Marco's Memorials
Loughborough
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Help & advice

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about choosing, buying, and caring for a memorial.

20
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Free
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25+
Years experience

Common questions

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20 questions

Simply get in touch — by phone, email, or through our website. We'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation where we'll listen to what you'd like and guide you through the options. We can arrange for you to see samples in person, or we can come to you. There's no rush and no pressure.

Buying a memorial

Typically 8–12 weeks for a new memorial. This includes design approval, crafting, and fitting. Simpler memorials and additional inscriptions can often be completed sooner. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation and keep you updated throughout.

Buying a memorial

Yes. We invite every family to inspect the finished memorial at our workshop before it leaves for the cemetery. If anything isn't exactly right, we'll correct it. Your satisfaction is our absolute priority.

Buying a memorial

Not at all. While many families appreciate seeing granite samples and designs in person (by appointment), we can handle everything by phone, email, or video call. You can also explore our full memorial collection online from home.

Buying a memorial

Yes. All of our 190+ designs are available in any of our 37 granite colours. Some shapes suit certain colours better than others, and we'll advise you on the best combinations.

Design & materials

Granite is an extremely hard, durable stone that holds its polish for decades. It's available in many colours and requires minimal maintenance. Marble is softer and lighter in colour — typically white or cream. It develops character over time as it weathers. Some churchyards require marble or natural stone.

Design & materials

Absolutely. From custom shapes and hand-carved designs to unique colour combinations and special features, our stonemasons can create virtually anything. Guitar shapes, football crests, portraits, landscapes — we've done them all.

Design & materials

We offer hand-cut and sandblasted lettering in a range of styles. Finishes include genuine gold leaf, silver, white paint, and dark (for light-coloured stones). We can also etch photographs, emblems, and decorative designs directly into the granite.

Design & materials

Yes. Every cemetery and churchyard has specific rules about memorial sizes, materials, and designs. We handle all the paperwork and permissions on your behalf — it's included in our service. We're very familiar with the rules for every cemetery across Leicestershire and the East Midlands.

Cemetery rules

Church of England churchyards typically have stricter rules. They often require natural stone (marble, sandstone, or certain granites), limit the size, and restrict the type of carving. Some don't allow black granite. We know the rules for every churchyard in the area and will guide you.

Cemetery rules

This depends on the cemetery. Some lawn cemeteries don't allow kerbs, while others do. Private cemeteries usually have fewer restrictions. We'll check the rules for your specific cemetery before recommending options.

Cemetery rules

The memorial owner (usually the grave deed holder) is responsible for maintenance. However, we offer cleaning, renovation, and aftercare services to help you keep it looking its best.

Cemetery rules

We recommend a professional clean every 3–5 years, depending on the location and conditions. Memorials under trees or in damp areas may need more frequent attention. Between cleans, a gentle wipe with warm water is sufficient.

Aftercare

In most cases, yes. We can repair chips, cracks, and even replace sections of stone. If a memorial has been knocked over or is leaning, we can reset and re-level it. We'll assess the damage and give you an honest opinion on what's possible.

Aftercare

Yes — this is one of our most common requests. We strip the old finish and apply fresh 23ct gold leaf or paint by hand. The result is lettering that looks as good as the day it was first done.

Aftercare

Absolutely. Additional inscriptions are straightforward. We work on-site at the cemetery so the memorial doesn't need to be moved. We'll match the original lettering style exactly.

Aftercare

Prices depend on the size, granite type, and design complexity. As a rough guide: simple lawn memorials start from around £600, standard headstones from £850, and larger or bespoke designs from £1,200+. Kerb sets start from around £1,800. We always provide a clear written quote before any work begins.

Costs & payment

No. Our quotes cover everything — the memorial, any carving or lettering, foundation work, fitting, and cemetery permission fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.

Costs & payment

Yes. We understand this is an unexpected expense for many families. We offer flexible payment plans to spread the cost. A deposit secures your order, with the balance payable before fitting. Just ask us about your options.

Costs & payment

Yes, we ask for a 50% deposit when you approve the design and confirm your order. The remaining balance is due before fitting. We accept bank transfer, cheque, and card payments.

Costs & payment

Still have questions?

We're always happy to help. No question is too small.

Contact usCall 07874 33986