Frequently Asked Questions

  • Reach us through any of these methods:

    • our contact form

    • give us a call

    • WhatsApp chat

    • email us

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs - everything from small cremation memorials to full kerbed memorials - we always aim to work within your budget.

    Please look at our Services page for information on all the ways we can help.

    Everything we do is tailored to help you obtain a beautiful, lasting tribute to your loved one.

  • We can produce anything you have seen here or elsewhere – in a cemetery, in brochures or online. Take a screenshot, bring in or send us a photo of one you have seen, if you wish. You can use our Contact form to upload any photos or documents.

  • Everyone’s idea of what a memorial should look like is different. We don’t “mass-produce” our memorials down to a price, and we like to work with you during the design stages.

    We can produce artwork showing what your completed memorial will look like, and this can be worked on and changed until you are completely happy.

  • After an initial conversation, we’ll develop your requirements and provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

    We usually ask for a 50% deposit to confirm your order, with the balance payable on completion. If the order is particularly complex, we will discuss options.

    Payment is straightforward - our invoices contain links to all our payment methods.

    Direct bank transfer is our preferred method, but we can also take card payments in person.

    You may prefer a secure payment gateway. We use Stripe, PayPal and GoCardless for your convenience and complete security. We accept everything except American Express.

    We do not store any customer banking or card details, either physically or electronically.

  • Generally it is wise to wait at least 6-9 months to allow the ground to settle. South Gloucestershire Council, for example, now insist on a delay of 9 months on a full burial and our delivery times allow for this.

    However this does not prevent you ordering earlier in this period, as some memorials can take a considerable time to produce.

    Cremation memorials, on the other hand, can be installed almost immediately and the order completion is determined by how long it will take to manufacture the memorial.

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs - the majority of memorials are specially manufactured to your order. There is usually a delivery period of 16-20 weeks, while the memorial is produced and erected.

    If we have the memorial in stock, or for items such as vases and tablets, this process may take less time.

    Due to the nature of the process we are unable to promise that a memorial will be erected by any given date, although we will always try our best to help if we can.

  • Our conservationists are qualified to the highest standards and will clean and restore an existing memorial sympathetically.

    In the event of a funeral where an existing memorial needs to removed, please contact us for advice.  We will look at your memorial and assess what work needs to be done.  You will then receive a detailed quotation covering the removal and refixing costs, any restoration or cleaning, and any other work we think may be appropriate for you.

  • We have been in this industry for over 40 years, and believe we offer the best memorials you can buy. We are also guided by a strict industry Code of Practice. This covers the way we design and construct our memorials, and how we conduct our business. Our memorials are guaranteed for 10 years (subject to reasonable conditions) for any problems with materials and workmanship. Please also read our Terms and Conditions of Sale for full information.

    For complete peace of mind in the future we suggest very reasonable, all-risks cover from Stoneguard, the market leader in memorial insurance. Premiums are based on a small percentage of the cost of the memorial, and we are happy to recommend this policy. Please contact us for further information.

  • You can read our full Terms and Conditions here. They will also be included in your quotation and order paperwork.

  • We take your privacy very seriously and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) demands that your information is stored securely and responsibly:

    Your personal details are not given or sold to anyone else and we will only discuss an order with the person that placed it.

    We do not keep your personal data in a structured way and it is only used for the preparation of your order itself.

    We do not collect or use any personal data for mailing lists or other marketing purposes.

    We do not store any banking or card details, either physically or electronically – your payments are either through direct transfer or a secure payment gateway. We use Stripe, PayPal and GoCardless for your convenience and complete security.

    We will always tell you what personal information is stored here if you request it.

    If you have any concerns regarding how this issue affects you, please see our Privacy Policy, or contact us for further information.

    You can read the Data Protection Act guidance here, or the GDPR here.

  • We combine a thoughtful, friendly approach with clear communication and reliable results.

    We are independent, so we can work however you want us to - we can be as flexible as you need us to be.

    Our materials and workmanship are of the highest quality, with service to match.

    At Downend Memorials we believe we offer a tailored, personal experience. We're here to guide you and your family throughout, offering suggestions if we feel they are appropriate, and to keep you informed until completion.

    We appreciate feedback at all stages, as we are constantly striving to improve our service.