There are many different ways to remember and honour a loved one. Some people like to keep special mementos, some choose a big celebration, while others opt to keep their loved one close to them in the form of a tattoo. In this article below, we'll look at all those ideas and more to give you some inspiration so you can honour your loved one in a way that's personal to you.
Memorials come in many different shapes and sizes. Below we'll look at:
But there is no right or wrong way to honour your loved one. Consult family and friends, have a think about what would be best appropriate for your loved one, but most importantly, follow your heart. That's where you'll truly find the right answer.
A memorial is a tribute that honours the memory of someone who has died which can come in the form of a keepsake like piece of jewellery or an experience like a memorial service.
Memorials serve as a lasting reminder for the life of the deceased, and for many, are an essential part of the grieving process which can act to offer a sense of closure for those who knew them.
Memorials are often personalised to reflect the interests, personality and life of the deceased, and in some cases, can become a meeting place to remember the deceased on anniversaries or birthdays.
Below are a number of ways you can memorialise a loved one, but by no means is this an exhaustive list. Just because something doesn't appear on this list, doesn't mean you can't proceed with it.
You have the option to be as creative or as unorthodox as you like when it comes to what memorial you want to choose for your loved one. If you think it's appropriate and you think it's the best way to honour your loved one, then the world is your oyster.
A memorial service is a traditional way to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away. It typically involves a gathering of family and friends who come together to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased and can include readings, music, and personal reflections all tailored to reflect the individual's life and beliefs.
For some, a memorial service serves as a crucial moment of closure, providing a opportunity to say goodbye. It can be held in a place of worship, a community centre, or even in a location that held special significance to your loved one. This flexibility allows for a service that is as unique as the person being remembered.
Read our article for more memorial service ideas.
Jane was a deeply loved member of her community, known for her compassion and warmth. Her family organised a non-religious memorial service at the community centre where she had volunteered for many years. This celebration of her life was filled with personal reflections, favourite poems, and music that resonated with her spirit. Friends and family shared stories about Jane’s impact on their lives, highlighting her generosity and kindness. "My Mum touched so many lives with her caring nature. This service was a beautiful way to remember her, focusing on the love and joy she brought into the world," said her daughter, Rachel.
Planting a tree in memory of a loved one is a beautiful and lasting tribute and can provide a place of reflection for years to come.
This option is especially meaningful for those who had a love for nature or were passionate about the environment. The tree can be planted in a garden, a park, or another significant location, offering a living reminder of the person who has passed away.
In memory of Sam, who was passionate about nature, his family decided to plant a tree in the park where he spent countless hours. Family and friends gathered for a small ceremony, where they shared memories and watched as the tree was planted. "Sam always loved the outdoors, and now this tree will stand as a lasting tribute to his love for nature," said his sister, Mary.
A piece of memorial jewellery offers a personal and intimate way to keep a loved one close. This type of keepsake can be a necklace, bracelet, or ring that either contains a small portion of the deceased’s ashes or features an engraving or design that holds a special sentiment.
This option is perfect for those who want a constant, tangible reminder of their loved one. It’s a discreet and elegant way to carry a part of the person with you, ensuring that their memory is always near, no matter where you go.
Doris had a love for jewellery. To honour her memory, her family created a necklace with a small locket containing a portion of her ashes and engraved with her initials. "Wearing this necklace makes me feel like she’s still with me, close to my heart," said her daughter, Emily.
A fireworks display can be a spectacular way to celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away. Fireworks can be launched at a location that was significant to the deceased, providing a fitting and unforgettable farewell.
This option is especially popular for those who enjoyed vibrant celebrations. The sight of fireworks lighting up the sky can be a powerful and emotional experience, leaving a lasting memory for all who attend.
Tony was known for his love of grand celebrations, and his family knew that a fireworks display was the perfect way to honour his memory. They arranged a display over the beach where he spent many happy summer evenings. "Tony always lit up every room he walked into. These fireworks felt like a fitting send-off for someone who loved life as much as he did," said his friend, Peter.
Creating a photo album is a heartfelt way to capture and preserve the memories of a loved one which can be a collaborative effort where family and friends contribute their favourite photos, stories, and mementos.
This option is ideal for those who want to create something tangible that can be revisited over time filled with photos from the person's journey, their achievements, and the moments that made their life special.
In memory of Norman, his family decided to create a photo album filled with snapshots of his life, from his childhood to his later years. They included photos of family gatherings, holidays, and moments that captured his joyful spirit. Each page was accompanied with notes from loved ones. "Putting together this album helped us all remember the wonderful times we shared with him. It’s something we’ll treasure forever," said his granddaughter, Emma.
Memorial tattoos have risen in popularity in recent years and are a deeply personal way to honour the memory of a loved one. Whether it’s a meaningful symbol, a name, or an image, a memorial tattoo serves as a constant reminder of the person’s impact on your life.
Some tattooists can also incorporate the ashes into the tattoo ink itself. This option is perfect for those who want to carry a piece of their loved one with them, in a way that’s both unique and deeply personal. The process of getting the tattoo itself can also provide a sense of closure and connection.
Matthew was fascinated by dragons, and his son decided to honour his memory with a tattoo of a dragon on his forearm. "Every time I look at this tattoo, I feel like my Dad is still with me, watching over me. It’s my way of keeping his spirit alive," his son, Michael, explained.
You don't always need to do something in the few days or weeks after a loved one has died. It's also just as appropriate to remember your loved one on their anniversary or even on their birthday instead.
This could be with a little picnic on the beach or the local park, renting out a room at your loved one's local or even just having a little gathering at someone's house.
Philomena loved spending sunny afternoons at the local park, enjoying the beauty of nature. To honour her memory, her family organised a picnic at her favourite spot on the first anniversary of her death. "Philomena always found peace here, and it feels right to celebrate her life in a place she loved so much," said her daughter, Angela.
Keeping a chair for a loved one at a special event is a simple, powerful gesture that acknowledges their absence while keeping their presence felt.
The chair can be decorated with a photo, a piece of clothing, or flowers, and is particularly meaningful for those who would have played an important role at an event like a wedding, family gathering, or anniversary.
Suzanne was Steve’s mother, and when she passed away just before his wedding, he knew he wanted to honour her memory in a special way. At the ceremony, a chair was kept for Suzanne with a framed photo of her smiling face placed on the seat. "Mum was with me every step of the way, and having that chair there made it feel like she was still part of the whole day," Steve shared.
Dedicated websites or social media pages can be set up as online memorials. These virtual spaces allow friends and family from all over the world to share memories, photos, and messages remembering and celebrating the deceased’s life.
This option is particularly useful where loved ones might be spread across different locations or for those people who have a wide number of friends.
Ahmed loved connecting with people online. After his passing, his friends created a website in his memory, where loved ones could upload photos, share stories, and post messages. The site became a living tribute to Ahmed, filled with the many memories people had of him. "This online memorial feels like a fitting way to keep his memory alive," said his friend, Paul.
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Below are a few further articles that you may find helpful when it comes to remembering and honouring your loved one.
Planning a personalised memorial service allows you to honour your loved one's unique life and legacy, providing a meaningful opportunity for family and friends to connect, share memories, and find comfort in each other's support during this difficult time.
Memorial service ideas
As attitudes around funerals evolve, many are considering celebration of life ideas to honour their loved one in different and unique ways. Arrange a funeral that's personalised and celebratory to highlight your loved one's colourful life.
Celebration of life ideas
Organising a wake or a memorial service is a meaningful way to honour the memory of a loved one. It allows family and friends to gather, share memories, and offer support to one another during a difficult time. Read more in our article.
Organising a memorial serviceBelow are a selection of reviews from those who followed their instinct with Distinct and chose to buy a funeral with us.
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