How Many Memorial Cards Should I Order? | Eternal Memorial Cards
How Many Memorial Cards Should I Order?
One of the questions families often ask when arranging memorial cards is how many they should order. There is no exact number that suits every family, but 100 to 200 memorial cards is a practical starting point for many families in Ireland.
The best way to work out your quantity is to think about households rather than individual people, then allow some extra cards for relatives, friends and people you may remember afterwards.
How to Work Out How Many Memorial Cards You Need
It is very easy to underestimate the number of memorial cards you will eventually give out. You do not need to make a complete list, but a little planning can help.
Think in Terms of Families and Households
In many cases, one memorial card will be given to a couple or household rather than one card to every individual person.
Think about close family, extended family, neighbours, friends, work colleagues, clubs, community groups and people who attended the funeral.
If your loved one lived in the same area for many years or was involved in a local club, organisation, business or community, the number of people who would appreciate a memorial card can be greater than you initially expect.
Allow Some Extra Memorial Cards
It is sensible to include additional cards in your first order.
In the weeks and months following a funeral, families often remember someone they would like to send a card to. Relatives living abroad may also request cards, while children and grandchildren sometimes like additional copies to keep themselves.
Having an extra 20, 30 or 40 cards put away can save having to arrange another print run later.
A Simple Memorial Card Quantity Guide
Every family is different, but the following can be useful when deciding where to start.
Small Family or Private Funeral
50 to 100 memorial cards
This may be sufficient where there is a relatively small circle of family, neighbours and friends.
Average Family Funeral
100 to 200 memorial cards
This is a useful range for many families and normally provides enough cards for relatives, friends and households while leaving some spare.
Large Funeral or Wide Circle of Family and Friends
200 to 300 or more memorial cards
A larger quantity may be appropriate where the deceased was particularly well known, had a large extended family, was involved in community organisations or clubs, or had relatives and friends living throughout Ireland or overseas.
There is no right or wrong quantity. The important thing is choosing a number that suits your own family.
Remember Family and Friends Living Abroad
For many Irish families, relatives are spread across Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada and elsewhere.
Memorial cards are particularly meaningful to people who were unable to attend the funeral, so it is worth allowing for cards that may need to be posted overseas.
You may be surprised how quickly an additional 20 or 30 cards are accounted for once the wider family begins making a list.
Will We Need Memorial Cards Later?
Possibly.
Memorial cards are often given out during the weeks following the funeral, but families may continue sending them for months afterwards.
You may also want cards available around the Month’s Mind or first anniversary, or simply to keep several copies safely within the family.
For that reason, ordering slightly more than your immediate requirement can be worthwhile.
Should We Order Memorial Bookmarks or Wallet Cards Too?
Some families choose one type of memorial keepsake while others order a combination.
A traditional folding memorial card provides more room for photographs, prayers, verses and personal wording.
Memorial bookmarks are popular for keeping in a prayer book, Bible or favourite book.
Memorial wallet cards are smaller and can easily be carried in a purse or wallet.
Acknowledgement cards are normally used separately to thank people for their sympathy and support following a bereavement.
You do not necessarily need the same quantity of each product. For example, a family might order folding memorial cards for wider distribution and a smaller number of bookmarks or wallet cards for close relatives and friends.
Is It Better to Order Extra Cards Initially?
Usually, ordering additional cards as part of the original print quantity is more economical than arranging a small additional print run afterwards.
However, there is no reason to order a very large quantity simply because you are worried about running out.
Make a reasonable estimate, include some spare copies and choose the quantity that feels appropriate for your family.
What If We Are Still Unsure About the Quantity?
Start by estimating the number of households among your family, relatives, neighbours and close friends.
Then consider work colleagues, clubs, community connections and relatives overseas.
Finally, add a reasonable number of spare cards.
For example, if you estimate that approximately 110 households and individuals should receive a card, ordering 150 rather than 100 may give you a more comfortable margin.
Choosing Your Memorial Cards
At Eternal Memorial Cards, families throughout Ireland can choose from our range of memorial cards, memorial bookmarks, wallet cards and acknowledgement cards.
Your photographs, chosen verse, prayer and personal wording can be incorporated into the design, and a digital proof is provided for your approval before anything is printed.
This gives you an opportunity to check names, dates, photographs and wording carefully and request any changes before your memorial cards go to print.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are unsure about the style, wording, verse or quantity of memorial cards to order, please contact Eternal Memorial Cards and we will be happy to guide you through the options.
You can also browse our memorial card designs, memorial verses and current memorial card prices online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many memorial cards do most families need?
There is no single quantity that suits every funeral. For many families, somewhere between 100 and 200 cards provides a sensible starting point, but smaller and considerably larger quantities may be appropriate depending on the family and circumstances.
Should I count everyone who attended the funeral?
Not necessarily. Memorial cards are frequently given per household, so a couple or family may only require one card between them. You should also allow for people who could not attend the funeral.
Should I order spare memorial cards?
It is sensible to have some spare copies. Families often think of additional relatives, neighbours or friends after the initial cards have been distributed.
Can I order different types of memorial keepsakes?
Yes. You might choose folding memorial cards for general distribution together with a smaller quantity of memorial bookmarks or wallet cards for family and close friends.
When should memorial cards be ordered?
There is no fixed rule. Families traditionally distribute memorial cards in the weeks or months following a funeral, so you can take the time you need to choose photographs, wording and a design that feels appropriate.
Memorial Cards Designed for Families Throughout Ireland
Eternal Memorial Cards provides a personal memorial card design and printing service for families throughout Ireland.
Whether you need 50 cards for a small family circle or a larger quantity for relatives and friends throughout Ireland and abroad, we can help you choose the appropriate format and quantity.
