A memorial plaque or commemorative plaque is a metal or stone plate that is attached to an object to honor the memory of someone who is deceased.
Plaques are often used as an alternative to a headstone or cremation memorial. Plaques can be used as an alternative to headstones or memorials for cremation, or they could be specifically designed for graves.
Where to Place a Memorial Plaque
It is important to think about where you want the plaque placed and whether it will stand alone or be part of another memorial such as a bench, or tree.
Many people decide to place a memorial plaque in a special location. Plaques can be attached to:
Urns and cremation memorials. For those who opt for a funeral with cremation, they may choose to have either a decorative urn on the memorial or a plaque on it.
Trees dedicated in honor of your loved ones When planting a trees in memory a loved one many people include a stake with the details of the person being commemorated. Plaque holders can accommodate larger memorial plaques.
Sponsored statues or benches Memorial benches are not always inscribed, but some people add a small plaque with an inscription.
Churches, crematoria or other resting places: Church wall plaques can be used to remember loved ones.
Theatre Seats : This is a popular option, and you can dedicate a theater seat to your loved one. This includes a small plaque with their name and other details.
A gravestone or memorial stone. While gravestones are usually engraved directly into the stone, a variety of plaques can also be used for cremation memorials and those who want a less overt choice.
A wooded burial site Memorial plaques are often made of wood in order to meet the requirements for a low-impact or eco-burial.
A memorial plaque may also be attached to a stake and placed in a public or private space, such as a graveyard, garden, or park. After you’ve chosen the location, make sure that you have permission from the landowner. This could be the local council. Also check to see if there are any regulations prohibiting the placement of memorial plaques.
How to Choose a Memorial Plaque
You’ll also need to consider the design of your memorial plaque.
Personalising a memorial plaque
Memorial plaque designs
Memorial plaque wording
Material for memorial plaques
Alternatives for metal memorial plaques
Personalising A Memorial Plaque
You and your loved ones will cherish a memorial plaque. Typically, they are engraved with the deceased’s name and their dates of birth and deaths. You can add a message, symbol or image.
Your local funeral director will be able help you if you have any questions regarding personalisation or would like to know more about what can go on a memorial plate.
Memorial Plaque Designs
Families will often choose together a design for a plaque that honors their loved ones. There are many different sizes, shapes and colors of memorial plaques, including traditional designs as well as modern ones.
The most popular memorial plaque shapes include:
Oval A shape in the oval format allows for longer text. According to legend, the oval represents eternal love and harmony.
Circle A smaller area to add text, the circle symbolises protection and nurture, and for religious people, the union of heaven and Earth.
Rectangular- A rectangular plaque allows you to add images, shapes or different lengths of texts. The rectangle is easy to mount in many places and represents dependability, balance, and integrity.
Memorial Plaque Wording
It can be difficult to choose the right inscription for memorial plaques because they are so personal. Name and details about your loved one are important to include in the memorial plaque text. You may find some inspiration in our guides on what goes on a gravestone or funeral poems. It may be helpful to consider the following when deciding what you want to include on a memorial plate:
- What is your favourite memory about them?
- They had a profound impact on other people
- Their likes, dislikes
- Highlights from their life story
- What would they want to be remembered for?
- Your favourite verse, poem or pastime
Material For Memorial Plaques
All three are popular due to their durability. Metal plaques can be polished to a special shine, but they also need to last.
Bronze is a popular material due to its low maintenance requirements and strength. The material is resistant to corrosion caused by rain and snow.
Brass is an alloy of copper that looks very similar to bronze. Brass is a soft metal and should be protected with a lacquer.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice for memorial plaques on the coast because it’s strong enough to resist harsh weather and less expensive.
Aluminium : Full colour memorial plaques made from aluminium can include photos of loved ones.
Cast metal: Although most plaques are made from engraved metal sheet, cast metal can also be used to create memorials.
Alternatives To Metal Memorial Plaques
Granite – A great alternative to metal memorial plaques, granite plaques are easy and quick to maintain. You are not limited to only grey or white colours when you choose granite. Granite comes in a variety of colours, including a subtle shimmer.
You can ask your local funeral director about the type of granite that they have available for the plaque.
Wood : Ideal for woodland burial sites. Each wood has its own special properties. Please check the site rules before ordering your plaque.
