Following a burial, families often need time to choose a permanent memorial, and a temporary marker keeps the gravesite clearly identifiable in the meantime. Many funeral homes and cemeteries place one shortly after the service so visitors can locate the grave right away.
Temporary markers also bridge practical delays outside a family’s control. Cemeteries frequently ask families to wait for the ground to settle before a heavy stone is set, and production, delivery, and installation schedules add further time before a permanent memorial is in place.
Types Of Temporary Grave Markers
Families have several interim grave marker options, each suited to short-term use while a permanent memorial is prepared. Our guide on Comparing the Different Types of Grave Markers covers long-term memorial materials and designs in more depth.
- Metal Grave Markers: Metal markers, often made of aluminum, typically hold a small nameplate or insert showing the person’s name and dates. They are among the most common markers funeral homes provide after a burial.
- Wooden Grave Markers: Wooden crosses and simple plaques offer a traditional look and can be lettered or painted by hand. They suit short periods but may warp, fade, or deteriorate with moisture and changing weather.
- Plastic Grave Markers: Plastic markers are lightweight and inexpensive, usually with a printed card displayed behind a clear cover. That said, extended sun and weather exposure can fade the lettering over time.
- Temporary Stake Markers: Stake markers are pressed directly into the soil near the head of the grave and come in metal, plastic, or wood. Their simple design makes them easy to place and remove once the permanent headstone arrives.
Temporary Grave Marker vs. Headstone: Key Differences
Temporary markers and permanent headstones both identify a resting place, but they differ in purpose, materials, and longevity. Grave Markers vs. Headstones: What’s the Difference explains how these memorials vary in design and placement.
Purpose And Longevity
Temporary markers identify a gravesite only until the permanent memorial is installed. By contrast, a granite headstone is made to provide lasting identification for generations, and every Legacy memorial is backed by a 500-year guarantee against natural deterioration, cracking, and discoloration.
Materials And Durability
Temporary markers rely on plastic, wood, or lightweight metal, which suits short-term use but not years outdoors. Meanwhile, permanent headstones are made of dense natural granite or bronze and built to withstand weather, mowing equipment, and seasonal temperature changes.
Design And Personalization
Temporary markers usually show only a name and dates, whereas a permanent headstone can carry inscriptions, artwork, religious symbols, and portraits, giving families far more room to honor the significance of a life. Every Legacy design is shared as a proof for your approval before engraving begins, so nothing is carved until it looks right to you.
Cost And Installation
Temporary markers cost little and can be placed by hand. In comparison, a permanent headstone is a larger investment, which is why Legacy includes design, engraving, and free shipping to the lower 48 states (Alaska & Hawaii are extra) in the listed price, with no hidden fees. Families seeking a simple, affordable option often consider the Black Granite (Economy) Single Grass-Level Headstone, which can be personalized with a graphic, name, dates, and memorial text. Installation requirements vary by cemetery, and setting the stone is typically handled by the cemetery or a monument professional.
Choosing A Temporary Grave Marker For Your Loved One
Selecting a temporary grave marker involves a few practical considerations. Focusing on accurate information, reliable placement, and the expected timeline helps maintain a dignified gravesite while permanent arrangements are underway.
Confirm The Marker’s Information
Check the spelling of your loved one’s name and verify all dates before the marker is prepared. Reviewing these details with the funeral home or cemetery helps prevent errors on the marker and gives you an accurate record to use when designing the permanent headstone.
Ask About Placement And Maintenance
Confirm who will place the marker at the gravesite and whether the cemetery maintains it while it is in use. Knowing these responsibilities upfront helps families avoid unexpected arrangements after the burial.
Discuss The Permanent Memorial Timeline
Ask the cemetery about any required waiting period, then factor in production and delivery. At Legacy Headstones, most orders ship within two to three weeks of an approved design, and delivery generally takes two to seven business days within the lower 48 states.
Clarify Removal Arrangements
Find out whether the cemetery or installer will remove the temporary marker when the permanent headstone is set. Confirming this in advance makes the transition more straightforward for your family.
Transitioning From A Temporary To A Permanent Headstone
Replacing a temporary marker with a permanent headstone is often the final step in creating a lasting place of remembrance. Some cemeteries, particularly memorial parks, require flat grave markers, and grass-level markers that sit flush with the lawn are an elegant choice that also simplifies mowing and upkeep. Our Flat Headstones collection offers single grass-level designs in various shades of granite, including the Black Granite Single Flat Headstone with complimentary photo etching. For guidance on timing, our article on When You Can Put a Headstone on a Grave explains common waiting periods and cemetery considerations.
Spouses planning a shared plot may prefer a companion design such as the Small Double Flat Headstone Marker, which can include a portrait and personalized text. Every Legacy memorial is engraved and carved in the United States using a two-step process that pairs deep sandblasting with precision laser detailing, then crated for delivery with a call from the carrier before arrival. If anything arrives less than perfect, we replace it at no charge. Our FAQ for Grave Markers and Headstones answers common questions about customization, shipping, and cemetery requirements, but if you have additional concerns, our friendly team is available at 800-611-1340.
