last 6 to 24 months, depending on the material and climate. Permanent markers (granite, bronze, marble) last 50 to 100+ years. The temporary marker is replaced, not upgraded; it is a different product entirely.
The inscription on a temporary marker is usually minimal, the person’s name, birth and death dates, and optionally a short phrase. Permanent markers can include longer inscriptions, images, and religious symbols.
When to Order
Order a temporary grave marker as soon as the burial is scheduled. Many cemeteries provide one as part of the burial service, but for a personalized version with the full name and dates, order 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
For families who want a more substantial temporary marker (a small bronze plate, for example), allow 2 to 4 weeks for production. Most vendors offer rush production for an additional fee.
Removing the Temporary Marker
Once the permanent marker is installed, the temporary marker is removed. Some families keep the temporary marker as a memento. Others return it to the cemetery for recycling. Check with the cemetery about their preferred procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a temporary grave marker stay on a grave?Most cemeteries allow temporary markers to remain for 6 to 12 months. After that, the family is expected to have a permanent marker installed. Some cemeteries extend the limit during winter months when installation is difficult.
How much does a temporary grave marker cost?Plastic or aluminum stake markers run $10 to $60. Cast aluminum or bronze plates run $80 to $250. Wooden crosses run $15 to $50. Many cemeteries supply temporary markers free of charge or at cost.
What goes on a temporary grave marker?Most temporary markers include the person's full name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a short phrase ("In Loving Memory" or "Beloved [Relationship]"). Optional add-ons include a religious symbol, but most temporary markers have minimal decoration.
Can I make my own temporary grave marker?Yes, but check with the cemetery first. Some cemeteries allow homemade wooden crosses but restrict metal or stone markers. Handmade markers should still be weatherproofed to last through the installation period.
Does the VA provide a temporary grave marker?Yes. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a free temporary marker for eligible veterans, typically a flat bronze or aluminum plate on a stake. The temporary marker is replaced by the permanent government-issued marker once it is fabricated.
References
- https://markthomasco.com/product/temporary-grave-marker/
- https://www.messengerstationery.com/product/metal-grave-marker
- https://signatureheadstones.com/blogs/news/temporary-grave-markers-vs-permanent-headstones-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.amazon.com/temporary-grave-markers/s?k=temporary+grave+markers
- https://cemetery-supply.com/product/norman-temporary-grave-markers/
- https://hollandsupplyinc.com/product-category/cemetery/temporary-grave-markers/
- https://www.lynchsupply.com/Temporary-Grave-Markers-Memorial-Flags-cemetery-s/143.htm
- https://henryschwab.com/product-category/sundries/grave-markers/
- https://www.trigardmemorials.com/blog/what-is-a-temporary-grave-marker-why-is-it-important/
- https://acsupplies.com/categories/cemetery/temporary-grave-markers.html
Questions, answered
How long can a temporary grave marker stay on a grave?
How much does a temporary grave marker cost?
What goes on a temporary grave marker?
Can I make my own temporary grave marker?
Does the VA provide a temporary grave marker?
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