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.
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.
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.
Once we have received an approved permit from the cemetery/crematorium, we will ask you for a further payment towards your memorial plus the permit fee. Once these have been paid, we can begin the process of manufacturing, lettering and fixing of your memorial stone. 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.
Note: obtaining a permit takes on average 2-3 weeks from your deposit payment but can take longer depending on the cemetery. Unfortunately we have little control over this but will chase them on your behalf.
20% Deposit* when you place an order (as mentioned above).
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.
The remaining balance is payable on completion. In other words you only pay this portion once your memorial has been fixed in the cemetery.
*exceptions apply
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.
We estimate that orders for our standard designs will take approximately 4-5 months 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 no control, such as shipping and council response times. This means that some orders will take less than 4 or 5 months 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 4-6 months.
We currently estimate that orders for our standard designs will take approximately 4-5 months 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 4 or 5 months 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 4-6 months.
Cemetery or Crematoria fees are not a standard price but if you tell us the grave location details we will be able to find out for you. Alternatively the cemetery would be able to give you the information directly if you prefer to call them yourself.
Once you have placed an order, the process of obtaining a permit is carried out by us on your behalf and is generally straightforward.
Memorials of Distinction believe that purchasing a memorial headstone is such an important decision that it is not suited to an on-line ‘add to my basket’ type of purchase. There are also many variables in the process which will affect your order, for example what is allowed by your particular cemetery and whether your inscription will fit on the memorial you have chosen.
It is possible to order over the phone or by email using the details on our Contact Page where our staff will be able to help and advise you.
We also offer a home visit service which is completely free of charge and obligation. One of our knowledgeable staff will visit you in the comfort and privacy of your home to help you to choose a design, decide on an appropriate wording and answer any other questions you may have.
Any administration or correspondence with local authorities, cemeteries or church authorities is dealt with by Memorials of Distinction on your behalf – you will not have to worry about this aspect of the process.
We are very pleased with the service that Memorials of Distinction provided, especially at a difficult time when it was not always easy to think clearly. We appreciate your patience and help throughout. The memorial looks even better than I imagined, especially the etching. Thank you for all your help.
This was a bespoke memorial.
Mortlake Cemetery, London SW14
Judi M. Google Review: 10/03/2022
We are beyond pleased with the memorial. It looks even better in situ, than we could have ever imagined from the pictures and drafts. We would highly recommend Memorials of Distinction.
The sales team provided an amazing online service from initial enquiry, through to aftercare. The communication was amazing, keeping us informed step by step of the process and double checking every detail was just as we wished. Any queries were responded to quickly and we feel confident that any further aftercare requests will also be responded to swiftly.
The memorial itself was installed within the specified timescales and carried out with obvious care and dignity. The area was left spotlessly clean and tidy with meticulous detail to edge the area and present the stone in a clean and tailored fashion. It was abundantly clear there was real pride in the work undertaken. They even uncovered some items that had been lost within the grass and respectfully placed them onto the grave afterwards.
We are overwhelmed with how amazing the memorial looks in person and the service we received. It took us many years to undertake this part, for many reasons. We are so pleased to finally have the memorial in place and we shall be forever grateful for making this difficult part of losing a loved one a very positive one.
Emma H. Google Review: 08/09/2023
We have recently used Memorials of Distinction for our parents’ headstone. From start to finish the service we received was easy and stress free. Communication was excellent and order details set out clearly and it was easy to make payments.
We found the staff very helpful and polite when speaking with them on the phone.
Angela M. Google Review: 26/01/2023
Factory & Showroom (Head Office)
The Memorial Works
Southfields Road Dunstable LU6 3EP
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