Designing and approving a memorial usually involves an initial consultation, a design proposal, and formal approval from the cemetery or churchyard authority before any work begins. Council cemeteries and Church of England churchyards follow different approval routes, and timescales vary depending on the site. A BRAMM-accredited mason will guide you through each stage, from choosing materials to final installation, and will handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Where does the headstone process start?
Most families come to us once they’ve chosen a memorial style, though some arrive with only a rough idea. Either way, the process begins with a conversation. We talk through what you’re looking for, the grave location, and any rules that might apply to that particular site.
In our experience, families often assume the design comes first and the paperwork comes later. It’s usually the other way round. Getting the permissions sorted early avoids delays once a design is finalised.
What happens at the first consultation?
We ask about the grave itself: whether it’s in a council cemetery or a churchyard, whether there’s an existing memorial, and whether the Deed of Grant or Exclusive Right of Burial is held by you or another family member. This document confirms who has the legal right to arrange a memorial on that grave.
If you’re not sure where this paperwork is, we can usually help you find out who holds it, or point you towards the right cemetery or parish office.
How is the design developed?
Once we understand the site and any restrictions, we put together a design proposal. This covers the material, shape, finish, and wording. You’ll see a visual before anything is submitted for approval, and you can request changes at this stage without any cost or delay to the wider process.
What information do we need from you?
- The grave reference number, if known
- Confirmation of who holds the Deed of Grant or Exclusive Right of Burial
- The wording and any dates you want included
- Any preferences on stone type, colour, or design features
We’ll double-check inscription wording with you carefully. Errors at this stage are far harder to correct once a memorial has been approved and ordered.
Does the design need approval before we can proceed?
Yes, in nearly all cases. Who grants that approval depends on where the grave is.
Council cemeteries
Council-run cemeteries, including Grimsby Cemetery, work under regulations such as the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977. Each council sets its own memorial rules covering size, material, and sometimes design style. As a BRAMM-accredited mason, we’re familiar with these local requirements and submit the paperwork on your behalf.
Churchyards and the faculty system
Church of England churchyards work differently. Memorials there usually need a faculty, which is permission granted by the Diocese rather than the council. Churchyard rules can be stricter, particularly around stone colour, shape, and kerb sets. Some churchyards allow only certain finishes.
Because these rules vary so much between individual councils and dioceses, we’d rather check the specifics for your grave than give a general answer that might not apply to your situation.
What if the design needs to change?
Sometimes an approval body asks for a small adjustment, perhaps to wording, size, or finish. This isn’t unusual and doesn’t mean the design has failed. We’ll resubmit the amended design and keep you updated throughout.
Occasionally, families change their minds after seeing the design proposal. That’s fine too. It’s far better to make changes before manufacture begins than after.
Julie, whose family recently chose a memorial with us, said: “We were kept informed from the start to installation, which was just in time for Christmas too.” Keeping families updated at each stage is something we take seriously, particularly when approval timescales are outside our control.
How long does installation take once approved?
Once a design is approved, we move to manufacture and then installation. Timescales depend on the complexity of the memorial, the material chosen, and how busy the workshop is at that time. Some cemeteries also have set periods when installation can take place, particularly after a new grave has had time to settle.
We can give you a realistic estimate once your design is approved, but we’d avoid promising a fixed date this early in the process. Too many variables are still outside anyone’s control at this stage.
What if you’re unsure about any part of the process?
Most families haven’t been through this before, and there’s no need to know all the rules in advance. Our job is to check the details that apply to your specific grave and guide you through each step, from that first conversation to the finished memorial.
If you’re at the start of this process and would like to talk it through, we’re happy to help. Call us on 01472 453700 or email info@lincolnshirememorials.com.
Questions families often ask about the design and approval process
How long does memorial approval usually take?
It varies by cemetery or churchyard, but it’s often a few weeks. Council cemeteries and Diocese-led churchyard approvals (faculties) run on different timescales, so we’ll give you a realistic estimate once we know the site.
Do I need permission to install a memorial in a churchyard?
Yes. Church of England churchyards usually require a faculty, which is permission from the Diocese rather than the council. Rules on style and material can be stricter than in council cemeteries.
Can I change the design after it has been submitted for approval?
Small changes are common and not usually a problem before manufacture begins. We’ll resubmit any amended design and keep you informed of the updated timescale.
Who holds the right to arrange a memorial on a grave?
Whoever holds the Deed of Grant, sometimes called the Exclusive Right of Burial, has the legal right to arrange a memorial. If you’re unsure who holds this, we can help you find out.
