How do I choose the right monument shape and size?

Choosing the right monument shape and size involves balancing cemetery regulations, personal preferences, budget considerations, and practical factors. At Gifford Monument Works, we guide families through this decision process, ensuring your monument appropriately honors your loved one while meeting all requirements.

Monument Shapes and Styles

Flat Markers (Grass-Level Memorials):

The most common monument style, flat markers sit flush with or slightly above ground level.

Characteristics:

• Height: 4-8 inches typically
• Width: 24 inches (single) to 48 inches (companion)
• Depth: 12-16 inches
• Cost Range: $800-$2,500

Best For:

• Memorial park cemeteries requiring uniform appearance
• Budget-conscious families
• Contemporary aesthetic preferences
• Easy maintenance desires

Bevel Markers (Slightly Raised):

Bevel markers angle upward from ground level, offering more visibility than flat markers while remaining relatively low-profile.

Characteristics:

• Height: 8-12 inches at highest point
• Slanted face for better visibility
• Width: 24-48 inches
• Depth: 16-20 inches
• Cost Range: $1,200-$3,500

Best For:

• Families wanting more presence than flat markers
• Cemeteries allowing slight elevation
• Better visibility from standing position
• Transitional traditional-contemporary aesthetic

Slant Markers (Angled Memorials):

Slant markers have a steep backward angle, providing excellent readability while remaining relatively compact.

Characteristics:

• Height: 12-18 inches at back
• Steep 45-60 degree face angle
• Width: 24-36 inches typically
• Depth: 16-24 inches
• Cost Range: $1,800-$4,500

Best For:

• Individual plots where upright monuments prohibited
• Maximum engraving visibility
• Moderate budget range
• Contemporary styling preferences

Upright Monuments (Traditional Headstones):

The classic monument style, upright monuments consist of a base and an upright die, offering maximum visibility and engraving space.

Characteristics:

• Height: 24-72 inches total (die height varies)
• Multi-piece construction (base + die)
• Width: 24-60 inches
• Depth: 8-18 inches
• Cost Range: $2,500-$15,000+

Best For:

• Traditional cemetery sections allowing vertical monuments
• Maximum personalization and engraving space
• Long-term family visibility
• Estate or multi-generation plots

Custom Shapes:

Monuments can be custom-shaped into hearts, books, crosses, benches, or virtually any design concept.

Characteristics:

• Dimensions vary by design
• Typically require custom design approval
• Higher production costs
• May have cemetery restrictions
• Cost Range: $4,000-$25,000+

Best For:

• Unique personalization desires
• Memorial to specific interests or professions
• Artistic family preferences
• Premium cemetery plots allowing custom work

Size Considerations

Single vs. Companion Monuments:

Single Monuments:

• Width: 20-30 inches typical
• Designed for one person
• More compact footprint
• Lower cost
• Can be matched later with second monument

Companion/Double Monuments:

• Width: 44-60 inches typical
• Accommodates two names
• More economical than two single monuments
• Better aesthetic cohesion
• Can have names added at different times

Family Estate Monuments:

• Width: 60-96 inches or more
• Multiple family member names
• Centerpiece of family plot
• Highest investment
• Multi-generational use

Factors Influencing Size Selection

1. Cemetery Regulations (Most Important)

Before choosing size, verify cemetery restrictions:

• Maximum and minimum height allowed
• Width limitations for plot size
• Depth restrictions
• Setback requirements from plot boundaries
• Section-specific rules (newer sections often stricter)

2. Plot Size and Configuration

• Single plots: Typically 3' x 8' or 3' x 10'
• Companion plots: Usually 6' x 8' or 8' x 10'
• Family plots: Vary significantly, custom layouts
• Available above-ground space after accounting for setbacks

3. Budget Considerations

Monument costs scale with size:

• Granite priced per cubic foot
• Larger monuments = more material = higher cost
• Engraving costs increase with surface area
• Installation complexity affects labor costs

Size Price Relationship:

• Small flat marker (24"x12"): $800-$1,500
• Medium slant (30"x18"): $2,000-$3,500
• Standard upright (36"x6"x24"): $3,000-$6,000
• Large estate monument (60"x12"x48"): $8,000-$20,000+

4. Engraving Space Needed

Consider what you want to include:

• Names and dates (minimum space)
• Epitaphs or verses (need more space)
• Photographs or portraits (requires significant area)
• Multiple family members (substantial space required)
• Decorative elements (add to space needs)

5. Visibility and Prominence

• How visible do you want the monument to be from roads/paths?
• Will family visit frequently? (larger often preferred for frequent visitors)
• Is this a centerpiece of family plot or individual marker?
• Visibility from standing vs. driving perspective

6. Landscape and Surroundings

• Nearby monument sizes (matching or contrasting?)
• Cemetery section aesthetic (uniform vs. varied)
• Natural landscape features (trees, slopes)
• Overall cemetery style (memorial park vs. traditional)

Monument Proportions and Aesthetics

The Golden Ratio in Monument Design:

Well-proportioned monuments follow these general rules:

For Upright Monuments:

• Die should be approximately 1.5-2 times height of base
• Width should be 2-3 times the depth
• Die should be narrower and shallower than base by 4-8 inches on all sides
• Height-to-width ratio: 1:1 to 3:2 typically looks balanced

For Flat and Bevel Markers:

• Width should be 2-3 times the depth for standard proportions
• Slightly wider rectangles (3:1 ratio) work for companion markers
• Square proportions (1:1) create modern, bold look

Visual Weight:

• Darker granite colors appear heavier, work better for smaller monuments
• Lighter colors suit larger monuments without overwhelming
• Combination designs (polished and rock-faced) add visual interest

Shape Selection Guide

Consider These Aesthetic Questions:

1. Traditional vs. Contemporary: Do you prefer classic headstone shapes or modern design?

2. Symbolism: Does a particular shape hold special meaning (heart for love, book for scholar, etc.)?

3. Personalization: Do you want the shape itself to reflect personality or interests?

4. Surrounding Monuments: Do you want to blend in or stand out?

5. Long-term Appeal: Will this shape remain meaningful to future generations?

Common Shape Choices by Preference

Traditional Preferences:

• Rectangular upright with rounded or flat top
• Cross-shaped monuments
• Obelisk or pillar styles
• Classic bevel or slant markers

Contemporary Preferences:

• Clean-lined rectangular shapes
• Horizontal emphasis (wider than tall)
• Minimalist flat markers
• Asymmetrical or artistic designs

Religious Preferences:

• Christian: Cross shapes, Gothic arch tops
• Jewish: Rounded tops, upright monuments
• Other faiths: Specific symbolic shapes

Personalized Preferences:

• Heart shapes for romantic memorials
• Book shapes for educators or literary figures
• Custom shapes reflecting hobbies (musical notes, tools, etc.)

Size and Shape by Monument Type

For Flat Markers:

• Standard: 24"W x 12"D x 4-6"H
• Companion: 48"W x 14"D x 6"H
• Shape: Rectangle most common, but oval, curved, or serpentine edges available

For Bevel Markers:

• Standard: 28"W x 16"D x 10"H (at peak)
• Companion: 48"W x 16"D x 10"H
• Shape: Rectangle, serpentine top, or curved edges

For Slant Markers:

• Standard: 24-30"W x 18"D x 16"H
• Shape: Rectangle, peaked top, book shape

For Upright Monuments:

• Small: 24"W x 6"D x 24"H die + 30"W x 12"D x 6"H base
• Medium: 36"W x 8"D x 30"H die + 42"W x 14"D x 8"H base
• Large: 48"W x 10"D x 36"H die + 54"W x 16"D x 10"H base
• Shape: Infinite variety - rectangle, arch top, cross, custom

Special Considerations for Specific Situations

For Cremation Memorials:

• Smaller monuments often appropriate (urn burial takes less space)
• Companion markers can accommodate two cremation urns
• Custom smaller sizes available
• Some families choose full-size monuments anyway for prominence

For Advance Planning:

• Consider future inscription additions (dates, second spouse)
• Leave adequate blank space
• Choose size that accommodates full planned text
• Companion monuments offer flexibility

For Children's Memorials:

• Often smaller, more delicate proportions
• Shaped designs (teddy bears, angels, etc.) more common
• Size should reflect young age while remaining dignified
• Many families choose companion-sized for both parents' eventual names

For Veteran Memorials:

• Government markers: 24"W x 12"D x 4"H (flat) or 42"H (upright)
• Private monuments: Any size meeting cemetery requirements
• Consider space for military emblems and service information

The Gifford Monument Works Selection Process

Step 1: Cemetery Verification We start by confirming all cemetery size and shape restrictions for your specific plot location.

Step 2: Discussion and Guidance During consultation, we discuss:

• Your vision and preferences
• Budget parameters
• Engraving content needs
• Family input and consensus
• Long-term considerations

Step 3: Design Proposals We present monument options:

• Multiple size/shape combinations within budget
• Visual mockups showing proportions
• Comparison of options with pros/cons
• Pricing for each design path

Step 4: Refinement We refine your chosen direction:

• Exact dimensions finalized
• Shape details perfected
• Proportion optimization
• Cemetery compliance verification

Step 5: Final Approval You receive detailed drawings showing:

• Exact dimensions
• Shape specifications
• All engraving positioned
• 3D rendering (for custom shapes)

Questions We'll Ask to Guide You

1. What cemetery and specific plot section?
2. Do you have size restrictions from cemetery?
3. What's your approximate budget range?
4. How much text/engraving do you want to include?
5. Do you prefer traditional or contemporary aesthetics?
6. Are there existing family monuments to match or complement?
7. Is this for current need or pre-planning?
8. Any specific shapes or symbols meaningful to you?
9. Single person or companion monument?
10. Do you want room for future additions (dates, etc.)?

Practical Tips

Don't Choose Too Small: While budget matters, too-small monuments:

• Look disproportionate in cemetery
• Limit engraving possibilities
• May not meet minimum cemetery requirements
• Harder to locate when visiting

Don't Choose Too Large: Oversized monuments can:

• Violate cemetery regulations
• Overwhelm plot and neighbors
• Create budget strain
• Look pretentious in modest cemetery

Find the Right Balance: The perfect monument size:

• Meets cemetery requirements with room to spare
• Accommodates desired engraving comfortably
• Fits budget while achieving quality
• Looks proportionate in cemetery setting
• Reflects appropriate dignity without excess

Ready to Choose?

Schedule a consultation at Gifford Monument Works in Ada, Oklahoma or Wylie, Texas. Bring:

• Cemetery name and plot information
• Photos of the plot (if possible)
• Ideas about preferred styles
• Budget parameters
• List of engraving content

We'll guide you through selecting the perfect monument shape and size that beautifully honors your loved one while meeting all practical requirements. With 88 years of experience, we've helped thousands of families find the ideal monument solution.