FAQ-about memorial design
Written by: Wilf Freeman
Published: 26th August 2026
J.Gumbrill is frequently asked questions about memorial design. Monumental masonry is a subject that not many people are expert on and so there are often a lot of matters to discuss! It’s understandable that, to many people, what’s possible when they are considering a memorial’s appearance is information they are coming to for the first time. Luckily, our team has years of experience in guiding customers through this unfamiliar territory. We can give as much information as you need to be assured that the chosen monument will represent a fitting tribute. Here are some answers to some questions our customers often ask on this important topic.
Q: Can I customise a shape, size or design of a memorial from one of the standard designs?
Yes, all our memorials are made to order and can be tailored in any way. For example, you may like a particular memorial’s shape and size but prefer it to be made from a different material. Or, you may have seen a memorial in a full size for a burial plot but require a smaller size for a cremation plot.
We also can produce memorial designs that may come from your imagination. You may have seen a design elsewhere rather that in our brochure and we can replicate this too.
If your chosen design adheres with the regulations of the prevailing burial authority, anything is possible.
Q: Can you include engravings, photos and symbols?
Our letter cutters can carve any design or symbol from an image. You could provide something you have seen online, a sketch of your own, or a description. They will be happy to work with you in the creation progress, and we will provide this cost separately as part of our no-obligation quote, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
We offer a range of ceramic photo plaques in different shapes and sizes, which can also be added to memorials in many settings. The detailing page of our website contains lots of information and images about what is possible.
Q: Are there restrictions from the cemetery on size, material, or design?
Yes, each burial authority will have their own set regulations. For instance, churches do not allow polished stone or some colours, whereas a cemetery would. Churches will only permit certain religious carvings, whereas a cemetery would allow most things from a religious symbol to a pet, instrument, vehicle etc.
All settings may set minimum and maximum sizes for particular types of memorials or restrict permissions for certain shapes or the inclusion of kerb surrounds. This is often for maintenance purposes.
Q: Can you help with ideas for the wording or epitaph for the memorial?
Yes, we can help with this. Our team has lots of experience at assisting customers with this important choice. We can also ensure you understand the implications of your choices, for example how the length of the chosen wording impacts the ideal size of the chosen memorial, or what space will remain afterwards.
How an epitaph is worded can also be impacted by the plans for future inscriptions and what is engraved on the memorial at what point in its life. We also have a range of memorials in our showroom which show sample inscriptions.
Q: Can I commission a new memorial to match an existing one?
In most cases an existing family memorial can be matched. There are some factors that impact on this, though:
- whether it is possible to determine the stone type, inscription method and so on,
- if the same type of stone is still available from suppliers,
- whether the same type of memorial is permitted in the setting. For example, some churchyards in our area used to allow kerb surrounds whereas they do not now, and would not permit one even to match a previous memorial,
- what advances there have been in techniques which have rendered previous ones obsolete. For example, it is rare now for lettering to be made of lead.
One of our skilled memorial masons would typically inspect the original memorial to ensure all key details, such as stone type, size, lettering style, and colour are understood. Where exact duplicates are not possible for the above reasons, we can ensure you are aware of the possible alternatives and what differences there may be. We will take your requirements into account and ensure the previous memorial can be carefully replicated for a consistent and respectful result.
While these are some of the questions we get asked most frequently, we understand there may be others. We are here to reassure you and offer as much advice as we can, so the memorial looks exactly as you intend it to. If you do have questions about memorial design, or any other aspect of the process, please do get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Thanks for your time, Wilf.
