Frequently Asked Questions
Have any memorial questions? See if we’ve answered them here
Memorial Questions & Answers
Expert Guidance for Your Memorial Choices
Common memorial questions arise when choosing a lasting tribute for your loved one. At Artisan Memorials, our expert stonemasons provide clear, compassionate guidance through every aspect of the memorial creation process.
From initial design choices and material selection to installation requirements and ongoing maintenance, we understand you need reliable answers during this sensitive time. Our comprehensive FAQ section addresses key memorial questions about stone types, personalisation options, cemetery regulations, and maintenance requirements.
With decades of experience crafting bespoke memorials across the UK, we offer professional advice to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re considering traditional headstones, contemporary designs, or custom artwork, our team is here to guide you through the process with understanding and expertise. If you don’t find an answer to your question on our FAQ page, please contact us for further assistance or use our enquiry form to submit your question.
What type of stone should I choose?
To ensure that your memorial stands the test of time, we only use the finest British and European stone. Some of our most popular stones are Welsh slate, Portland limestone, Nabresina limestone, Purbeck limestone and Yorkshire sandstone. All of these stones are capable of handling the British climate long term.
What lettering should I choose?
Beautiful lettering is at the heart of what makes your memorial unique, which is why we take this element of memorial design extremely seriously. We have years of experience matching lettering styles to stone materials and can offer expert advice on what will work best for your design. From classic Roman capitals to bold flourished italics, we will find something to suit your memorial.
What stone shapes do you offer?
Our memorials are hand-crafted, so their shapes can be customised to your requirements.
We offer the time-tested classic shapes such as the full arc, Tudor arc and square designs, but if you have more unusual requirements we will work with you to make them a reality.
All of our memorials are bespoke, so we can produce a stone of almost any shape.
Can I add pictorial or decorative elements to my design?
Yes, of course. We will work with you to incorporate these decorative elements into your design, offering examples of existing work we have produced to give you extra options.
How long does an inscription last?
A number of factors contribute to the longevity of an inscription. These include the type of stone, location of the stone, and the depth to which the letters are cut into the stone. When designing your memorial, we will take all of these factors into account, recommending a stone type according to the proposed location and your aesthetic preference, and using bolder, or deeper-cut letter styles where necessary.
Do I need permission to install a headstone?
Yes, permission to install a headstone is always required and we obtain this on your behalf. The process can take up to 4 weeks and requires a signature from the grave owner. Normally, a fee is charged by the churchyard or cemetery for permission to install a memorial.
How long should we leave it before adding a headstone?
Installing a headstone is normally permitted after a period of 6 months from the time of burial. Even so, it is common to see memorials that have tilted, and this is because the burial ground had not fully settled at the time of fixing. For this reason, we recommend waiting longer. Often clients like to commemorate the first anniversary of passing with the positioning of the memorial, giving more time for the ground to settle.
How do I write an epitaph?
An epitaph is a chance to say something lasting about the person being remembered. It needs to be short and concise and, in our experience, the best ones are both uplifting and comforting to those visiting the grave, without being overly sentimental. Often, inspiration is taken from literature or biblical texts. If you need help, we have compiled a library of quotes and inscriptions to guide you.
How much does a headstone cost?
Our handcrafted stone memorial plaques start from £800, our standard sized headstone and gravestone prices start from £3,000 and our kerb set arrangements start from £4,500.
When is payment due?
Once we reach an agreement on a design proposal we require a payment of 50%. At this point, we order your stone and get to work on your memorial. Final payment is made on installation.
It should be noted that an installation fee is normally charged by the churchyard or cemetery. We can settle this on your behalf if you wish.
What is the best stone for a memorial?
All our stones are suitable for the UK climate, but some weather better than others and some carve better. When selecting a stone, consideration should be given to the location, as damp, shaded locations tend to age a stone quicker. We normally recommend using Welsh slate, Nabresina limestone or Yorkshire sandstone, as all are hardy, carve well and offer a range of shades.