Memorial Card Proofs: Why We Never Print Before You Approve
When ordering memorial cards, the smallest details can be among the most important. A name, date, photograph, prayer or few lines of a verse may hold enormous significance for a family.
That is why at Eternal Memorial Cards, we do not print your memorial cards until you have received and approved a full design proof.
Our proofing process gives you the opportunity to see how your finished memorial card will look, check the important details and request changes before your order goes to print.
What is a memorial card proof?
A memorial card proof is a digital preview of the design we have prepared for you.
Rather than relying solely on the information submitted with your order, our designer creates the card using your chosen design, photographs, names, dates, verses, prayers and personal wording.
We then send the completed design to you for approval.
This allows you to see the overall appearance of your memorial card and, more importantly, to carefully check the information before printing begins.
Our proof before print process
Ordering personalised memorial cards should not mean wondering what will arrive in the post. Our process is designed to give families control over the finished card.
1. Send us your details
When placing your order, you can supply the photograph or photographs you would like included along with the name, dates, chosen verse, prayer and any other personal wording.
You can select from our existing memorial card designs or provide instructions on how you would like your card personalised.
2. We prepare your memorial card design
Our designer then prepares your individual card using the information and photographs supplied.
Care is taken with the layout so that the photograph, wording and other elements work together as a complete memorial card rather than simply being placed into a standard template.
3. You receive a proof to check
Before anything is printed, we send you a digital proof.
This is your opportunity to look carefully at the design and check details such as:
- The spelling of the deceased’s name
- Date of birth and date of death
- Photographs
- Memorial verses and prayers
- Headings and personal messages
- The positioning of photographs and wording
- Any other information included on the card
It can also be helpful to ask another family member to check the proof. A second pair of eyes can sometimes notice a small spelling or date error that is easily overlooked.
4. Changes can be requested
If you would like something changed, simply tell us.
It might be a different photograph, an alteration to the wording, a correction to a date or a change to part of the layout.
We can make the requested amendments and provide an updated proof for you to check again.
5. You approve the final design
Your memorial cards only proceed to printing after you have confirmed that you are happy with the final proof.
This is an important part of our service.
No approval means no printing.
Why proofing memorial cards is so important
Memorial cards are very different from ordinary printed material.
They are often kept by family members and friends for many years. Some are placed in prayer books, photographs or keepsake boxes. Wallet cards may be carried every day, while bookmarks can remain in a favourite book for years.
For that reason, getting the details right matters.
Once cards have been printed, correcting an error means producing them again. A proper proofing stage gives the family the opportunity to check the design while changes can still be made easily.
We believe this is a far better approach than sending an order directly to print.
What should you check on your memorial card proof?
When your proof arrives, do not just look at the overall design.
Take a few minutes to read every piece of text individually.
Pay particular attention to names and dates, including middle names, maiden names and family names where applicable.
Read the chosen verse or prayer from beginning to end. Check punctuation and any personalised wording you have supplied.
Then look at the photographs. Make sure the correct images have been used and that you are happy with their positioning and appearance.
Finally, look at the card as a whole. This is the opportunity to decide whether it feels right for the person being remembered.
Can I change my memorial card after receiving the proof?
Yes.
The purpose of providing a proof is to allow changes to be made before printing.
If you notice an error or simply decide that you would prefer something different, contact us with the changes you would like.
We will amend the design as required and provide a revised proof where necessary.
Who is responsible for checking names and dates?
We prepare each design carefully, but the family is ultimately in the best position to confirm that personal information is correct.
This is particularly important with names, dates and family supplied wording.
For this reason, we ask customers to check the final proof carefully before giving approval to print.
Personalised Memorial Cards Designed With Care
At Eternal Memorial Cards, every family has the opportunity to approve their design before printing.
Whether you are ordering folding memorial cards, wallet memorial cards, memorial bookmarks or acknowledgement cards, the principle is the same.
You provide the photographs and information.
We prepare the design.
You see the finished proof.
You request any necessary changes.
Only when you are satisfied do we print your order.
It is a straightforward process, but an important one when creating something intended to remember a loved one for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Memorial Card Proofs
Will I see my memorial cards before they are printed?
Yes. We provide a digital proof for you to check and approve before your memorial cards are sent to print.
What can I change on my proof?
You can let us know about corrections or changes you would like made to photographs, wording, dates, verses and other elements of the design.
Should somebody else check the proof?
We recommend it where possible. Having another family member check names, dates and wording can be useful before giving final approval.
When are my memorial cards printed?
Printing takes place after you have approved the final design proof.
Why doesn’t Eternal Memorial Cards print directly from my order?
Because we believe families should have the opportunity to see the completed design before it is permanently printed. The proofing stage allows errors to be corrected and changes to be made while there is still time to do so.
Order Memorial Cards With Proof Before Printing
If you are arranging memorial cards for a loved one, you can browse our range of personalised memorial cards and choose the design and wording that feels appropriate for your family.
Every order includes our proof before print process, giving you the opportunity to check and approve the finished design before your memorial cards are printed.