Adding a Name to an Existing Headstone: What Families Need to Know

When a loved one is being remembered on an existing family memorial, you may have questions about adding their name. Can the new lettering match the original? Does the headstone need to be removed? And what happens if there is very little space left?

At Memorials of Elegance, we help families through this process, explaining the options and taking care to ensure the new inscription sits comfortably alongside the original.

What information do we need?

To begin, it helps to have a recent photograph of the memorial, the cemetery or churchyard name, the grave number and the wording you would like to add.

A photograph allows us to look at the existing lettering, the space available and the general condition of the memorial. If you are unsure about the wording, we can help you put an inscription together.

Do not worry if you do not have every detail to hand. Contact us with what you have, and we can advise on the next steps.

Will the new lettering match?

We can match the existing font and lettering colour in the vast majority of cases. Our aim is for the finished inscription to look consistent with the rest of the memorial.

Where the original lettering was hand cut or machine cut, there may be slight differences when adding new lettering using sandblasting. Although an exact match is not always possible, we can usually achieve a very close result.

We will explain any differences we expect before the work goes ahead.

Does the headstone need to be removed?

Yes. We carry out all additional inscription work at our workshop, where we add the new lettering using sandblasting.

As we also work alongside our funeral directing team, the memorial will often already have been removed for the burial and placed in our storage. Where this is not the case, we can arrange for it to be brought into the workshop.

Once the agreed work is complete and the necessary permissions are in place, we arrange for the memorial to be refitted.

What if the headstone is full?

A full headstone does not necessarily mean there is no way to add another inscription. Depending on the memorial and the requirements of the cemetery or churchyard, there may be several options.

A shorter inscription

If there is some space remaining, we may be able to fit a more concise inscription. We can help you consider wording that includes the details you wish to record while making the best use of the available space.

An additional memorial tablet

In some cases, a separate tablet can be placed in front of the existing headstone. Often referred to as a cremation tablet, this can provide room for another inscription while keeping the original memorial in place.

A splayed base

Another possibility is replacing the existing base with a splayed base. This has a sloping face that provides additional space for lettering.

The right approach depends on the individual memorial, the grave and the relevant regulations. We will explain which options are available and help you choose a suitable solution.

Should the original lettering be refreshed?

Adding an inscription can be a good opportunity to refresh the existing lettering so that the old and new inscriptions look consistent.

We will assess its condition and advise whether this would be worthwhile. We will not insist on restoring lettering where it is not needed, but it can make a noticeable difference to the overall finish.

It may also be possible to change the lettering finish from gold to silver, or from silver to gold, as part of the work. If you would like a different finish, we can discuss this with you.

Who arranges the permissions?

You will need to sign the relevant paperwork, but we handle the permit application on your behalf.

We will explain what is required for the cemetery or churchyard concerned and guide you through the process.

How much does an additional inscription cost?

The quote depends on the wording, the lettering style and finish, and any other work involved. Refreshing the original lettering, adding a tablet or replacing the base will also affect the price.

For up-to-date pricing, contact us with a photograph of the memorial and the wording you have in mind. We can assess what is needed and provide a quote for the proposed work.

Speak to our team

Whether there is plenty of space or you are unsure how another name could fit, we are happy to help you explore the options.

Contact Memorials of Elegance on 01709 571777, or visit our office at 1–9 Wood Street, Swinton, Rotherham, S64 8BA, to discuss an additional inscription.