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A Practical Guide to Sending Memorial Cards in Ireland

A Practical Guide to Sending Memorial Cards in Ireland

Choosing a memorial card is a deeply personal way to honour a loved one. At Eternal Memorial Cards, we understand that this task can feel daunting during a time of grief. We have put together this guide to help you navigate the process with ease and find a tribute that feels right for your family.

What is a Memorial Card?

A memorial card—also known as a remembrance, mortuary, or funeral card—is a personalised keepsake designed to celebrate the life of someone who has passed.

Traditionally, these cards in Ireland were almost exclusively religious. However, modern tributes have evolved. Today, many families choose to create a meaningful, secular, or highly personalised card that reflects the unique personality of their loved one through:

  • Carefully chosen photographs.

  • Heartfelt poems or non-religious verses.

  • Custom designs that reflect a hobby, passion, or favourite Irish landscape.

Creating these cards often provides a quiet space for families to reconnect, share stories, and find comfort in the act of remembering.

When is the Best Time to Send Memorial Cards?

There is a common tradition in Ireland of sending cards within the first year, often leading up to the first anniversary.

However, our advice is simple: do not feel pressured by a deadline. Grief has no timetable. People will understand if the cards arrive later. It is far more important to take the time to discuss the design with your family and ensure you are happy with the final tribute. We are here to make the process as straightforward as possible whenever you feel ready.

Who Should Receive a Memorial Card?

Generally, cards are sent to:

  • Immediate and extended family.

  • Close friends and lifelong neighbours.

  • Colleagues or members of clubs the deceased was involved in.

  • Those who sent Mass cards, floral tributes, or letters of sympathy.

Practical Tips for Addressing and Posting

Gathering addresses can be one of the more time-consuming parts of the process.

  • The Digital Way: Creating a list in a Word document or Excel file allows you to print address labels, which is the quickest method.

  • The Personal Touch: If you prefer, hand-addressing envelopes is a traditional and very personal way to reach out to friends and relatives.

Choosing the Perfect Photographs

The photos are the heart of the memorial card. Here are a few tips for selecting the best images:

  1. The Main Portrait: Try to find a recent, well-lit photograph where your loved one is looking toward the camera. Don’t worry about the background; we can professionally remove blemishes or distracting objects.

  2. Creating a Collage: If you’d like a selection of images, try to balance old and recent photos. This creates a beautiful “timeline” of their life.

  3. Quality Matters: High-resolution digital files or original printed photos work best. If you aren’t sure if a photo is clear enough, send it to us and we can advise.

Contact Eternal Memorial Cards

We are here to help you create a lasting, beautiful tribute. If you have any questions about wording, photo quality, or custom designs, please reach out to us.

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