Memorial ideas and considerations

When choosing a memorial for a loved one there a number of things to take into account, from regulatory issues to maintaining the memorial itself. We’ve listed a number of memorial ideas and considerations below.

Regulations

Crematoria, churchyards and cemeteries have regulations that govern the size and type of memorial allowed within the grounds. For example, many churchyards do not allow polished materials. Your local Dignity funeral director will be able to advise you on memorial regulations in your area.

Location

It is important to consider where the memorial will be placed. For example, if the grave is close to a tree or hedge, a marble memorial may be stained by sap or decaying leaves. A granite memorial is non-porous and may be more suitable.

Lettering

Some materials will suit certain types of lettering more than others. For example, lead lettering should only be used for marble memorials and gilded lettering looks best on polished granite.

Colour

The colour of the material can be used to enhance the effect of special designs. For example, mottled and light-coloured stones may be less effective than plain, dark-coloured materials.

Maintenance

All memorials require cleaning to maintain their appearance and to avoid deterioration. Polished materials are usually easier to keep clean.

Materials

There are many types of materials available for memorials but the most common are granite, marble and stone.

• Granite: Granite is still quarried in this country but most is now imported from abroad. Traditional polished black granite with gilded lettering is considered by many to be the classic memorial
• Marble: Marble is usually imported from Italy and the creamy appearance of the material gives the memorial a delicate softness
• Stone: In the UK we have some excellent stone such as York and Portland. Stone’s natural appearance is often well suited to churchyard memorials
  
  

Design and wording

When you have chosen the type of material you want for your memorial, you will need to consider the wording you would like. There may be local regulations regarding this and your local Dignity funeral director will be able to advise you.

Our skilled stonemasons work on creating an individual and lasting memorial for you. They are specialists in cutting, polishing and engraving, and details can be changed to reflect your personal requirements.

Read our guide on headstone inscriptions.

Memorial plaques

Your favourite photograph of the deceased can be recreated to form part of the memorial, and will forever remain a lasting memento. If the photograph is of sentimental value, we would recommend that you provide us with a copy of the original, which can be obtained from any good photographers.