Choosing the right memorial is a deeply personal and often challenging decision. At The Sign Maker, we strive to make this process as straightforward and supportive as possible. Today, we’re offering a guide to our granite memorial wedges—covering why you might choose one, what is permitted in churches, and which colour options are most suitable.
Why Choose a Granite Memorial Wedge?
There are several reasons why a granite memorial wedge might be the perfect choice. Firstly, these wedges offer the same elegance, grace, and timeless beauty as larger headstones, but at a more affordable price. For some, this alone makes the wedge a preferable option, while for others it can serve as a temporary solution while waiting for a larger headstone to be crafted.
In many cases, families choose granite wedges for burial grounds. However, others may prefer a memorial closer to home, particularly when ashes have been scattered. A granite wedge placed in a garden, perhaps under a cherished tree, provides a peaceful and personal tribute.
Another key advantage of granite wedges is their durability. Our wedges are designed with a 100mm thickness at the back, gently sloping to 50mm at the front. This subtle slope helps rainwater to run off the letters, rather than pooling in them, which helps to extend the lifespan of the painted inscriptions.
Our Colour Combination Recommendations
We offer granite wedges in three primary colours: Black, Celtic Grey, and Dark Grey. Additional colours can also be sourced from our suppliers in India, though these may take up to three months to arrive. Below are some of our letter colour recommendations based on the granite choice:
Black Granite
Black granite provides a stunning backdrop for most lettering colours. However, we particularly recommend silver or gold, which contrast beautifully against the dark stone. White is another classic option. For those seeking a more understated effect, Farrow & Ball’s Purbeck offers a subtle yet elegant choice.
Celtic Grey Granite
Celtic Grey is a light grey granite with unique black speckles that vary from piece to piece, adding a bespoke touch to every memorial. Both black and white lettering work beautifully with this stone. While white may seem unusual, it creates a striking effect. If you're looking for something truly distinctive, Stifkey Blue by Farrow & Ball is a fantastic alternative.
Dark Grey Granite
A recent addition to our collection, Dark Grey granite is a rich, elegant shade that pairs perfectly with gold or white lettering.
Personalisation
As well as being able to choose the letter colour, here at The Sign Maker we believe our signs and memorials should be unique and elements of personalisation are always available. With our granite wedges, you may want to add an image onto the memorial, this may be a simple image which can be deep engraved and paint-filled like the lettering. On our black granite we can impact engrave full photographs (please note the better quality the image the better quality the image will come out). Finally, we can also add photo plaques onto the wedges or for wedges with lots of wording we can add an engraved plaque.
Rules and Regulations
Before ordering any memorial for placement at a burial site, such as a churchyard or natural burial ground, we highly recommend checking the specific rules and regulations of the site. Each organisation tends to have its own set of guidelines—for instance, some may only permit honed granite or certain colours.
We are usually able to accommodate these requirements, so please feel free to reach out if you’re unsure. Additionally, we can provide proof of the design for approval by the organisation, should that be necessary.
We hope this guide helps you feel more informed and supported in your decision-making process. If you have any further questions or need guidance, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.