Budgeting for a new Memorial: A Comprehensive Guide

March 3, 2025
Memorial Tips

Navigating the process of choosing a memorial can be daunting, especially when paired with the emotional toll of grief. Understanding the associated costs and factors that affect pricing is an essential step in planning. In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements to help you budget effectively and find the right solution.

Understanding Typical Memorial Costs

The cost of a memorial can vary significantly based on its size, design, and materials. Here’s
an overview of typical price ranges:

Standard headstone and base: £800 – £2,500
Larger headstones or bespoke designs: Starting from £2,000
Grave coverings, kerbstones, or surrounds: £3,000 – £7,000+
Cremation memorials: £300 – £1,500
Flat tablets (often used for cremation or memorial extensions): £250 – £800
Vases: £185 – £800+

Factors such as designs, finishes, and colours can also influence the final cost.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the memorial itself, there are extra elements that can affect the total price:

Inscriptions:
- Sandblasted lettering: ~£2.30 per letter
- Machine-cut lettering: ~£4.50 per letter
- Lead lettering: £5 – £8 per letter
- Hand-cut lettering: £7 – £20 per letter (depending on style)
Designs or images: £50 – £500 (depending on complexity)
Carvings: £100 – £1,500+ (depending on complexity) .
Ceramic photos: £195 – £500
Statues and ornaments: £90 – £400+

Note: Installation and VAT are included in the costs.

Material Options and Costs

The material you choose will have a significant impact on the cost and longevity of the
memorial:

Granite: Durable and versatile; £800 – £2,500 for a standard gravestone.
Marble, Nabresina, and Yorkstone: Beautiful but prone to weathering; £1,200 –
£3,000.
Slate: Premium and highly durable; £2,500 – £5,000.
Bronze plaques: Smaller cremation plaques; £250 – £800+.

Cemetery and Churchyard Fees

Cemeteries and dioceses have their own fee structures, which can range from £40 – £1,000.
Note that fees may be higher for non-residents in some locations.

Payment and Timing

The payment structure for memorials typically involves:

A 50% deposit (including cemetery or churchyard fees) when placing the order.
The remaining balance due upon completion, prior to installation.

Cemeteries and churchyards often require a waiting period of 6-12 months after burial or
interment, which can provide additional time to plan finances.