Headstones and gravestones are both great ways to memorialize a loved one, but there are differences. If you've never had to get one of these before, they can be confusing. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between headstones and gravestones.

What Is a Headstone?

A headstone is a stone that's placed at the head of a grave, and it usually sits in an upright position. This stone is used as a grave marker, and it may feature an engraved message. Gravestones make it easier to identify graves, and they also give people a chance to memorialize their loved ones with some brief information about the person who's buried there. This is the most modern type of grave marker you'll typically see.

What Is a Gravestone?

A gravestone is a stone that's placed over the top of a grave, typically lying down horizontally. These gravestones are very different from the modern grave markers most people are familiar with, with the biggest difference being the fact that they lie flat on the ground. In the early days of gravestones, these stone slabs may have been placed on top of graves to help deter potential diggers. Like headstones, gravestones may also have messages inscribed on them, including the name, birth date, and death date of the deceased.

Has the Meaning of These Terms Changed Over Time?

While headstones and gravestones used to be distinct terms, many people today use the terms tombstone, gravestone, and headstone interchangeably. You might hear a headstone called a tombstone or a gravestone, but most people are talking about headstones when they mention grave markers. It's a good idea to know the differences, however, if you're looking to get one.

Is a Gravestone or Headstone Right for Your Loved One?

A proper burial allows you to memorialize your loved one, so choose any type of headstone or grave market that you think encapsulates your loved one. You can talk to a monument maker about the most popular headstone options, or you can have a custom headstone designed. The most important part of remembering your loved one is finding the right message to put on the grave marker you choose.

Making burial plans can be costly and time-consuming. According to US Funerals Online, there are more than 2.4 million funerals in the U.S. each year, and the U.S. funeral market is valued at about $20 billion each year. If you're looking for a reasonably priced headstone that helps you memorialize your loved one, contact Newington Fox-Becker Memorials today to get help choosing the right headstone.