Plaques are not only used as tokens of appreciation, but are also used as memorial signage to identify where the deceased are buried. Memorial plaques are being used as an inexpensive alternative to tomb stones.

Tombstones are more commonly used than memorial plaques to mark the burial ground. They are carved stones, usually granite or marble, placed over the burial site. Some tombstones are even carved into crosses, angels, customized emblems, or family seals, but most simply bear engravings of quotations from the Bible or epitaphs commemorating the departed. The tombstone also bears the name of the person buried there and the person's date of birth and death.

Memorial plaques are also gaining popularity because they are a much cheaper substitute for the tombstone. Memorial plaques are usually mounted on wooden bases that are usually made from 2-ply exterior grade flexible acrylic, or firmly built-in into the wall-mounted wooden frame. There are wooden boards made of oak, mahogany or teak. You might find some companies who can give you specific timbers according to your request.

Memorial plaques are a low-cost yet long-lasting form of remembrance to a loved one. Many people prefer bronze-colored, powder-coated aluminum memorial plaques. The wood is weatherproof and some even come with ultraviolet ray protection or coating. Memorial plaques can carry the same information that tombstones do. The words are either engraved on the first layer of the plaque's lamination to show the color underneath, or the engraved lettering is filled white.

Memorial plaques are usually between 10mm to 15mm in thickness, but there are also plaques that are 20 to 30mm thick. The plaque can be sized in the dimensions you need - sometimes up to 600mm by 2000mm. Prices start from $30 to about $120, depending on the size and level of detailing.