What to do if you can’t afford a headstone

Every family deserves a place to visit and remember cherished loved ones who have passed on. However, with the climbing cost of living, it can be difficult to afford the costs of a funeral, let alone a headstone. Despite this, there are different ways for you to access funding and more affordable headstone options to still create a beautiful place of remembrance for your family. 

Our Value Headstones

Value Ogee Headstone
From £901

Flat Tablet Small Memorial
From £504

Splayed Base Small Memorial
£977

Special Offer

Round Top Headstone
From £986

View all memorials

How much does a headstone cost? 

The cost of a headstone can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the size, shape and material of the headstone. On average, upright headstones in the UK cost between £1000 to £2000. This is already a high cost and doesn’t include the potential additional costs, such as engraving, grave decorations, installation and maintenance. Whilst basic stones can cost between £400 and £800, headstone prices have continued to rise by 15% over the last five years. The rising cost of headstones and memorials is largely attributed to inflation, but costs can also be driven up by shortages in headstone materials and higher labour costs. 

Who pays for a headstone? 

The immediate family members of the person who has passed are usually those responsible for paying for a headstone. Money is sometimes left by the person who has passed with the specific goal of taking the financial burden of a funeral, burial and headstone off of the family. Thankfully, if you’re struggling to afford the cost of a headstone or memorial, it is possible to access grants and funding to help you create a long-lasting memorial. There are a number of ways that you can get support to pay for a headstone for your family: 

Government assistance 

Available through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) you can assess a Funeral Expenses payment. This support is available to those on low income or receiving benefits to cover essential funeral costs, which may include a headstone. However, the payment typically covers burial or cremation costs, so additional assistance may be needed for a memorial. 

Local authority assistance 

Some councils offer grants or assistance for low-income families to help with funeral costs, including memorials. This varies by council, so you should check with your local authority for available schemes. 

Charities and grants 

Charities offer financial help for funerals and headstones. Charity memorial funds are more specific than general support from the government, with funds allocated to families in certain circumstances. For example, the Stevie Stones Charity can provide financial support for children’s memorials. These charities can provide grants for bereaved families in financial need.

Cemetery Assistance 

Some cemeteries may offer reduced fees or assistance with headstone costs for families in financial hardship. It’s worth asking cemetery staff or funeral directors about available support.

Funeral payment plans

Some funeral providers offer payment plans or finance options, spreading the cost of a headstone and other funeral-related expenses over time. These plans typically offer flexible payment options, such as monthly instalments. They can cover funeral services, burial, or cremation, ensuring peace of mind and financial security when the time comes, alleviating financial burdens for loved ones.

Choosing an affordable headstone

Just because you need to stick to a budget, doesn’t mean your family can’t have a beautiful place to visit. The material and size of a headstone can also affect its cost: large granite headstones and marble headstones can be pricey, whilst smaller memorial plaques can be more affordable. 

Searching for special offers on headstones and grave decorations is a fantastic way to secure a great deal on normally expensive memorials. Some providers may even have a value memorial range, which can help you to choose a beautiful stone, whilst still saving money. 

Low-cost headstones with Memorials of Distinction 

At Memorials of Distinction, we can help you to build a peaceful place of rest for your family members, without having to go outside of your budget. Our value memorials are affordable options, with the same quality and craftsmanship that you’ll see throughout our headstones and grave decorations. Whether you’re looking for a memorial plaque or something larger, like a granite headstone, Memorials of Distinction provides stunning options, regardless of your budget. 

Want to explore our value range? Get in touch with our professional team or request a brochure to explore our budget-friendly headstone and memorial options.