Choosing a memorial can feel unfamiliar, particularly if you haven't arranged one before. You may have an idea of what you'd like, or you may be unsure where to begin.

This guide explains how the process works at Memorials of Elegance, what information is useful to have ready and what happens once you've chosen your memorial.

Booking Your Appointment

The first step is to call us to book an appointment with a memorial mason.

An appointment gives us time to discuss your requirements, answer your questions and help you explore the options available.

You don't need to have chosen a memorial or written an inscription before you come in. We can work through these with you.

What Should I Bring?

It is helpful to have the following information available:

  • The name of the cemetery or churchyard.
  • The grave number.
  • The names of those to be remembered, including their dates of birth and death.
  • Details of the registered grave owner, where applicable.

For cemetery memorials, the registered grave owner will need to sign the relevant paperwork. If you aren't the registered owner, you should have their permission to arrange the memorial and make sure they are willing to sign.

If you are unsure about any of these details, mention this when booking your appointment so we can advise.

You're also welcome to bring photographs of memorials you like, ideas for the design or any wording you've already put together.

What Happens During the Appointment?

We begin by discussing the details of the grave and what you have in mind.

We can then show you our showroom and brochure, talk through the different options and advise on any burial-ground regulations that may affect your choice.

These regulations can cover matters such as the size of the memorial and the materials permitted. It is worth establishing these early, before becoming set on a particular design.

If you have a budget in mind, let us know. We can take this into account when discussing suitable options.

A photograph can also be a useful starting point. You don't need to know the name of a particular shape or style to show us what you like.

During the appointment, we will work towards agreeing on the memorial, inscription and any additional details. We will also give you an indication of the expected waiting time for the work.

Choosing the Inscription

Some customers arrive with their inscription already written. Others have a few ideas but would like help putting them together.

Either is fine.

We can advise on the wording and layout, and work through the inscription with you if you're unsure what to include.

It is also worth considering whether another inscription may need to be added in the future. Allowing sufficient space at the beginning can prevent difficulties later.

Our guide to choosing a memorial inscription covers this in more detail, along with examples and suggestions for making the wording personal.

Receiving Your Quotation

Following the appointment, we will prepare a quotation for the memorial and work discussed. Some items can be quoted for during the appointment itself.

Our quotation includes the memorial, lettering, foundation bases, fitting, permits and the relevant burial-ground fees.

The intention is to give you a price for the complete work, so you know what is included before proceeding.

Permits, Paperwork and Approving the Design

We handle the memorial application and permit paperwork.

Anything requiring your signature will be posted to you to sign and return. For cemetery applications, this includes obtaining the registered grave owner's signature where required. We then handle the rest of the application process.

Your memorial design and inscription will also be sent for approval alongside the paperwork.

Take time to check the details carefully, particularly names, dates and the wording of the inscription. If anything needs changing, let us know so it can be amended before you give your final approval.

How Does Payment Work?

A deposit is required, usually to cover the cost of materials and the fees we pay out as part of arranging the work.

The final balance is due once the memorial is ready to be fitted.

How Long Does It Take?

There is generally a ground settlement period of around six months following a burial before a memorial can be fitted. An exception may apply where the memorial is being installed on a pre-existing concrete foundation strip in the cemetery.

We can advise on what applies to your particular grave.

Special-order items may also have additional lead times, particularly where they need to be imported from overseas. We will discuss any known waiting times with you when arranging the memorial.

What Happens on Installation Day?

We arrange access with the cemetery or churchyard and carry out the installation.

You don't need to attend while the memorial is being fitted.

Once the work is complete, we will call to let you know. We also provide photographs of the finished memorial.

Caring for Your Memorial

Following installation, we provide instructions to help you care for your memorial.

Our memorials carry a guarantee against lettering fading, along with a fixing guarantee covering movement or the memorial becoming unsafe. We can explain the applicable terms when arranging your order.

For advice on routine cleaning, our polished granite care guide explains what to use and which products and methods to avoid.

Arranging Your First Visit

You don't need to have every detail decided before speaking to us.

Whether you have a particular memorial in mind or would like help understanding the options, we can talk you through what is suitable for the grave, your preferences and your budget.

To book an appointment with a memorial mason, call Memorials of Elegance on 01709 571 777.