In any society, death is a scene for mourning, and the cremation of the dead takes place with the utmost care, to make sure cultural sensitivities are kept in mind. In accordance with the Christian tradition the dead must be laid, neatly with proper clothing, in coffins. The stone slab that is used to cover the coffin is known as a grave stone. Later for identification purposes, markers were added to people's graves. These are known as grave markers.

Grave markers often contain the name of the deceased, and the time period in which the deceased lived. In addition to that they might contain decorative carvings or drawings along with words or remembrance quotes. Grave markers can be made of any stone depending on the requirement and also to a great extent monetary constraint. The cost will also depend on the size of the stone used and the amount of artwork done on it. Some markers are also decorated with statues, tablets, portraits or mini-tombs, the reason being to exercise a display of wealth and importance.

The stone used in the making of these markers is different from place to place due to availability. However now a days, granite is used as it is very durable and more resistant to corrosion. Marble, fieldstone and sandstones are also used. Grave markers also contain special memorabilia such as US Army veteran flag holders, plagues and other such stuff. There is also a wide variety of choice for designs or shape of the marker and the text which needs to be used, in other words customization to the minutest level is possible. There is also a provision to store audio and video messages in every grave, so that if somebody wants to listen to the deceased's 'last words', all they have to do is push a button ion a special remote.