General FAQs

Allowing the ground time to settle after a burial is essential before installing a memorial. Typically, a headstone can be erected on a grave six months after the last burial, although a period of one year is more common. In cases where cremated remains are interred, a headstone may be fixed after 3-6 months, as the ground requires less settling time, although this timeframe can vary.

If you inform us of the cemetery/crematorium where your memorial will be installed, we can ascertain the specific rules and regulations for you and provide appropriate guidance.
Frequently, couples and family members wish to be laid to rest together, sharing a common memorial. In such instances, we carefully plan the lettering, designs, and placement of photos on your chosen memorial to allow room for an additional inscription of similar size in the future. While options like a book memorial or triple heart memorial are excellent choices for accommodating multiple inscriptions, it's important to note that every memorial can be customised to include space for future additions. We aim to ensure that your memorial not only honours your loved ones but also accommodates the possibility of future commemorations seamlessly.
Most ordering processes can be conveniently conducted over the phone or via email. However, we require the grave owner’s signature on the order form. To facilitate this, we will send the necessary documents to your address along with a pre-paid envelope, allowing you to return the signed paperwork to us hassle-free.
The inscription letters can be crafted by simply cutting them into the stone, leaving them plain, or enhancing them with paint in black, white, silver, or gilded with gold leaf. All options are equally resilient to weather conditions, although the degree of weathering may vary depending on the location. Therefore, the choice of colour should primarily be based on personal preference. Additionally, it's worth noting that lettering placed on flat surfaces, such as on top of a headstone base, may weather more quickly than those on the face of the headstone.
Our current estimation for the manufacturing and delivery of standard designs is approximately 4-6 months. This timeline commences from the date we receive both the cemetery or church permit and your second instalment payment, not from the initial order date. Permit acquisition, facilitated by us on your behalf, is typically straightforward. Still, suppose you've chosen a more unusual style or size of memorial. In that case, additional time may be needed to clarify details with the cemetery and obtain permission, impacting the final delivery/fixing date.

While we strive to expedite orders, factors beyond our control, such as shipping and council response times, may affect completion times. Consequently, some orders may be fulfilled in less than 4 or 5 months, while others may require more time. We're committed to keeping you informed about the progress of your order throughout.

Due to the complexities involved, the manufacturing and delivery time for non-standard memorials will likely be 4-6 months.
Indeed, while you'll be responsible for arranging the shipping, we're more than willing to coordinate with an agent regarding scheduling and preparing your memorial for collection by securely crating it up. Please note that this service will have associated costs, so feel free to reach out to us for a quote once you've made your memorial selection.
The cost of your chosen headstone largely depends on its size and material. We offer a wide range of memorial stones at Milford Memorials to accommodate every budget. For instance, our Value Memorials range begins as low as £1,065 and extends to higher prices for more prominent custom memorials with additional features.

If cost-effectiveness is a priority, selecting a simple shape in black granite, such as a black Ogee and utilising your complimentary 60-letter inscription allowance is recommended. However, optional extras like photo plaques, statues, and other decorative items are available for those seeking a more personalised touch.
We provide quotations for inscriptions based on characters. All our memorials include 60 characters free of charge in your choice of colour, including Gold Leaf and Silver gilding. However, the number of words this equates to depends on your specific inscription text.

Each character beyond the 60 included will incur a cost of £2.80. Again, your choice of finish for the inscription is included in this price.

For additional inscriptions added to existing memorials, pricing is determined individually and may vary.
Cemetery or crematoria fees vary and are not standardised. However, if you provide us with the grave location details, we can obtain this information for you. Alternatively, you may contact the cemetery directly to inquire about these fees.

Upon placing an order, we will obtain a permit on your behalf. This process is typically straightforward and ensures compliance with cemetery or church regulations.
Our standard payment terms are outlined below:

First Instalment: As described above, a 20% deposit is required when the memorial is ordered.

Second Instalment: Upon receipt of the permit from the cemetery or church authority, 75% of the remaining balance, along with the burial ground fee, is payable. Obtaining the permit takes 2-3 weeks from the first instalment.

Final Instalment: The final balance is due upon completion, i.e., when the memorial is in place. This typically occurs approximately 16 weeks after the second instalment is received.

We have credit terms available, provided by a third-party broker and dependent on individual circumstances.
Milford Memorials And Headstones Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Funeral Safe Limited for the purpose of credit broking introductions only.

Our firm reference number is 1005005. Funeral Safe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 765110 as a lender and broker.

Using the link below, check your loan eligibility with Funeral Safe, partners of Milford Memorials and Headstones.

https://partners.funeralsafe.co.uk/funeral-directors/milford-memorials-and-headstones/

Design, Materials & Finishes

The standard overall height for most memorials typically ranges between 2 feet 6 inches and 3 feet. However, we offer customisation options to tailor our designs to your specific size or material requirements, subject to availability and approval by the cemetery.

We are happy to provide a customised quote if you need a slightly different size or material. Additionally, our memorials come in various shapes, including book-shaped gravestones and heart-shaped gravestones, adding a personal touch to your tribute. Feel free to contact us to discuss your preferences and receive a personalised quote.
Customising the memorial according to your preferences is possible, but this will be subject to your cemetery’s regulations. We will verify these regulations and provide further advice when we provide you with a quotation. Please note that all memorials must have an approved permit from the cemetery before we commence manufacturing them. Rest assured, we will handle this process on your behalf to ensure compliance with cemetery regulations.
When selecting a photograph for your memorial, it is essential to choose one that is clear and preferably of high print quality. We can remove backgrounds and other individuals from the photo if needed to ensure it fits seamlessly with the design. Aim to select a picture that is not blurred or damaged.

Additionally, consider whether the photo would best suit a landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) photo plaque. The choice may be influenced by the size and shape of your stone and the amount of inscription text. Our staff can provide guidance and recommendations if you need help deciding which orientation to choose.

We offer options for headstone images that include a plaque, a painted portrait, or an etching. Please ask for further details during a consultation.
If the specific shape or style of memorial you desire is separate from a standard collection, we are delighted to collaborate with you to craft a bespoke design. Whether it involves simply exchanging one part of a headstone for another or creating an entirely new design from scratch, we possess the expertise to assist you at every step.

Please contact us via phone or email to discuss your requirements in more detail. We look forward to bringing your unique memorial vision to life.
Our designs are available in a variety of materials, with the most popular choices being Black or Grey Granite and marble. However, it's important to note that some cemeteries and graveyards may restrict the materials permitted for memorials. Rest assured, we will clarify any such regulations before you finalise your order.
The choice of finish for your memorial stone is influenced by personal preference and regulations imposed by your cemetery, crematorium, or churchyard. We can offer guidance during the ordering process, or you can email us to inquire now.

Polished: All visible memorial areas except for design work or inward-facing surfaces are polished. This finish is suitable for virtually every cemetery except those managed by the Church of England.

Honed: A honed finish is smooth but non-reflective, akin to an 'eggshell' texture. It is particularly suitable for most churchyards.

Part Polished: This finish polishes or hones only the inscription face and the top of the base (if applicable). Depending on the individual memorial, other surfaces are treated with methods such as pitching, sawing, sanding, blasting, or rubbing.

Pitched: A pitched finish is achieved using a bolster and hammer, resulting in a rough texture for the memorial.

Please consider these options when selecting the finish for your memorial stone.
Granite stands out for its strength and exquisite beauty, available in various colours such as black, red, blue, and grey. Renowned for its durability, granite is particularly well-suited for British weather conditions. It can be polished to enhance its natural beauty and deep hues or honed for a matte finish, providing a diverse range of options to suit your preferences. Whether polished to reveal its true splendour or honed for a subdued elegance, granite remains a timeless choice for memorials.
White marble, characterised by blue/grey veins, offers a distinctive appearance. However, its porous nature renders it unsuitable for placement near trees or damp areas. Marble is always given a finely rubbed finish, resulting in a smooth texture, though it is never polished. It's important to note that marble is not permitted for use in churchyards.
This limestone, ranging from beige to pale grey with flecks, boasts an exceptionally fine grain. It is well-suited for most churchyards and similar environments. Like white marble, it undergoes a finely rubbed finish, resulting in a smooth texture without being polished.
Our standard payment terms are outlined below:

First Instalment: As described above, a 20% deposit is required when the memorial is ordered.

Second Instalment: Upon receipt of the permit from the cemetery or church authority, 75% of the remaining balance, along with the burial ground fee, is payable. Obtaining the permit takes 2-3 weeks from the first instalment.

Final Instalment: The final balance is due upon completion, i.e., when the memorial is in place. This typically occurs approximately 16 weeks after the second instalment is received.

We have credit terms available, provided by a third-party broker and dependent on individual circumstances.