Find Monumental Masons and Specialist Memorial Stonemasons

That all-important decision about which type of headstone would make the most befitting memorial is best deferred until the raw emotions associated with bereavement have eased.

Choosing Monumental Masons and Specialist Memorial Stonemasons

When you feel that the time is right, we suggest that you peruse the directory of professional monumental masons and specialist memorial stonemasons listed on this website. Memorial & Monumental Stonemasons

Funeral Services Comprehensive Guide to Monumental Masons

Many of the specialist memorials stonemasons included on the Funeral Services Guide are independently-run family businesses with years of experience in the industry; others are affiliated members of national associations such as the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM).

Above all, however you will find that the monumental masons and specialist memorial stonemasons that appear in the Guide have been selected specifically for their professionalism, as well as their exceptional quality services and products.

All pride themselves on providing a caring service that is second to none; all are also highly trained and sympathetic individuals who can help you through the monumental memorial ordering process, making your experience as stress-free as possible.

Types of Monumental Memorials
Popular and durable materials used for memorials include: marble, high gloss granite (particularly black or grey), slate and increasingly, nowadays, natural, local stone.

Designs may vary considerably according to final resting place and range from traditional style churchyard gravestones, less formal, simple plaques and cremation tablets to unconventional, bespoke and uniquely fashioned memorials. Personalised headstones with images, pictures and meaningful personal tributes, e.g. on children’s gravestones, are also a growing trend.

Timescale for Monumental Memorials
From receipt of order to completion, headstones usually take several weeks or even months to make, depending on the type of gravestone required, the availability of the materials and the complexity of the design and inscription.

In addition, it can take up six months or longer, before the condition of the ground is firm enough to fix the memorial in position.

Memorial Gravestone Inscriptions
Discuss the layout and style of the inscription with the letter carver, beforehand, to ensure that there is no misunderstanding regarding your specific requirements.

Check - then check again - the proof copy of the inscription for errors in the wording, spelling and dates, etc. Only give the go-ahead when you are completely satisfied that the inscription is correct in every detail. Always confirm any amendments in writing, immediately.

Finally, do bear in mind that all inscriptions have to be submitted to the relevant Burial Authority to ensure that the content is appropriate and that the wording is neither offensive nor contrary to any regulations currently in place. The memorial mason will make this submission on your behalf.

Payment
Most stone masons will ask for a deposit before memorial masonry is begun, when you place the initial order for the headstone, with payment in full, upon completion. Read the small print carefully.

Monumental Memorial Insurance & Maintenance Schemes
When ordering the memorial masonry, you may also wish to consider the possibility of purchasing a package which includes memorial insurance and maintenance, at the same time.

For peace of mind, we strongly advise that you take out an insurance policy, in the event of vandalism, damage or theft. Some monumental masons will include insurance cover in the cost of the headstone. Either way, it is important that the cover takes immediate effect from the date when the memorial is placed in situ.

Resources
National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM)
NAMM affiliates are bound by the Code of Business and Working Practice and will guarantee the quality, stability and fitting of the final product.

Address: NAMM, 1 Castle Mews, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2XL.
Telephone: 01788 542264
Website: www.namm.org.uk

NAMM National Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers
Database of memorial fixers/installers/erectors who have proven competency (NVQ/City & Guilds) to install a headstone and base to the required standard as detailed in the NAMM Code of Working Practice.

Address: NAMM, 1 Castle Mews, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2XL.
Website: www.nammregister.org.uk

British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM)
Established in 2004, with a view to creating a network of accredited monumental masons and registered fixers…” [source: http://www.bramm-uk.org/about]. BRAMM registered members follow a strict ‘Code of Business and Working Practice’.

Address: BRAMM Office, 8 The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4EA.
Telephone: 01788 544963
Website: www.bramm-uk.org

© Funeral Services Guide