Temporary Grave Markers Metal: How to Choose & Where to Order

What a temporary grave marker is

A temporary grave marker is a marker placed at a grave while the permanent headstone is being produced. The temporary marker holds the name, the dates, and any necessary identifying information for the period between the burial and the installation of the permanent stone, which is usually 6 to 10 weeks but can be longer.

This page covers the kinds of metal temporary grave markers, the practical choices (material, size, inscription), and where to order one.

Why use a metal temporary marker

There are three kinds of temporary grave markers.

• Wood. A simple pine board, often 12”x24” to 18”x36”, with the name painted or stenciled on. The least expensive. Lasts a few months in dry weather; begins to weather and warp within a season.
• Plastic or vinyl. A printed plastic or vinyl sign, often with a stake. The least durable, used for short-term placement.
• Metal. A cast aluminum, engraved bronze, or printed aluminum marker. The most durable. Lasts years if needed, and weathers cleanly without warping or fading.

For most families, a metal temporary marker is the right choice. It holds up to weather, it is dignified, and it can stay in place indefinitely if the permanent headstone is delayed.

Common materials

Cast aluminum. A cast aluminum marker, often 12”x18” to 16”x24”, with a raised or recessed inscription. A baked-on enamel finish in bronze, gold, silver, or black. The most common material for a metal temporary marker. Cost: $40 to $150.

Engraved bronze. A solid bronze plate, often 8”x12” to 12”x18”, with an engraved inscription. The most formal temporary marker, often used for a state or a national cemetery. Cost: $100 to $400.

Printed aluminum. A printed aluminum sign with a weather-resistant coating, often on a stake. The least expensive metal option, used for short-term placement. Cost: $25 to $80.

Stainless steel. A laser-cut or engraved stainless marker, often with a stake. A modern, durable option. Cost: $50 to $200.

Sizes

The most common sizes for a metal temporary grave marker are:

• 8”x12”, a small marker, suitable for a flat or a sloped area
• 12”x18”, the most common size, with enough room for a name, dates, and a short inscription
• 16”x24”, a larger marker, suitable for a family plot or a longer inscription
• 18”x36”, a flat marker laid on the ground, often used for a state or a national cemetery

For most temporary placements, a 12”x18” cast aluminum marker is the right size. The inscription is large enough to read from a few feet away, and the marker is heavy enough to stay in place without a stake.

Mounting

Stake. A metal or wood stake driven into the ground. The most common mounting for a metal temporary marker. Works in soft soil; less reliable in hard or rocky ground.

Ground anchor. A small metal anchor that screws into the ground, with the marker attached. More secure than a stake, especially in soft or sandy soil.

Weighted base. A small concrete or metal base that holds the marker upright. Used when a stake is not practical.

Laid flat. A flat marker laid on the ground, often at the head of the grave. Used when a vertical marker is not appropriate or when the cemetery does not allow vertical temporary markers.

Inscription

A temporary grave marker usually includes:

• The full legal name of the deceased
• The date of birth and the date of death
• An optional relationship line (“Beloved husband and father,” “In loving memory”)
• An optional funeral home or cemetery name

The inscription is short and legible from a few feet away. Most temporary markers do not include a long quote or a religious verse, that goes on the permanent headstone.

Where to Order

Cemetery monument companies. Most local cemetery monument companies sell metal temporary markers, often for a small markup over the manufacturer’s price. The cemetery office can usually recommend a supplier.

Funeral homes. Most funeral homes either sell or can order a metal temporary marker. The funeral director is often the fastest source for a same-day or next-day order.

National monument retailers. Mark Thomas Co., Messenger Stationery, Cemetery Supply, Holland Supply, Lynch Supply, Henry Schwab, and Trigard Memorials all carry metal temporary markers. Most ship in 1 to 2 weeks.

Amazon and Walmart. A limited selection of generic metal markers, often the lowest price available. Best for a quick, low-cost order.

What It Costs in 2026

• 8”x12” cast aluminum, raised inscription, stake: $40 to $80.
• 12”x18” cast aluminum, raised inscription, stake: $80 to $150.
• 12”x18” engraved bronze, stake: $150 to $400.
• 16”x24” cast aluminum, raised inscription, stake: $150 to $300.
• 16”x24” engraved bronze, stake: $300 to $600.

The price depends on the size, the material, the inscription detail, and the mounting hardware. A simple name and dates is the least expensive; a longer inscription with a relationship line and a small graphic is the most expensive.

How Long Does a Temporary Marker Stay in Place?

Most temporary markers stay in place until the permanent headstone is installed, which is usually 6 to 10 weeks. A metal temporary marker can stay in place for years without significant wear, and many families choose to leave the temporary marker in place for several months even after the permanent headstone is installed, particularly if the permanent stone is in a different location or if the family wants a marker at the foot of the grave.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Mark Thomas Co. temporary grave marker
2. Messenger Stationery metal grave marker
3. Cemetery Supply Norman temporary grave markers
4. Holland Supply temporary grave markers
5. Trigard Memorials temporary grave marker guide