What you can put on gravestones in the UK varies from cemetery to cemetery. Many cemeteries don’t allow plastic decorations, glass containers, marble chippings, freestanding items and artificial flowers. There will be safety reasons behind these decisions. Helping you choose the right grave surround We decorate graves as a tradition. We do this as it personalises the grave for identification purposes (engravings and portraits) and to comfort mourners who visit. Many people struggle to know what to do and say when a loved one dies and decorating a grave can provide focus and a way of expressing love and grief. Rituals are hugely comforting in times of distress. infant graves- are specific infant areas which are available at Wairds Cemetery in Melrose and Peebles Cemetery Part polished: You can choose to have the face of the headstone as a glossy finish, and the rest of the headstone unpolished. Once you have chosen the elements that will make up your loved one’s resting place, you might feel that you want a way to unify them all into a single memorial. One of the best ways to do this is to opt for a kerbed memorial . This is a style of memorial that extends from the headstone at ground level to cover the full grave, creating a contained and garden-like effect which complements the items you have chosen, and helps to make them look their best.

Flat headstones: Sometimes known as flat grave markers, this type of gravestone is laid flush or slanted on the ground. Furthermore, there are a whole host of benefits that come hand in hand with traditional kerb sets, including the reduction of grave maintenance and the ability to add a personalised touch to the gravestone. Honed: Non-reflective, this design is made by removing the polish using dust, and it’s often used if the headstone will have colours on.When it comes to adding text, you’ll need to choose the style of font for the message and what it will actually say. Your local Funeral Director will be able to provide advice and guidance on gravestone designs, should you need it. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral and we will be happy to advise you. A list of charges is available. Pitched: The most rustic of all the finishes, a pitched finish gives the stone a textured surface with jagged edges, meaning it’s easier to plot into older surroundings. There is also a re-instatement programme for sunken graves and a rolling programme for the period of time after a burial to reinstate a level surface on grave.The current timescale is one month after internment, again after three months and thereafter the programme of re-instatement is reactive. Cemetery rules You may be restricted on the type of memorial stone available depending on the location. Often, cemeteries will have restrictions or preferences about headstone designs and materials. If you want to find out more about your chosen cemetery’s regulations, your local Funeral Director can advise you.

We manage and maintain 154 cemeteries and churchyards. We offer a fully comprehensive service to anyone requiring advice or assistance with this matter. In the UK, there are certain rules and regulations cemeteries put in place regarding memorial headstones. Whether the cemetery is owned by the council or is private property, it’s important to get an understanding of the regulations before you choose a headstone or look at gravestone designs. The main stone and inscription are really just the beginning of a memorial, and with well-chosen decorative elements they can form the foundation of a truly striking resting place. From grave ornaments such as candle boxes and religious icons to memorial statues and memorial vases , we have a huge variety of grave decorations that can make a unique and meaningful addition to the area around the grave. If you want to add lots of flowers and intend to regularly replenish them with fresh ones, our vases of all shapes and sizes can help create a focal point – and you can choose to add just one or as many as you feel you wish to. Once you’ve decided what material you would like, you’ll need to think about the design of the headstone. Your Funeral Director will be able to talk you through the options, which will include the following:We run a headstone restoration programme, which involves surveying headstones for stability and making them safe where necessary. Maintenance of headstones is the responsibility of the lair holder or family. You can also add solar lights to a grave area such as a stone angel holding a solar light. You might also wish to include seasonal decorations when you visit the grave at Christmas time or on your loved one’s birthday. These could include a mini potted Christmas tree or a birthday teddy bear. Grave decorations like these depend on the cemetery rules. Putting additional items on and around a grave elevates it into something that feels truly personal, avoiding the uniformity of a simple headstone which may not stand out from those surrounding it. That’s why at Memorials of Distinction our grave decoration designs cater to all tastes, ensuring you can find the ornament, statue, vase or other decorative item that feels just right.