What Information Should You Include on a Memorial Card?

When arranging a memorial card, one of the first questions families often have is what information should actually go on it.

There is no single correct format. Some families prefer something traditional and simple, while others want to include more photographs, personal wording or a favourite verse. The most important thing is that the finished card feels appropriate for the person being remembered.

Choosing a Heading

The heading usually appears on the front of the card or above the person’s name inside.

Popular choices include:

• In Loving Memory
• Always in Our Hearts
• Forever in Our Hearts
• Precious Memories
• Remembering
• Rest in Peace
• Sadly Missed
• In Remembrance

You are not limited to these. If your family has a particular phrase or wording that feels more personal, that can usually be included instead.

There is no right or wrong choice. It is simply a matter of choosing something that feels suitable.

The Person’s Name

Most memorial cards include the person’s full name.

You may also wish to include a nickname if that was how the person was commonly known.

For a married woman, some families choose to include a maiden name as well, particularly where it helps relatives, friends or people from the local community recognise the family connection.

How the name is presented is entirely up to you.

Dates

The date of death is commonly included and some families also include the date of birth.

For example, you might use:

13 July 2013

or

13 July 1919 to 13 July 2013

Some families prefer wording such as:

Who died on 13 July 2013, aged 94 years

There is no requirement to follow one particular style. We can format the dates in the way you prefer.

Address or Home Town

Many families include the person’s home town, county or address.

This might simply be:

Youghal, Co. Cork

or it can be a full postal address if the family wishes.

Some families choose not to include an address at all. Again, this is a personal decision rather than a requirement.

Photographs

Photographs often form the most personal part of a memorial card.

You may wish to use one favourite photograph or several images showing different times in the person’s life.

A recent portrait can work very well, but an informal family photograph or an older image may sometimes capture the person’s character more naturally.

If you are unsure whether a photograph is suitable for printing, send it to us and we can check it before the design is completed.

Choosing a Short Verse

A short verse can sit alongside a photograph or beneath the person’s details.

This might be:

• A prayer
• A religious verse
• A short poem
• A few personal words
• A favourite quotation
• A non religious remembrance verse

The best choice is often the one that feels closest to the person or reflects how the family would like them remembered.

You can select from our verse collection or provide your own wording.

Choosing a Longer Verse

A longer verse gives you more room to express remembrance, faith, gratitude or loss.

Some families choose a traditional prayer, while others prefer a poem or personal message.

A longer verse can also work particularly well where the card includes fewer photographs and the family wants the wording to play a larger part in the design.

As with the short verse, you are welcome to choose from our available options or supply your own.

Personal Words From the Family

You do not have to rely entirely on traditional verses.

Many families now include a few lines written in their own words. This could be something simple about the person’s character, the importance of family, a favourite memory or a message of love and remembrance.

Personal wording can make the card feel especially individual.

Keep the Layout Balanced

It can be tempting to include everything, but a memorial card often looks better when there is enough space around the photographs and wording.

If you have a large amount of material, it may be better to choose the most meaningful pieces rather than trying to fit everything onto one card.

When we prepare your proof, we can help organise the photographs and wording so that the design remains clear and easy to read.

Check Everything Before Printing

Before your memorial cards are printed, take time to check:

• Spelling of the name
• Dates
• Addresses
• Photographs
• Verse wording
• Family names
• Any personal messages

It can also be useful to have another family member look over the proof before approval.

At Eternal Memorial Cards, nothing is printed until you are happy with the finished design.

If you need advice about what to include, photographs, wording or choosing a suitable verse, please contact us and we will be happy to help.