Cremation Plaques: Niche Wall, Garden And Memorial Options

When a loved one is cremated, the memorial is usually a plaque rather than a headstone, and there are more places it can go than most families realise. This guide covers the common cremation memorial options in Australia, the sizes each one takes, what they cost, and how to order a plaque that the cemetery will accept.

Where a cremation plaque can go

Niche walls and columbariums

A niche holds the ashes behind a small plaque, usually granite, bronze or stainless steel, in a size set by the wall. Common niche plaques are 150 x 100 mm and 200 x 150 mm. Because they are small, they are the most affordable memorial we make. See our cremation walls page for the wall types cemeteries use.

Memorial gardens and rose beds

Many cemeteries offer a garden position where the ashes are interred beside a rose or a shrub and marked with a plaque on a beam, a post or a small desk. Sizes are usually the same as lawn plaques, from 300 x 200 mm up.

Family graves

Ashes are often placed in an existing family grave, with a new plaque added to the headstone, the base or the kerb. We match the style of the existing inscription from a photo so the addition looks as if it was always there.

At home and in the garden

A plaque on a boulder, a bench or a wall at home has no cemetery rules at all. Families choose the size that reads well, and a laser etched granite plaque with a photo is the usual choice. Pet memorial plaques work the same way.

Materials and prices

All prices include delivery to mainland Australia. Our memorial plaque price guide compares every material and size.

What to put on a cremation plaque

Space is tight on a niche plaque, so most families use the name, the dates and a short line such as Always in our hearts or Together again. A small motif, a religious symbol or a laser etched portrait fits on a 150 x 100 mm plaque, and a 200 x 150 mm plaque allows a longer inscription. Our guide on what to write on a headstone has wording ideas that work at any size, and QR codes that link to an online tribute are popular on cremation memorials because they add so much to a small plaque.

Cemetery rules and fees

The cemetery sets the plaque size, material and fixing method for each wall and garden, and it charges an application fee and often a fitting fee. Ask the office for the specification for your position before you design, then enter that size in our designer. We supply the fixings the wall needs and a scaled proof for the application.

How to order

Open the plaque designer, choose the material and enter the size from the cemetery, add the inscription and a photo, and the price shows instantly. Order when you are ready and a designer sends a proof to approve before production. Allow 8 to 12 weeks, then a few days of delivery anywhere in mainland Australia.