When a loved one passes away, their headstone serves as a lasting memorial to their life. But what happens when you need to add a second name to an existing headstone? Perhaps a spouse has passed away and you want to include their details on the grave marker. Or maybe you realised an inscription needs amending. Whatever the reason, adding a name to a headstone is a common request.

At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we understand that organising headstone additions can feel overwhelming during a time of grief. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the process of updating an existing memorial with a second name or inscription. We’ll help ensure the final result is a fitting tribute.

Key Considerations When Adding a Second Name

Before contacting a stonemason to add a second name to a headstone, it’s important to consider the following:

Cemetery Regulations

Every churchyard and cemetery has unique rules around headstones and memorials. Some only allow specific details, sizes, lettering styles or memorial materials. You’ll need written permission from the cemetery before making any inscription changes.

Grave Deeds

Establish who is the registered grave owner. Most cemeteries require the owner’s signature before allowing headstone alterations. If the original owner has passed away, you may need to transfer ownership.

Existing Headstone Condition

Older headstones may have aged or weathered over time. A professional assessment will determine if the stone can withstand adding new lettering or if a replacement memorial is recommended.

Space for Wording

Consider how much room is available on the original headstone for adding characters. The stonemason will advise if there is enough space for your proposed inscription or if abbreviations are necessary.

Maintaining Consistency

When adding a second name to an existing memorial, aim to keep the font, size, and layout consistent with the original inscription where possible for a seamless addition.

The Process of Adding a Second Name to a Headstone

If you’ve decided to add another name or inscription to a loved one’s headstone, follow these steps:

Contact the Cemetery

Reach out to the cemetery or churchyard where your loved one is buried. Explain that you’d like to add a second name to the headstone and ask about their regulations. You’ll likely need to submit a formal application detailing the proposed inscription.

Obtain Permission

Once you have written permission from the cemetery to proceed with the headstone addition, ensure you have approval from the registered grave owner if required.

Engage a Memorial Mason

Contact an experienced, reputable memorial mason or headstone engraver like Joseph A. Hey & Son. We can advise on the best approach for adding the inscription based on the headstone’s condition and provide a quote.

Confirm the Inscription

Supply the exact wording to be added, including any dates, punctuation, or symbols. Double-check all final details before work begins, as mistakes can be costly to correct.

Adding the Name

In most cases, the memorial mason will perform the inscription work in situ at the cemetery or churchyard. They will carefully etch the new lettering onto the headstone to match the original engraving.

Final Review

Once the second name has been added, the headstone engraver will invite you to inspect the work and confirm you’re satisfied with the result before signing off.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding a Name to a Headstone

How Long Does the Process Take?

Timelines vary depending on the memorial mason’s schedule and the complexity of the engraving. In most cases, inscriptions can be completed within 3-6 weeks from the time the cemetery grants approval. Weather may impact timelines for in situ inscription work.

Can Any Wording Be Added?

Most cemeteries have regulations around headstone inscriptions. They may specify a maximum number of characters or restrict non-English wording. It’s best to keep additions concise, factual, and focused on key dates or relationships.

What If the Headstone Is Damaged?

If a headstone has been damaged or become illegible over time, the mason may recommend repairing or replacing it before additions can be made. In some cases, it’s more cost-effective to invest in a new grave marker.

Compassionate Guidance From Joseph A. Hey & Son Funeral Directors in Bradford

Adding a name to an existing headstone is a meaningful way to honour a loved one’s memory, but the logistics can feel daunting. At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we’re here to guide you at every step, from liaising with cemeteries to crafting the perfect inscription.

Our monumental masons have extensive experience performing headstone additions with the utmost skill and sensitivity. We can work with any material, from granite to marble, to create a beautiful, lasting tribute.

If you’re considering adding a second name to a headstone in Bradford or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll help ensure your loved one’s memorial reflects their cherished legacy for generations to come.