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?
Please Note: The timescales estimated below are longer than usual. This is due to global supply chain issues resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic which according to experts could take up to 2 years to resolve. We will complete your order as quickly as possible but there are some factors, such as these, over which we have no control.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours are available?
You can order our designs in many different materials, the most popular being Black or Grey Granite. Some Cemeteries and Graveyards have restrictions on which materials can be used, this is something we would clarify before you place an order. Please see our Materials & Finishes page for colour swatches and more details.
Do they come in other sizes?
Standard overall height for most memorials are 2ft 6″ or 3ft but we can customise our designs to whatever size or material you need, subject to availability and approval by the cemetery. The prices in our Value Memorial range are just for the sizes/materials shown but contact us for a quote if you need slightly different.
What happens if someone else needs to be buried at a later date?
It is often the case that a couple will want to be interred in the same place. When this is the case we will lay out the lettering, designs and photos on your chosen memorial so that it leaves space for an additional inscription of similar size. A book memorial or triple heart is a great way to achieve this.
TESTIMONIALS
I would like to thank you for the efficient and friendly way in which you have dealt with the order. I have been to the cemetery and the memorial looks absolutely beautiful. If my family are looking down, they would be very proud of my legacy to them. Thank you once again for all your help.
M J Beczkowicz Extract of a letter sent by post: 05/09/2020
What a lovely service they provide. Friendly staff on the phone and the stone was perfect. Thank you so much.
I cannot recommend them enough.
Josephine P. Google Review: 05/11/2020
I wanted to thank Memorials of Distinction for providing a very efficient, professional and friendly service which was also extremely quick. My Mother & Father’s memorial was booked and then the lockdown occurred and even through this the Headstone was still erected the company strived to get any outstanding orders finalised before everything shut – your crew also kindly took photographs of the memorial so we could see it or though could not visit at that time and this little extra touch made a huge difference. The memorial is just as ordered and a fitting tribute to my parents.
Ann J. Sent by email: 16/06/2020
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