Prior to orderingmemorials, headstones or gravestones you need to consider the churches regulations in terms of what is acceptable.
Your NAMM or BRAM mason will be able to give you guidance in this.
Each church will have its own regulations, below is an example of the topics they will cover.
o Materials o Dimensions o Base and Foundation Slab o Designs o Sculpture o Inscriptions o Commemoration after Cremation o Trademarks o Upkeep Examples of topics in greater depth: Headstones Size o No more than 4ft nor less than 2ft 6in high (1200mm, 750mm); o No more than 3ft nor less than 1ft 8in wide (900mm, 500mm); o No more than 6in nor less than 3in thick (150mm, 75mm), unless slate is to be used in which case a thickness of 2in (50mm) is permitted; o In the case of infant burials, headstones must be no less than 2ft x 1ft 3in x 2in (600mm x 375mm x 50mm).
A base forming an integral part of the design of a headstone may be included, provided it does not project more than 2in (50mm) beyond the headstone in any direction and provided that it is fixed on a foundation slab of an approved material which itself is fixed flush with the ground and extending 3in to 5in (75mm to 125mm) all round so that a mower may freely pass over it.
If desired, the base may include the provision of a socket to receive a vase, in which case it may extend by up to 7in (175mm) forward of the headstone.
Memorial Materials The following stone is permitted: Limestone: Portland Purbeck Derbyshire Hopton Wood Hornton Nabresina Caen/Normandy Sandstone: York Slate:Blue/Black (Cornish) Grey/Blue (Welsh) Green (Westmoreland) Granite: Light to medium grey Finishes Polished stone or mirror finish is not permitted.
Coloured lettering is not permitted save as follows: Nabresina limestone may have the lettering picked out in light blue matt; Slate may have the lettering picked out in off-white matt; Granite may have the lettering picked out in black matt.
Inscriptions Incumbents should require an accurate design of the proposed inscription before approving an application.
Photographs or representations of objects or motifs such as a child's toy are not permitted nor the use of 'pet names'.
Bronze or ceramic inserts are not to be used.
Badges, crests or emblems may be used provided they are seemly and appropriate for the deceased.
Any representation will need to be designed so that it may be accurately cut by a skilled craftsman.
Masons' or carpenters' names, signs or marks may be inscribed on any monument provided their position and appearance are unobtrusive having regard to the monument as a whole.
Fixture Regard must be had to health and safety concerns, and to current industry standards for the fixing of monuments safely and securely.
HORIZONTAL LEDGERS Size Either flush with the turf or raised not more than 9in (225mm) above a base, extending not less than 3in (75mm) all round and itself flush with the turf; inclusive measurements not more than 7ft (2100 mm) by 3ft (900mm).
CROSSES An incumbent may NOT consent to the introduction of a cross, for crosses have been too freely used in burial grounds in the past.
Such monuments require a high standard of design.
However, the incumbent may authorize the temporary introduction of a simple wooden cross to mark a recent burial.
A brass plaque bearing the name and dates of the deceased may be affixed to the cross.
Such cross must be removed upon the erection of a stone memorial or after a period of 18 months, whichever be the sooner.
PROHIBITIONS For the avoidance of doubt, the following are not permitted: i.
kerbs, railings, fencing or chippings as these create difficulty or danger when mowing; ii.
memorials in the shape of vases, hearts, open books; iii.
memorials incorporating photographs or portraits; iv.
mementoes, windmills, toys or little animals; v.
the use of 'pet names