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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
Yes, we are able to reduce the size of most memorials in our collection. If this is not possible due to a particularly intricate memorial style, we would be able to suggest something similar to achieve the effect you are after.
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
5 stars does not do Memorials of Distinction justice. Right from the moment of enquiring for a brochure through to the memorial being fixed into place, their dedicated team could not be more helpful. There is no pressure from any of the sales team. Everything is taken at your own pace when you are ready. Nothing is too much trouble making you feel at ease asking anything regarding the memorial. Their craftsmanship is second to none and they have handled everything for us causing as little distress as possible with such a sensitive matter. I cannot recommend Memorials of Distinction enough.
Ann S. Google Review: 01/12/2020
Good evening. I found Harvey’s headstone on Friday morning. I cried so many tears. But the headstone is absolutely amazing. I’m blown away by the details of the stars. It’s an absolutely outstanding tribute to my beautiful boy.
Well done to those who made it.
Many thanks.
Louise T. Sent by email: 17/05/2019
Factory & Showroom (Head Office)
The Memorial Works
Southfields Road Dunstable LU6 3EP
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