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Choosing a Memorial

 

Because a memorial is a lasting monument and a tribute to a person's life, perhaps a final gift to someone dearly loved, it is important to choose it carefully. Hasty decisions made while still in great distress frequently result in later regrets, so it can be sensible to wait - and to spend time on selecting a suitable design.

 

Selecting a Memorial Mason

 

You may wish to use a company recommended by a friend or relative, or you may need to look around.  Whichever you do, it is generally advisable to use one which specialises in memorial masonry. They should understand stone and so be able to give you reliable advice as to whether the stone you are choosing is suitable for the type of memorial you require - and for the area in which it is to be fixed.  Weather, pollution and surrounding vegetation can have an effect on this. Members of the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) are bound by strict Codes of Business and Working Practice and, should a dispute unfortunately arise, by the findings of a free and objective Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Members must have public & products liability insurance of no less than £5 million, employee liability insurance of no less than £10 million and must also give a guarantee of the stability of their memorial. Many masons will have been accredited by NAMM to use their Code of Working Practice - fixing safe memorials.

 

Many masons will have been accredited by NAMM to use their Code of Working Practice - fixing safe memorials.

 

Ask your memorial mason for proof of this.

 

What You May Choose

 

General: Cemeteries and churchyards generally have regulations governing the kinds of memorials, and sometimes also the inscriptions and ornamentation, they will allow.  These vary from place to place and so need to be checked before any choice is made.  A NAMM memorial mason will be able to assist.

 

Cremation:  There are often special areas for the burial of cremated remains.  Some just have a central memorial commemorating all those buried nearby.

 

In others, headstones or plaques can be erected on the individual plot.  Again, the reputable memorial mason should have full details.

 

 

Obtaining Permission

 

Before a memorial may be erected in a churchyard or cemetery written permission has to be obtained from its management.  Your NAMM memorial mason will see to this for you.

 

The Initial Enquiry

 

It is important to obtain a written estimate clearly setting out full details of the memorial you are considering - and all the costs involved.  The estimate should include the memorial itself (with full details as to size, material etc.), the lettering, any ornamentation and finishes, the secure installation of the memorial on a proper foundation and the cemetery or churchyard fees and VAT.

 

Please note:  lettering and ornamentation can be hand carved, sand blasted or machine cut.  These options and the different types of stone available, all vary in price.

 

If you obtain estimates from more than one company, do check them carefully to make sure you really are comparing like with like.

 

Placing The Order

 

When you place the order you may be asked to pay a deposit, with the balance of the agreed price payable later.

 

Before signing to confirm your order it is important to check it thoroughly.

 

Be particularly careful that the wording and spelling of the inscription, and any dates, are shown correctly.  Any alterations should be confirmed immediately and in writing.

 

Please note:  Unless you give definite written instructions to the contrary, the layout of the inscription may be left to the letter carver.

 

The availability of the materials, the complexity of design and the condition of the ground will affect the time the memorial will take to complete.

 

Again a reputable memorial mason will advise you on this.

 

 

What You May Choose

 

General: Cemeteries and churchyards generally have regulations governing the kinds of memorials, and sometimes also the inscriptions and ornamentation, they will allow.  These vary from place to place and so need to be checked before any choice is made.  A NAMM memorial mason will be able to assist.

 

Obtaining Permission

 

Before a memorial may be erected in a churchyard or cemetery written permission has to be obtained from its management.  Your NAMM memorial mason will see to this for you.

 

The Initial Enquiry

 

It is important to obtain a written estimate clearly setting out full details of the memorial you are considering - and all the costs involved.  The estimate should include the memorial itself (with full details as to size, material etc.), the lettering, any ornamentation and finishes, the secure installation of the memorial on a proper foundation and the cemetery or churchyard fees and VAT.

 

Please note:  lettering and ornamentation can be hand carved, sand blasted or machine cut.  These options and the different types of stone available, all vary in price.If you obtain estimates from more than one company, do check them carefully to make sure you really are comparing like with like.

 

Placing The Order

 

When you place the order you may be asked to pay a deposit, with the balance of the agreed price payable later. Before signing to confirm your order it is important to check it thoroughly.

Be particularly careful that the wording and spelling of the inscription, and any dates, are shown correctly.  Any alterations should be confirmed immediately and in writing.  Please note:  Unless you give definite written instructions to the contrary, the layout of the inscription may be left to the letter carver.

 

The availability of the materials, the complexity of design and the condition of the ground will affect the time the memorial will take to complete. Again a reputable memorial mason will advise you on this.