April 24, 2025
Selecting a memorial for a loved one is a significant decision, as it serves as a lasting tribute to their life and legacy.
When choosing between upright monuments and pillow markers, families must consider several factors, including cemetery regulations, aesthetics, durability, and personalization options.
Both upright monuments and pillow markers offer unique benefits. Understanding their differences can help families make an informed choice that aligns with their preferences, budget, and cemetery guidelines.
In this blog, we’ll compare these two memorial types and explain how Summit Memorials can assist you in selecting the right one.
Memorials serve as a permanent marker for a loved one’s resting place, ensuring their memory is honoured for generations. The two most common types of headstones are:
Each option has distinct characteristics that affect visibility, customization, maintenance, and cost. Let’s explore them in detail.
Upright monuments are the most recognizable type of headstone, often seen in cemeteries worldwide.
These vertical structures are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, with granite being the most popular due to its durability.
✅ Highly Visible – Their elevated structure makes them easy to locate in cemeteries, especially in larger plots.
✅ Ample Space for Inscriptions – Families can include detailed epitaphs, dates, names, and custom artwork due to their large surface area.
✅ Durability – Built to withstand harsh weather conditions, upright monuments maintain their integrity for generations.
✅ Customization Options – These monuments allow for intricate engravings, religious symbols, and personalized designs.
Summit Memorials specializes in custom upright monuments, ensuring they comply with local cemetery regulations while offering beautiful, lasting tributes.
Pillow markers are a lower-profile alternative to upright monuments. They are gently slanted with the back slightly raised, allowing for a readable inscription while maintaining a subtle presence in the cemetery.
✅ Subtle Elegance – Their low profile blends naturally with the landscape while still offering a dignified tribute.
✅ Durability – Made from high-quality granite, pillow markers withstand weather conditions while requiring minimal maintenance.
✅ Easier Maintenance – Their smaller surface area collects less debris and is easier to clean than larger monuments.
✅ More Affordable – Generally, pillow markers are less expensive than upright monuments due to their smaller size and simpler designs.
At Summit Memorials, we offer a range of customizable pillow markers crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring they serve as timeless tributes for your loved ones.
Before deciding on a memorial type, it is crucial to check the cemetery’s rules and regulations. Some cemeteries have restrictions on headstone size, material, and design, which may influence your decision.
Summit Memorials works closely with families to ensure that their chosen monument or pillow marker adheres to local cemetery guidelines, avoiding any potential issues with installation or compliance.
Whether you choose an upright monument or a pillow marker, customization allows families to create a deeply personal and meaningful tribute.
✔ Engraving Services – Custom inscriptions, names, dates, and meaningful epitaphs.
✔ Memorial Symbols & Artwork – Religious imagery, floral patterns, and personalized designs.
✔ Quality Craftsmanship – Expertly carved to ensure lasting beauty and durability.
Our team at Summit Memorials provides expert engraving and memorial design services, ensuring every detail reflects the legacy of your loved one.
Choosing between an upright monument and a pillow marker depends on several factors:
🔹 Visibility & Prominence – Upright monuments stand out more, while pillow markers blend naturally into the landscape.
🔹 Customization Preferences – If you prefer larger inscriptions or artwork, an upright monument may be ideal.
🔹 Cemetery Guidelines – Ensure the chosen headstone type meets cemetery regulations before purchasing.
🔹 Budget Considerations – Pillow markers tend to be more cost-effective, while upright monuments offer more design flexibility.
Summit Memorials is here to help you navigate these choices and find the perfect memorial that meets your needs and preferences.
At Summit Memorials, we take pride in providing high-quality upright monuments and pillow markers, ensuring that every memorial serves as a timeless tribute.
✔ Experienced Craftsmanship – Our expert engravers deliver precision and artistry in every design.
✔ Cemetery Compliance – We ensure that all monuments meet Canadian cemetery regulations.
✔ Premium Materials – We use durable, high-quality granite to ensure longevity.
✔ Personalized Service – Our team works closely with families to create meaningful and unique memorials.
Let us help you design a beautiful, lasting tribute for your loved one.
Looking for expert guidance in selecting the right monument or pillow marker? Summit Memorials offers custom memorial solutions tailored to your needs.
We are a trusted provider of high-quality memorials, headstones, and engraving services. With years of expertise in crafting durable and beautifully designed monuments, we help families create lasting tributes for their loved ones.
📞Contact us today or visit our website to discuss your options and receive a consultation.
