FAQs/Guide to buying a memorial
Buying a headstone or other kind of memorial isn’t a regular purchase for most people, so it’s not unusual to be unfamiliar with the process. It can be an emotional time, and choosing the best tribute for your loved one isn’t always easy.
Here, we’ll describe the buying process and what to expect at each stage of the process.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us. We’re happy to help.
The Buying Process
When you considering buying a memorial or headstone for a loved one, you can get in touch with us at North East Headstones and Memorials via email, phone, or you can come to visit us at our shop in Felling, Gateshead.
In our showroom we have a range of stone designs, colours, and sizes to choose from. We can also show you our brochure, as well as a wide range of completed examples to draw inspiration from.
If you have any particular designs in mind, we can talk through them with you and also visualise them for you on the computer, so you can get a good idea of what a finished product would look like.
When you feel ready to order, we can create a virtual design of your memorial and prepare an order form for you, which includes the price. You are welcome to take this design away to think it over and make any changes later, too.
Included in the total price will be any fees charged by the cemetery owner/operator for installing a new memorial or headstone. These fees vary depending on who the owner is, and can also vary depending on the type of memorial being installed. They can be anything from around £30 up to a few hundred pounds. To find out the fees you can get in touch with the cemetery owner, which is usually the local council, or get in touch with us and we will be able to help you. We do not add any extra fees or charges on top of these fees - we simply pass the fees directly to the owner on your behalf.
Once you are happy with the design and the price, we will submit an application and their fee to the cemetery owner for their approval. We’ll also get to work carving, engraving, and creating your memorial. We typically ask for a deposit for the memorial at this point, with the full amount due once the headstone is installed.
When we’ve received the approval of the cemetery owner and the stone is ready, we’ll be able to give you an estimated date of installation. Installation is often weather-dependent, so we can’t always give you an exact day very far in advance, but we’ll always keep you updated. If you have a particular date by which you would like the headstone to be ready, please let us know and we will do our best to have it ready in time.
FAQs
Can I choose any design?
There is a wide range of shapes, sizes, and stone materials and colours available as standard for most memorials and headstones. If you can’t find a design that you like, we can help you design a bespoke memorial that can be carved for you.
We can help you choose the font, colour, and layout of lettering for your inscription. You may also want to add things like flower containers or kerb surrounds.
You can also add photos, engravings, carvings or etchings of your loved ones or things that were close to them. We have experience creating the likes of crosses and other religious imagery, military badges, football shirts, and more.
Generally, the only restrictions on design lie with the owner of the cemetery, graveyard, or churchyard. Some local authorities or churches etc. may only allow certain designs. We are more than happy to talk through the options and any restrictions with you.
How long does it take for a headstone to be installed?
The answer here is, unfortunately, it depends. If we already have your stone in stock, permissions from the cemetery owner are received quickly, and weather permitting, a headstone can be engraved and installed within a few weeks. Bespoke stone designs will take longer, sometimes up to around 12 weeks from confirming your order to installation.
What are headstones made of?
Most headstones are made from granite due to its wide range of beautiful colours, but also its longevity. Materials like slate, sandstone and marble can also be chosen for some designs.
When can a headstone be installed?
In general, it is recommended that a grave should be allowed to settle for around six months after burial before a headstone is installed. In some cemeteries and graveyards, headstones can be installed sooner in some cases. Get in touch and we can provide more details.
How much does a headstone or memorial cost?
Since you can customise a memorial in almost any way you like, the price can vary a lot. A small headstone with around 100 letters will start at around £1000 including installation. A memorial plaque would start at around £500.
Can I buy a headstone or memorial online?
We do not currently have an online shop. However, if you’re unable to come to us we are happy to arrange your order over the phone, email, or video call.
How do I pay for a headstone?
At North East Headstones and Memorials we accept payment via cash, cheque, or bank transfer. We’re also able to accept credit and debit cards (American Express, Visa, and Mastercard) via our online portal.