Wondering what to include in a memorial for a loved one? We cover heartfelt tribute ideas, meaningful quotes, and personal touches to create a lasting, personal memorial.
When someone you loved has passed away, creating a memorial is a meaningful way to honour their memory. It helps people remember, reflect, and find comfort by celebrating the person’s life through special touches and shared memories.
A Personal Message or Tribute
A personal message or tribute is one of the most heartfelt parts of a memorial. It gives you the chance to talk about who the person was, what they meant to you, and how they touched the lives of others.
Your words can be spoken at a funeral, shared in a memorial booklet, or displayed as part of a special place set up to remember them.
You might want to include favourite memories, the kind of friend or family member they were, and the things they loved doing.
This is a good way to honour them with your own voice and help others feel connected to that memory, too. People often find it comforting to read real stories or reflections about the person who has passed. It’s one of the most personal things you can add.
Quotes, Poems or Sayings
It can be hard to find the right words when someone has died. That’s why including quotes, poems, or meaningful sayings is a popular and comforting idea. These words can capture feelings of grief, love, friendship, and remembrance, often in a way that feels simple but powerful.
There are many ways to include them. You can read a poem during the funeral, add a quote to a memory card, or display it near a photo or tribute. Some people choose lines from a favourite book, a well-known poem, or even something the person used to say. A few words can stay with people long after the memorial and bring comfort when they need it most.
A Special Photo
A single photo can bring back many memories. Adding a favourite photo of the person you are remembering can help people feel close to them again. It could be a photo where they’re laughing, surrounded by friends, doing something they loved, or just being themselves.
Photos also give people something to focus on during the memorial. They can make the space feel more personal and are a good starting point for sharing stories. Some people choose to create a collage or memory board. Others place one framed photo in a quiet spot where people can stop and reflect in their own time.
Messages from Family and Friends
Letting others share their own thoughts and stories is another special way to remember someone. Messages from friends and family can show different sides of the person’s life. These messages might be written in a memory book, displayed on cards at the funeral, or read out loud during the service.
This is also a good way for people to feel involved. Even if they don’t feel ready to speak, writing a short message or memory can be just as meaningful. You could ask them to talk about something they did together, a kind thing the person did, or simply a few words about how much they meant. These shared memories become something you can return to, again and again.
A Quiet Space for Reflection
When planning a memorial, it's important to think about creating a quiet space where people can stop, think, and remember. This could be a part of the funeral venue, a garden, or even a corner in your home. It doesn’t need to be large or fancy. Just a calm place where people can sit, reflect, and honour the person in their own way.
You might add candles, flowers, a small table with personal items, or written words that meant something to your loved one. This space can bring peace to those who visit it and help them feel closer to the person they’ve come to remember. Everyone grieves differently, and having a space for quiet reflection is one of the ways you can support that process.
Choosing a Memorial in Lancashire
Finding the right memorial can feel overwhelming but you do not have to do it alone. We guide families across Ormskirk, Aughton, Burscough and Lancashire through every step from cemetery regulations to design choices to help create a lasting tribute to your loved one.