Once a headstone is finally in place, many families find there is still something missing. A spot for fresh flowers, a photo of the person being remembered, a small plaque with an extra line of verse. These finishing touches are usually grouped together as headstone accessories, and they are what turn a well-made memorial into one that feels truly personal. Whether you are designing a new headstone from scratch or adding to one that has been in place for years, here is what you need to know about the accessories available to families in New Zealand.
Why Accessories Matter More Than You Might Think
A headstone tells the essential story: a name, a date, perhaps a favourite verse. Accessories fill in the rest. A vase gives visitors somewhere to leave flowers on a birthday or anniversary. A porcelain photo lets younger family members put a face to a name they may only know from stories. A small additional plaque can hold a poem, a Bible verse, or a line in te reo Maori, Samoan, or another language that matters to your family. None of these are essential, but together they are often what people remember most warmly about a visit to the grave.
Vases and Vase Holders: The Basics
Vases are the most requested accessory, and there are more options than most families expect.
- Attached vases are built into the headstone itself, usually recessed into the granite so they sit flush and tidy.
- Freestanding vases sit in a holder set into the base or kerbing, which makes them easier to lift out for cleaning.
- Materials range from solid granite (which matches the headstone and lasts indefinitely) to ceramic or aluminium, which are lighter but need replacing more often.
If theft or wind damage is a concern at a particular cemetery, a granite vase with a secure holder is usually the sturdiest choice. Drainage is worth asking about too, since a vase that holds water can crack in a hard frost.
Choosing the Right Vase for Your Memorial
The right choice usually comes down to three things: the style of the headstone, the climate of the cemetery, and how often the family expects to visit and refresh flowers. A single vase centred below the inscription suits a traditional upright headstone, while double vases either side of the base often suit wider or double memorial designs. If you are unsure what will look right, this is exactly the kind of detail worth raising during a design consultation, where you can see samples of memorial vases and talk through what will actually work for the specific stone you have chosen.
Beyond Vases: Other Popular Add-Ons
Vases are only the start. Families across New Zealand commonly add:
- Porcelain or ceramic photo portraits, which preserve a clear, weatherproof image of a loved one directly on the stone
- Additional plaques, added later to include a new name, a special message, or an extra inscription
- Borders and kerbing, which frame the plot and give it a finished, cared-for appearance
- Solar lighting or small ornaments, which some families choose for a personal touch, though cemetery rules vary on what is permitted
Porcelain photos in particular have become one of the most requested accessories, since they hold up far better outdoors than a printed photo ever could.
Adding Accessories to an Existing Headstone
You do not need to be planning a brand-new headstone to add accessories. Many families come to us years after the original installation, wanting to add a vase that was left out originally, or a photo now that the right image has come to light. In most cases this is a straightforward job, though it does need to be measured and matched carefully so the new piece sits correctly on the existing stone.
Getting It Right From the Start
If you are still in the design stage, the simplest approach is to think about accessories at the same time as the headstone itself rather than as an afterthought. That way the vase holder, any borders, and the space for a future plaque are all planned into the layout from day one, rather than added on later. Our team talks through these options as a normal part of every design conversation, so nothing gets missed.
If you would like to talk through vases, holders, or any other accessory for a new or existing headstone, get in touch with our team on 09 271 6611 or [email protected]. We are happy to show you samples at either our East Tamaki or Otahuhu showroom, or to talk it through over a video call if that suits you better.