Memorials of Distinction logo and home linkMemorials of Distinction logo and home link sales@memorialsofdistinction.co.uk 01582 249990 Show search
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages
Toggle navigation Menu
Shortlist
Shortlist
  • Memorial Range
    • Headstones
    • Kerbed Memorials
    • Children's Headstones
    • Cremation & Small Memorials
    • Custom Memorials
    • Value Memorials
    • Garden Kerbs
  • Grave Decorations
    • Grave Ornaments
    • Photo Plaques
    • Vases
    • Etchings & Designs
    • Memorial Statues
    • Chippings & Cover Slabs
  • Information
    • About Us
    • Ordering & Timescales
    • Inscriptions & Verses
    • Renovation & Cleaning
    • Materials & Finishes
    • Home Visit Service
    • Safety & Guarantee
    • Areas We Cover
    • FAQs
    • Testimonials
  • Useful Guides
  • Special Offers
  • Brochure
  • Contact

Useful Guides

What is the etiquette around headstones in the UK?

In the aftermath of losing a departed loved one, there are many things that need to be considered. You will undoubtedly be busy with funeral plans, probate arrangements and ensuring that the person’s wishes are carried out according to their will. For this reason, the thought of choosing a suitable gravestone and ensuring it complies with the etiquette and rules around headstones can be a daunting thought. 

At Memorials of Distinction we have over 35 years’ worth of expertise in crafting high-quality gravestones, and we know what is considered acceptable in burial grounds. In this guide we will share our knowledge around exactly what steps need to be taken to ensure a suitable resting place for your loved one.

How to secure a grave for a loved one

Much of the process of securing an area of land in which a person can be buried comes as part of the funeral service – the private company that will also have taken responsibility for handling remains and putting on a funeral in accordance with you and your loved one’s wishes. They will be able to advise you on exactly what you need to do and where may be best to choose – but once a burial plot has been secured, you or whoever is the registered grave owner will be given a Deed of Grant. 

Once burial has taken place you can begin to select the type of headstone most suitable for the resting place, and what design features and decorative elements you would like to be included in it. 

How long do you have ownership of a grave in the UK?

When a plot is paid for within a burial ground, it is not bought but rather leased – meaning that exclusive ownership of the plot is yours for as long as the Deed of Grant is valid. This is usually a period of between 75 and 99 years. 

When can you install a headstone in the UK?

It is not recommended that you do this any less than six months after burial, and it is often worth waiting for longer. Many burial grounds have their own restrictions in place lasting between a year and 18 months. This is to ensure that the ground has settled properly and to reduce the chances of any problems such as the headstone sinking into the ground.

What can you put on a gravestone in the UK?

The rules and etiquette around inscriptions in the UK are fairly complex. Strictly speaking, there is nothing forbidden across the board except for offensive or defamatory statements. 

Certain cemeteries may have their own rules around what can be added to a grave in terms of decoration – we can help to advise you on which vases, ornaments and photo plaques will be suitable according to the specifics of your chosen site.

Within churchyards, however, the rules around wording of inscriptions tends to be stricter. What is permitted tends to be at the discretion of the parish priest in charge of the church because they are bound by Diocese regulations. There have been well-publicised cases in the past where vicars have objected to wordings including the use of kisses (x) in inscriptions, or the use of nicknames or pet names without inverted commas to signify them as such. 

Many individual dioceses have their own guidance around what wording is acceptable – for example the Diocese of Oxfordshire suggests that: “Inscriptions must be simple, reverent and theologically acceptable; they may include appropriate quotations from the Scriptures or literary sources.”

Speak to us today

We are happy to advise you in any aspect of designing and installing a gravestone for your loved one. Speak to our friendly team today if you have any questions by calling 01582 249990.

Recent Guides

  • What is the etiquette around headstones in the UK?
  • How Much is a Headstone?
  • Grave Surround Ideas: Creating the Perfect Resting Place
  • Baby Grave Ideas: A Guide
  • The Definitive Guide to Funeral Flowers
View all

Material Swatches

Bodmin Grey Stone Sample

Grey Granite

Green Granite

South African Honed Dark Grey

White Marble Sample

Marble

Red Juparana

Brown Granite

OUR MEMORIALS RANGE

MemorialHeadstones products

MemorialHeadstones

Kerbed Memorials products

Kerbed Memorials

Cremation & Small Memorials products

Cremation & Small Memorials

View All

POPULAR PRODUCTS

Value Ogee Headstone

Value Ogee Headstone £680

Gilded Book Headstone

Gilded Book Headstone £1674

Triple Heart Headstone

Triple Heart Headstone £2111

Round Top Headstone

Round Top Headstone £998

Double Heart Headstone

Double Heart Headstone £1335

Memorial Coloured Chippings

Memorial Coloured Chippings £132

Thick Pitched Traditional Headstone

Thick Pitched Traditional Headstone £1765

View All

TESTIMONIALS

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

Thank you for your email.   I have been down to the Cemetery this afternoon to see the Memorial.  It is always difficult to imagine what something will look like from a picture, but I have to say it looks beautiful and I know my Mum and Dad would have approved of my choice.

Once again I wish to thank you and all your staff for your help, assistance and advice.

Lynne C. Sent by email: 07/06/2017

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: 17/06/2019

View All

Take a Look at our Feature Memorial

Deep-Carved Rose Headstone

Can Anyone Put a Headstone on a Grave?

Can Anyone Put a Headstone on a Grave?

Special Offers

View Offers

Areas We Cover

Talk To Our Experts

Request Our Brochure

Back to top
Contact Us

Factory & Showroom (Head Office)
The Memorial Works
Southfields Road Dunstable LU6 3EP

  • Tel: 01582 249990
  • Email: sales@memorialsofdistinction.co.uk
  • Find Us Here
  • Trade Enquiries
Our Range
  • Headstones
  • Kerbed Memorials
  • Children's Memorials
  • Custom Memorials
  • Grave Decorations
  • Small Memorials
  • Special Offers
Useful Information
  • Request a Brochure
  • Ordering & Timescales
  • FAQs
  • Inscriptions & Verses
  • Useful Guides
  • Privacy Policy
Member of British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons and Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers

© Memorials of Distinction 2021 | Website designed by rtfacts ltd

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy