Headstone Inscriptions: Rules, Etiquette and How to Write Them

Headstone inscriptions refer to words or phrases that pay tribute to a departed loved one.

Here at the Memorial Group, we specialise in creating gravestones and memorials with beautiful and personalised inscriptions. This can be inscribed on new headstones or ones that are already erected.

However, it is important to ensure your inscriptions are within cemetery guidelines and UK legal requirements. To help you make sense of the rules, we have put together this guide to headstone inscription guidelines, along with some advice on how to write eloquent inscriptions for your dearly departed.

Rules for Headstone Inscriptions in the UK

General Legal Requirements for Headstone Inscriptions

Hate speech or offensive language should never be included on a headstone inscription. But besides that, it is very rare for a person to be asked to change an inscription, and the rules tend to be relatively loose.

However, rules vary between burial grounds and certain religious groups so you will need to check individually. Let’s explore this a little more.

Cemetery and Churchyard Guidelines You Need to Know

• Certain churches and graveyards may have their own rules and requirements for what can be inscribed on a headstone. For example, several Church of England Diocese allow nicknames or pet names on a gravestone, but request that these be placed in inverted commas.
• Some churchyards or burial grounds will put limitations on certain imagery you can include on headstones too. Burial grounds associated with a church may also protest against inscriptions that are not in line with the Christian faith.
• Before settling on an inscription, you will need to consult with your chosen burial ground or churchyard to check if they have any requirements or prohibitions.

Jewish Inscription Customs

• Traditions for Jewish gravestones may depend on your loved one’s religious observance. In many cases, Hebrew is commonly used for inscriptions, either on its own or coupled with English.
• Religious symbols such as the Star of David or the Menorah are commonly found inscribed on Jewish headstones. Here at Memorial Group, we craft a wide choice of Jewish headstones with religious symbols and Hebrew lettering. Epitaphs are also common, usually expressing a piece of scripture or a Jewish saying.
• Some people also choose to put names of family members on the gravestone too, especially if they were significant to the person’s life or heritage.
• Birth dates and death dates are also important to include.
• Please consult with your chosen synagogue or burial ground to see if they have any specific rules.

How to Write a Meaningful Headstone Inscription

• Typically, a headstone inscription includes the full name of the deceased, the dates of birth and death, and a few words or a phrase. Deciding what to have as these tribute words can be difficult.
• Before the name, you may wish to write ‘In memory of’, ‘Together again’ or the traditional ‘Rest in peace’.
• However, it’s the words that come after the dates that can be difficult to decide on. You could opt for something simple, encapsulating who they were to people e.g., ‘Loving grandfather, father and brother’.
• Another option is to have a direct personal message to your loved one, such as ‘You will be dearly missed’ or ‘Forever in our hearts’.
• Some people opt for a line of scripture or religious text, such as a Bible verse. For non-religious people, a favourite line, excerpt or quote from a novel, poem or famous person can be a moving tribute to something your loved one was passionate about.

How Memorial Group Supports You

Since 1894, the experts at Memorial Group have been helping families across London pay a fitting tribute to their loved one. We’re here to make the process simple, advising along the way on your inscription and graphics options for Christian, Jewish and non-religious memorials and headstones.

Get in touch with the expert stonemasons at Memorial Group today for a caring and compassionate service. You can call or book an appointment online. We’re always here to help you.