memorial plaque accessories & related items
Where to Buy Temporary Grave Markers: Sources, Materials, and Prices
Where to buy temporary grave markers , online stores, cemetery suppliers, and material options. With prices, lead times, and a buying checklist. times, and a buying checklist.
A temporary grave marker is placed at the gravesite between the burial and the installation of the permanent headstone or monument. The marker identifies the grave, marks it for maintenance, and gives the family a place to visit in the months before the permanent stone arrives.
This guide covers where to buy temporary grave markers, the materials they are made from, how much they cost, and what to check before ordering. It is written for families, funeral directors, and cemetery staff placing markers in the days and weeks after a burial.
What temporary grave markers are made of
Temporary markers are usually made of materials that hold up for one to five years outdoors without permanent installation. The most common materials are:
- Aluminum. The most common material. Light, weather-resistant, and inexpensive. Most cemetery suppliers stock standard sizes.
- Galvanized steel. Heavier than aluminum and more durable. Used where the marker needs to stand up to equipment traffic.
- Plastic and PVC. The most affordable option. Used for short-term markers, weeks rather than years.
- Wood. Traditional but less common today. Used in some denominations and regions.
- Vinyl. Used as a temporary overlay on existing monuments, not as a standalone marker.
Standard sizes run from 8 by 12 inches for grass-level markers up to 12 by 24 inches for larger placements. Some markers include a stake or ground anchor; others lie flat.
Where to Buy Temporary Grave Markers
There are four main sources for temporary grave markers: cemetery supply companies, monument companies, online retailers, and funeral homes.
- Cemetery supply companies. The primary source. Companies like Cemetery Supply, Holland Supply, Henry Schwab, and Trigard Memorials specialize in cemetery hardware and ship directly to the cemetery or funeral home.
- Monument companies. Many monument companies sell temporary markers as a courtesy while the permanent stone is being fabricated. Some include the temporary marker in the cost of the monument.
- Online retailers. Amazon, Walmart, and specialty online stores carry a small selection of stock markers. The selection is thinner than cemetery supply companies, but the prices are sometimes lower.
- Funeral homes. Most funeral homes either stock temporary markers or arrange the order through a cemetery supply partner. The funeral director usually handles the placement and the engraving details.
Cost ranges
Temporary grave markers run $20 to $200 depending on material, size, and customization.
- Stock aluminum markers (8 by 12 inches, no customization): $20 to $50.
- Custom engraved aluminum markers (12 by 24 inches): $60 to $150.
- Galvanized steel markers with stake: $80 to $200.
- Plastic and PVC markers: $15 to $40.
Engraving typically adds $10 to $40 per marker depending on the number of lines and the turnaround.
Common Sizing and Layout
Cemetery supply catalogs stock a small set of standard sizes and layouts. The most common:
- 8 by 12 inches, single name, two lines. Used for grass-level markers in cemetery sections.
- 12 by 24 inches, single name, four lines. Used at the head of the plot for longer inscriptions.
- 12 by 12 inches, double marker. Used for companion plots.
- Round or oval markers, 9 by 12 inches. Used for smaller cemetery sections and mausoleum placement.
Most markers include the deceased’s full name, dates of birth and death, and the section and lot number. Some families add a short inscription or a religious symbol at additional cost.
What to Check Before Ordering
A short checklist for temporary marker orders:
- Confirm the cemetery’s rules on temporary markers. Some cemeteries require specific materials, sizes, or installation methods.
- Confirm the section, lot, and grave number. The engraving is not reusable if the lot number changes.
- Confirm the placement date. Most markers need to be in place within a few days of the burial.
- Confirm the engraving proof. Even on a temporary marker, spelling errors are hard to fix in the field.
- Confirm the removal date. Most cemeteries remove the temporary marker when the permanent stone is installed.
Lead Times and Shipping
Most temporary markers ship within 1 to 3 weeks. Stock markers with no engraving can often ship within days. Custom engraved markers usually run 2 to 4 weeks depending on the supplier’s queue.
If the marker is needed urgently, for example, before a weekend burial, many cemetery supply companies offer expedited production at a premium.
How much does a temporary grave marker cost?Stock aluminum markers run $20 to $50. Custom engraved aluminum markers run $60 to $150. Galvanized steel markers with stake run $80 to $200. Plastic and PVC markers run $15 to $40.
How long does a temporary grave marker last?Aluminum and galvanized steel markers last 2 to 5 years outdoors. Plastic and PVC markers last weeks to a few years depending on the climate and the grade. Most temporary markers are replaced by the permanent stone within 6 to 18 months.
Who places the temporary grave marker?In most cases, the cemetery staff or the funeral director places the temporary marker. Some families place the marker themselves, especially in private cemeteries or family plots.
Can I order a temporary grave marker online?Yes. Cemetery supply companies and Amazon carry stock and custom markers that can be ordered online. Custom engraving requires submitting the text in the order and confirming a digital proof.
What information goes on a temporary grave marker?Most temporary markers include the deceased's full name, dates of birth and death, and the cemetery section and lot number. Some families add a short inscription like "In Loving Memory" or a religious symbol.
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 much does a temporary grave marker cost?
How long does a temporary grave marker last?
Who places the temporary grave marker?
Can I order a temporary grave marker online?
What information goes on a temporary grave marker?
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