Grave Monuments Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Options

Grave monuments are a lasting way to honor a loved one, and understanding your options makes the selection process easier and more meaningful. This guide covers every major style and material so families in Lafayette, CO, and the surrounding Boulder County area can make a confident, informed choice.

Five primary styles of grave monuments are available to most families today. Each fits different cemetery requirements, personal preferences, and budgets.



Upright Monuments

An upright monument is the tallest and most traditional style. These two-piece memorials consist of a tablet set on a base, making them versatile and well-protected from damage. They stand clearly above ground, which makes locating a gravesite easier over the years.

Slant Markers

A slant marker features a steeply angled face that improves inscription readability. It can be ordered as a single piece or with an added base. Slants offer a middle-ground height between flat markers and full uprights.

Bevel Markers

A bevel marker slopes gently from back to front, typically dropping about two inches. That angle helps rainwater drain off naturally, keeping

the face cleaner over time. A bevel sits close to the ground but remains easy to locate.

Flat Markers

Also called grass markers, flat memorials sit flush or nearly flush with the ground. They are generally the most affordable style and are required in many lawn-care-focused cemetery sections throughout the Lafayette, CO, area.

Bronze Plaques

A bronze plaque is typically mounted on a granite base with lettering and designs cast directly into the metal. Bronze resists fading and is easy to clean, making it a popular low-maintenance tribute.

Granite, marble, and bronze are the three primary materials. Each has distinct qualities worth considering.

• Granite is the most widely used material. It comes in many colors and holds up well in Colorado's climate with its temperature swings and intense sun.
• Marble offers a classic look but is softer and more prone to weathering over decades.
• Bronze is typically used for plaques and flat markers, often paired with granite for a two-material memorial.
  

Families should contact each cemetery directly before ordering. The City of Lafayette operates two cemeteries: Lafayette Cemetery and Coal Creek Cemetery. Lafayette Cemetery currently has a moratorium on full casket burials, though cremains burials remain permitted. Coal Creek Cemetery continues to offer burial spaces. Both sites have rules and regulations available through the City Clerk's Office. Always verify size restrictions, material requirements, and installation protocols with the cemetery sexton before finalizing your order.

Costs vary based on style, size, and material. Flat markers are the most affordable entry point, while large custom upright monuments in premium granite represent the higher end. Custom portraits, detailed artwork, and specialty shapes can also affect pricing.