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
Can we place an order by email?
Most of the order process can be carried out over the phone or by email. However, we do need the grave owners signature on the order form so we post these to your address with a pre-paid envelope for you to return the signed documents to us.
Which letter colour lasts longest?
The letters for your inscription can be simply cut into the stone and left plain or they can be painted black, white, silver or gilded with gold leaf. They are all equally resillient to the weather but conditions will vary from location to location so the colour chosen should be based simply on personal choice. It is also worth noting that lettering which is placed on flat surfaces (ie on the top of a headstone base) will weather more quickly than those on the face of the headstone.
How much is the cemetery fee?
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.
TESTIMONIALS
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
Went to see headstone. Love it. I did look around before I ordered it, and I still think there is nothing like it in the whole cemetery. Looks very classy with the silver lettering. Please pass on my thanks to those involved. Also, whoever erected it was very considerate to what was already there and replaced items respectfully. Already recommended your company to a lady who saw it and hasn’t had hers done yet. Thank you!
This was a custom memorial.
Sandra P. Sent by email: 05/05/2019
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
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