Flowers have long been a way of showing love and remembrance. Families often want a memorial that allows them to leave fresh or seasonal flowers, but the rules around vases and accessories are not always straightforward. This guide explains the main options, highlights what is permitted in churchyards and cemeteries, and offers practical advice on how to keep a memorial looking cared for throughout the year.
Built-in vase recesses
Many modern headstones and bases include one or two built-in recesses designed to hold a metal vase insert. These are simple, discreet and usually approved by both cemeteries and churchyards. They allow flowers to be placed neatly without interfering with maintenance.
Churchyard rules often limit how far the base can extend. In the Lincoln Diocese guidance opens in a new tab, for example, a base must not project more than 100 mm beyond the stone, apart from a small allowance of up to 200 mm in front if a flower receptacle is provided. This keeps the memorial tidy and practical for mowing.
Tip: choose inserts with drainage holes so rainwater does not pool, and clean them regularly to avoid staining the stone.
Separate granite vases
For families who want a little more room for flowers, a separate granite vase can be placed alongside the headstone. These vases can match the colour and finish of the memorial, creating a coordinated look. They are especially popular in cemeteries, where rules tend to be more flexible.
David from Lincolnshire Memorials explains, “A granite vase is a tasteful way to add more flower space without cluttering the grave. We always check with the cemetery before including one, to make sure it will be accepted.”
In most churchyards, however, separate vases are unlikely to be approved. In these cases, a built-in recess is the safest choice.
Kerb-set memorial accessories
Larger kerb-set memorials sometimes include drilled corner posts or central tablets for flower containers. These give families multiple spots for arrangements, making them suitable for bigger family graves.
Kerb sets are rarely permitted in churchyards, but they remain a common and respected choice in cemeteries. Lincolnshire Memorials’ brochures include examples with elegant vases at each corner, showing how this design can frame flowers beautifully while remaining easy to maintain.
Temporary and seasonal holders
Some families like to add a temporary spiked holder for anniversaries or special occasions. These can be suitable in cemetery gardens, but churchyards are often stricter. According to many parish guidelines, glass, plastic, and non-permanent items may be removed without notice.
Funeral flowers and tributes are usually cleared after a set period to keep the grounds tidy. For example, Portsmouth City Council opens in a new tab removes tributes after 17 days. While this is only one example, it shows how councils set clear timescales.
Tip: always ask how long tributes will remain before planning larger arrangements.
Artificial flowers and policy differences
Artificial flowers are a common area of confusion. Many families choose them for convenience, yet rules differ widely. The Diocese of Lincoln does not usually allow them, except for Remembrance poppies and Christmas wreaths, and will remove faded or out-of-season items. Some parishes allow good quality silk flowers for a limited time. Cemeteries are generally more relaxed but will still remove arrangements once they look tired.
To avoid disappointment, David recommends, “If artificial flowers are important to you, we can suggest a design and a setting where they are more likely to be accepted, usually in a cemetery rather than a churchyard.”
Caring for vases and flowers
Choosing the right vase is only the first step. Keeping it looking cared for requires simple, regular attention.
- Empty water and decayed stems quickly to prevent staining.
- Rinse metal inserts and wipe the stone base to avoid build-up.
- Avoid wire or clips that may scratch polished granite.
- Rotate arrangements seasonally, with bulbs or spring flowers where permitted, fresh cut in summer, and wreaths in winter.
If a memorial shows signs of staining, lichen, or weathering, professional cleaning can restore its appearance. Lincolnshire Memorials offers a full restoration service, giving families peace of mind that their loved one’s resting place is cared for properly.
Making the right choice
The variety of vases and accessories can feel overwhelming, especially when rules differ between cemeteries and churchyards. Glass containers, ornaments, and unauthorised items are often removed, and artificial flowers may not always be permitted.
By working with a qualified and accredited mason, you can be sure that your chosen memorial will comply with local regulations while giving you a lasting way to leave flowers. Lincolnshire Memorials take care of permissions and design details, helping families focus on what matters most – creating a respectful and lasting tribute.
Questions About Memorial Vases and Accessories
Can We Use Glass Or Ceramic Vases On A Grave?
No, most cemeteries and churchyards do not allow glass or ceramic containers because they can break and create a safety hazard. Approved granite or metal vases are the best choice as they are safe, durable and accepted by authorities.
Are Artificial Flowers Allowed In Churchyards?
Artificial flowers are usually not permitted in churchyards, apart from poppies at Remembrance or wreaths at Christmas. Some parishes allow good quality silk flowers for a short period, but they may be removed once they fade or go out of season.
How Many Vase Recesses Can A Headstone Have?
Most churchyard rules limit the number of recesses to one or two, with specific size restrictions on how far the base can project. Cemeteries are usually more flexible, but we always confirm the local regulations before including extra recesses.
How Long Do Funeral Flowers Stay On The Grave?
Funeral flowers and tributes are usually cleared after a set time to keep the grounds tidy. Each council sets its own rules, which can range from two weeks to a month, so it is best to check with us for your local site.
What Happens If We Place Extra Ornaments Or Containers On The Grave?
Items that are not permitted, such as additional containers, lanterns or ornaments, are often removed by churchyard or cemetery staff without notice. To avoid disappointment, we guide families on what is suitable and suggest tasteful alternatives that comply with the rules.
Can We Add A Separate Vase To An Existing Headstone?
In many cemeteries this is possible, and a matching granite vase can be placed alongside the memorial. In churchyards it is less likely to be approved, so we usually recommend using the built-in vase space already on the base.
