CemeteryWise
Memorial type

Cemetery plaques

A plaque is the most compact memorial: a cast bronze or engraved granite panel bearing the name, dates and inscription. Plaques mark lawn graves, seal ashes niches, sit in memorial gardens, and add a name to an existing memorial.

Where plaques are used

Plaques appear wherever a full monument isn't used or allowed: on lawn graves, on columbarium niches for ashes, in rose and memorial gardens, and on family memorials where a further name is added. It is the same craft as a headstone, at a smaller scale.

Bronze or granite

Cast bronze plaques give a raised, traditional lettering and last extremely well; engraved granite plaques offer a wider range of colours and a flush, modern finish. Both can include a ceramic or laser photograph, an emblem, or a motif.

What it costs

A plaque is generally the most affordable memorial, priced to its size, material and the amount of lettering and detail. Cemetery sections set the permitted plaque size, so a mason quotes to the section and the design.

Frequently asked

Are bronze or granite plaques better?

Both last well. Bronze gives raised, traditional lettering; engraved granite offers more colours and a flush finish. It's largely a matter of look and the section's rules.

Can a plaque hold a photograph?

Yes. A ceramic or laser photograph, an emblem or a motif can be included.

Related guides
Interring or scattering ashes in SydneyHow much does a headstone cost in Sydney?
Other memorial types
Headstone & base monumentsLawn monumentsLedger monumentsFull monuments