hertfordshire headstones
Headstone FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions About Headstones
Choosing a headstone or memorial often raises a number of questions. You may need advice about the right type of stone, cemetery permission, inscriptions, costs or when a memorial can be installed.
At Hertfordshire Headstones, we are always happy to answer questions about our methods, materials and services. However, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about headstones below.
If you need any further advice, please get in touch with us.
How Long Does an Inscription Last?
Several factors affect how long an inscription will remain clear and legible. These include the type of stone, the location of the memorial and the depth of the lettering.
For this reason, we consider all of these factors when designing your memorial.
We can recommend a suitable stone based on its location and your preferred appearance. In addition, we can use bolder or more deeply cut letter styles where necessary.
Our deeply V-carved lettering also creates a durable and traditional finish. As a result, the inscription does not rely entirely on surface paint to remain visible.
Do I Need Permission to Install a Headstone?
Yes. You will normally need permission before installing a headstone in a cemetery or churchyard.
However, Hertfordshire Headstones can obtain this permission on your behalf. The application process usually requires the signature of the grave owner.
Once the application has been submitted, permission generally takes around four weeks. Nevertheless, timescales can vary depending on the individual cemetery or church authority.
We can guide you through this process as part of our complete memorial service.
How Much Does a Headstone Cost?
The cost of a memorial depends on its size, design, choice of stone, lettering and the amount of carving required.
Our bespoke stone memorial plaques start from £1,000.
Our headstones and gravestones start from £3,000, while kerb set arrangements start from £4,500.
These prices include VAT, design proposals and installation.
However, some cemeteries and churchyards also charge their own application or permit fees. Therefore, these may need to be added separately.
What Is the Best Stone for a Headstone?
All of the stones we recommend are suitable for the UK climate.
In particular, we commonly work with:
- Celtic Limestone
- Welsh Slate
- Nabresina Limestone
- Yorkshire Sandstone
These natural stones are hard-wearing and carve particularly well. In addition, they provide a range of colours and textures to suit different memorial styles.
The best choice will depend on the design of the memorial, your preferred appearance and its location.
Therefore, we can advise you on the most suitable stone when designing your headstone.
How Do I Write an Epitaph?
An epitaph gives you an opportunity to say something lasting about the person being remembered.
Generally, the most effective epitaphs are short and concise. In our experience, they are often both uplifting and comforting to people visiting the grave without becoming overly sentimental.
Some families choose words that are deeply personal. Alternatively, inspiration can come from literature, poetry, religious or biblical texts.
Choosing the right words can be difficult. Therefore, if you need some inspiration, we can help guide you through the options.
We have also compiled a collection of quotes and inscriptions that can help you choose suitable wording for your memorial.
How Long Should We Wait Before Installing a Headstone?
Many burial grounds allow a headstone to be installed around six months after the burial.
However, the ground needs time to settle properly. Memorials installed too soon can sometimes tilt because the soil beneath them has not fully settled.
For this reason, we often recommend waiting longer where possible.
Many families choose to install the memorial around the first anniversary of their loved one’s passing. This allows additional time for the ground to settle while also providing a meaningful date for the memorial to be placed.
