Question 1

Do you provide free quotes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer free, no obligation quotes for all our work. Give us a call on 0161 291 8696 or fill in the Quote Request form on our website.

Question 2

How do I order a headstone or service?

Accepted Answer

Simply give us a call on 0161 291 8696  or fill in the online form on our website, and we will talk you through the process.

Question 3

From the point of ordering, how long will it be before my headstone is fitted in the cemetery?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of memorial you choose.

New "standard" memorials: take approximately 16-18 weeks to arrive with us before we can start the work which can then take 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the job and how long it takes for the cemetery to approve the permit. So on average it takes approximately 18-22 weeks.

"Special" memorials: can take several weeks longer because they are made to order and not from stock.

Bespoke memorials:  It is not possible to give generalised timescales for bespoke memorials due to their unique nature.

Question 4

Do you offer any form of guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a ten year fixing guarantee against subsidence. If your memorial shifts due the ground beneath we will visit the grave and re-fix it at no extra cost to you.

Question 5

Do you charge per letter for new inscriptions?

Accepted Answer

No. All our new jobs include unlimited lettering on the front face of your memorial.
(extra charges may apply for having lettering added to the back of a memorial).

Question 6

Can my memorial be any size and shape?

Accepted Answer

Most cemeteries have strict regulations regarding the size and type of memorial that they will allow but we will be able to advise you once we are provided with the cemetery and grave number of your plot.

Question 7

At what point do I pay?

Accepted Answer

We usually require half of the total amount before ordering the memorial. The balance is then to paid before installation.

Question 8

Will I get to see what my memorial will look like before it's fitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will be sent a scale layout of your memorial showing the style, colour and how the lettering will look. This can be altered until you are entirely satisfied. Once you have approved the layout it will be sent to the cemetery office for their approval, after which we can start the work.

Question 9

How long after a burial must we wait to install a headstone?

Accepted Answer

A waiting period of approximately 6-12 months is usually required for the ground to settle but this can vary by cemetery/local regulation.

Question 10

What is included in the price of a headstone?

Accepted Answer

All our new memorials include the following:
Unlimited lettering on the front of your memorial (in a colour of your choosing)
One of our many free designs
Flower containers in the base of your memorial
A layout of your memorial to scale for your approval
A NAMM approved anchor system
A solid granite foundation
Fixing in the cemetery
A 10 year fixing guarantee against subsidence

Question 11

Do you offer a memorial cleaning, repair or restoration service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have many years of experience in cleaning and renovating memorials. Take a closer look at our Cleaning & Renovation page or Contact Us for more information.

Question 12

Can I add add a new inscription to an old headstone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. We can add a new inscription to your existing memorial and, in most cases, expertly match the original lettering type and style to ensure a seamless and uniform finish.
For more information see our Additional Inscriptions page.

Question 13

Do you handle all necessary paperwork?

Accepted Answer

We will deal with all the paperwork on your behalf. We will ask the grave owner to sign a permit which we will then get approved by the appropriate cemetery office.
(most cemeteries charge a fee for their permit approval. You can pay that directly to them, or through us. We will be able to inform you of the fee once we know your grave details)

Question 14

How long does an inscription last?

Accepted Answer

The deep cut lettering method we use is permanent, but the paint or gold leaf used to colour the inscription may need refreshing over time depending on its exposure to the elements.
A new inscription usually lasts many years before it needs re-painting or re-gilding though providing that cleaning is only ever done using a damp cloth as detergents or cleaning solutions can often damage the paint.

Question 15

Can I fit a headstone myself?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not permitted. For safety, warranty, and regulatory reasons, all memorials in a cemetery or churchyard must be fixed by a registered and accredited professional.

Question 16

How do I write an Epitaph?

Accepted Answer

Guide to Writing a Meaningful Epitaph

An epitaph is a permanent inscription that captures the essence of a life lived. It should be sincere, impactful, and concise.

Step 1: Confirm the Space
Before writing, always consider the space available on your memorial. This physical constraint is the most important factor in your writing process. For instance, heart-shaped or book memorials usually allow for significantly less lettering than a standard square headstone.

Step 2: Determine the Focus
The goal is to distil a person's entire life into a few powerful words. Choose one central theme:
Identity/Role: Their most cherished role (Devoted Mother, Beloved Husband, Faithful Friend).
Core Value: The quality they were known for (His kindness was a gift, A life of courage and laughter).
Legacy: What they left behind (Her memory lights our way, Forever in our hearts).
Wit/Saying: A favourite, characteristic phrase or joke (if appropriate for the tone).

Step 3: Choose the Style
Epitaphs usually fit into one of these styles:
Descriptive
Focuses on personality and  relationships.
She loved well and was well loved.
Inspirational
Reflects faith, hope, or peace.
Resting safely in God's love.
Literary
A short, reflective verse or quote.
The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

Step 4: Draft and Refine
Draft: Write several short options based on your chosen focus and style.
Edit: Strive for brevity. Cut any words that don't add essential meaning. Use strong, simple language.
Review: Read the final choice aloud. Does it honour the person appropriately? Does it fit within the physical space limits?

Remember: The most meaningful epitaph is one that is true to the person it commemorates.

What
We
Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide free quotes?

How do I order a headstone or service?

From the point of ordering, how long will it be before my headstone is fitted in the cemetery?

Do you offer any form of guarantee?

Do you charge per letter for new inscriptions?

Can my memorial be any size and shape?

At what point do I pay?

Will I get to see what my memorial will look like before it's fitted?

How long after a burial must we wait to install a headstone?

What is included in the price of a headstone?

Do you offer a memorial cleaning, repair or restoration service?

Can I add add a new inscription to an old headstone?

Do you handle all necessary paperwork?

How long does an inscription last?

Can I fit a headstone myself?

How do I write an Epitaph?

What We Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide free quotes?

How do I order a headstone or service?

From the point of ordering, how long will it be before my headstone is fitted in the cemetery?

Do you offer any form of guarantee?

Do you charge per letter for new inscriptions?

Can my memorial be any size and shape?

At what point do I pay?

Will I get to see what my memorial will look like before it's fitted?

How long after a burial must we wait to install a headstone?

What is included in the price of a headstone?

Do you offer a memorial cleaning, repair or restoration service?

Can I add add a new inscription to an old headstone?

Do you handle all necessary paperwork?

How long does an inscription last?

Can I fit a headstone myself?

How do I write an Epitaph?

What
We
Offer