We understand that after the death of a loved one, the choosing of a headstone or other memorial can be an important part of the grieving process. 

Choosing a design:

It is normal practice for a period of 6 months to elapse between the burial and the erection of a memorial.

Choosing the design of a memorial can be emotive and families wish them to be personal. However, authorisation  for the stone type / size / style / design of any memorial must be granted before any memorial can be installed, altered or added to.
There can also be variations between what is allowed in Church of England churchyards and those allowed by other churches. Memorials must also be consistent with our Christian beliefs.
This can be confusing, but the monumental masons are aware of what needs to be done.

Regulations:

The local monument masons /  funeral directors  should be aware of the regulations of the Diocese of Leicester, which apply to all our churchyards. So do ask them to show you only memorials that may be considered suitable for our churchyards.
The current regulations document, which includes application forms, can be found here:
 Churchyard Matters - Diocese of Leicester 

Regulations include the design shape and size of headstones and memorial plaques:
1.8 In the case of a headstone, the shape of the inscription plate is one of those in Diagram 1, or one similar to one of the shapes in that diagram
1.9 In the case of a cremated remains tablet memorial the shape of the tablet is one of those in Diagram 2.

Please note that Appleby’s churchyard may show on maps as ‘cemetery’, but it is a churchyard under formal church regulations.

Appleby Magna Churchyard does have an added variation specific to only Appleby, that allowed for some extra motifs under the old regulations (this amendment currently still applies):
“Other than the traditional Christian plain cross, no symbols, insignia or motifs such as things of interest in the life of the person who has died, such as a dog, a bird, a fishing rod, a tractor, a musical instrument or a motorcycle, are permitted,
except that motifs of flowers, wheat stalks, butterflies and acorns with oak leaves may be permitted provided such motifs are
 (a) relevant to the life commemorated;
 (b) appropriate in the wider context of the churchyard; 
 (c) incised into the stone or carved in relief;
 and (d) are not coloured or painted in any way.”

What will it cost?

The monumental masons will give details of their own charges.
As a guide, the church fees for introducing memorials into a churchyard in 2025 are:
Small vase or plaque (for an ashes interment): £92 
New Headstone: £172 
or additional inscription on existing memorial: £37