Information, Guides, and Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a headstone isn’t a regular purchase for most people. It’s normal to have lots of questions about what the process is or how a headstone or memorial can look. On this page we’ve detailed some of those frequently asked questions. If you have more questions, please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to help.
Can I see my headstone before it is made?
Yes, at North East Headstones we offer a free design service. We will create a computer drawing of your chosen memorial and inscription that you will be able to view. Before we start to engrave your memorial, you are free to make changes to the design and inscription details.
What fonts can I have on a headstone?
You can choose virtually any font that you like for your headstone. We have hundreds of font options, and can use new ones if there isn’t one you like. Click here to see a guide to your font options.
Can I have pictures on a headstone?
Yes. You can add photos of loved ones, as well as virtually any other image that you’d like. Images can be engraved, etched, or painted to best suit the picture.
You can choose to add a whole range of images, whether that’s flowers, religious imagery, military badges, football club badges, pets and animals, and more. You can bring your own images too and we can add them to your memorial.
How much does a headstone cost?
We have memorials and headstones available to suit all budgets. Vases and tablets start at a few hundred pounds, and headstones from around £1000.
All of our memorial prices include lettering and any engravings.
Can you install a headstone in any cemetery? What areas do you cover?
We primarily cover cemeteries and graveyards in the North East, covering the likes of Newcastle, Gateshead, County Durham, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Sunderland, and the surrounding areas. We have also worked further afield and we can generally cover any cemetery in the country. For more details, click here.
What colours are headstones available in?
The most common colour for headstones is black, and they are almost always made of granite.
At North East Headstones, all of our memorials are available in a wide range of granite colours. As well as black there are various shades of red, blue, grey and green.
You can see examples of the range of colours in our online brochure by clicking here.
While granite is most often used for its longevity, resilience and beauty, other materials can be used for some memorials too.
How do I know I am getting a good quality headstone?
North East Headstones and Memorials is a registered member of BRAMM, the British Association of Accredited Memorial Masons. That means we have been recognised as following the highest standards of memorial installation to ensure a lasting headstone. Our masons have worked as assessors for NAMM (National Association of Memorial Masons) too, assessing other masons on their skills, so we have lots of experience in following best practice in the industry.
What are cemetery fees? How much are cemetery fees?
Cemeteries are typically managed by local councils. To be able to install a memorial or do other work, they typically charge a fee. Each council sets their own fees which can vary based on the likes of the size of a memorial or who the memorial is for. They can range from around £60 up to £500.
We can give you full details of the necessary fees. We make the payment to the council on your behalf. We do not add any extra charges for doing that.
What can I write on a headstone?
As well as the details of your loved one, people often add an epitaph or other message onto the stone. Whether that’s a poem, religious verse, song lyric, or other message.
To act as inspiration, click here to see some inscription ideas.