Ordering & Timescales
Placing an Order
Our experienced advisors can guide you through every step of the process, from choosing a memorial, to gaining permission from the cemetery or crematorium and deciding on an inscription.
At a glance
In detail
Step 1: Speak with one of our advisors about your chosen design and inscription text. If you are unsure then we can help you through the decision process either over the phone, by email or by arranging a home visit. Some cemeteries and churchyards have restrictions on the size and materials they will allow so we will be able to check this before going any further.
Step 2: When you are completely happy with your choice of memorial and inscription we will confirm the price and ask for a 20% deposit. This is payable by debit or credit card, bank transfer or personal cheque if preferred.
Step 3: We will then go ahead and begin the process of manufacturing, lettering and fixing of your memorial stone (subject to permit approval by the cemetery/crematorium). If you have chosen to order a photo plaque then we will ask you to send a good quality photo to us by email or post. See our FAQ section for more detailed information about this.
Payment Terms
First Instalment: 20% Deposit when you place an order (as mentioned above).
Second Instalment: 75% of balance plus burial ground fee.
The burial ground fee is only payable once we receive an approved permit from the cemetery or church authority. Obtaining a permit takes on average 2-3 weeks from your first instalment.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is payable on completion. In other words you only pay this portion once your memorial has been fixed in the cemetery (or exported in some cases).
Timescales
When can a memorial be erected on a grave?
A headstone can usually be erected on a grave six months after the last interment has taken place, as the ground requires time to settle. If cremated remains are interred in a grave, a headstone may be fixed immediately, as the ground requires no settling period.
How long will my order take?
We estimate that orders for our standard designs will take approximately 12 weeks to manufacture & deliver.
This estimate begins from the date we have received both the cemetery or church permit and your second instalment rather than from the date you place your order. The process of obtaining a permit is carried out by us on your behalf and is generally straightforward. If you are having a more unusual style or size of memorial it can take longer to clarify the details with the cemetery and obtain permission which will affect the final delivery/fixing date.
We always endeavour to complete your order as quickly as possible but there are some factors over which have have no control, such as shipping and council response times. This means that some orders will take less than 12 weeks but others may take more. We will always keep you informed about the progress of your order.
If your order is for a non-standard memorial, it is very likely that the manufacturing & delivery time will be greater than 12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take?
We estimate that orders for our standard designs will take approximately 12 weeks to manufacture & deliver.
This estimate begins from the date we have received both the cemetery or church permit and your second instalment rather than from the date you place your order. The process of obtaining a permit is carried out by us on your behalf and is generally straightforward. If you are having a more unusual style or size of memorial it can take longer to clarify the details with the cemetery and obtain permission which will affect the final delivery/fixing date.
Please note:
We always endeavour to complete your order as quickly as possible but there are some factors over which have have no control, such as shipping and council response times. This means that some orders will take less than 12 weeks but others may take more. We will always keep you informed about the progress of your order.
If your order is for a non-standard memorial, it is very likely that the manufacturing & delivery time will be greater than 12 weeks.
Can a bespoke memorial go over two graves?
Yes, this is possible but will depend on the regulations at your cemetery. We will be able to check this and advise further when we do your quotation. All memorials need to have an approved permit from the cemetery before we begin to manufacture them.
What is the difference between a headstone and a marker?
A marker is usually a wooden cross or stick with a name or grave number on it, which is placed at the site of a grave after burial. After about a year, when the ground has settled, a headstone or kerb set can be installed on the grave. These will be made from stone, are decorative and are a more permanent fixture to commemorate your loved one.
TESTIMONIALS
I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone, especially to the stonemason! We are absolutely delighted with our sons headstone. We’ve waited such a long time to purchase it, but we are thrilled with it! The detail that’s gone into it is just incredible.
Thank you to everyone that I spoke to along the way, everyone was always so helpful and the communication was brilliant. I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone!
Natalie L. Sent by email: 02/02/2018
Thank you for your e mail. I have just returned from Brighton Woodvale Burial Ground and must thank you and your company for the wonderful job that has been done on my late son’s tablet stone. The fitting is superb and the professional manner in which the entire transaction has been carried out is second to none! Thank you all so very, very much. I will have no hesitation in recommending your services.
Tina M. Sent by email: 23/06/2018
I have been to the Cemetery to have a look and it is fabulous. A job well done. Thank you very much.
Robert F. Sent by email: 18/11/2019
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