A Gentle Guide to Funeral Stationery in Australia: Understanding the Essentials

During this incredibly difficult time, navigating the many decisions involved in planning a farewell can feel overwhelming. One of the most personal tasks is creating the stationery that will honour your loved one and guide guests through the service. Please know, you are not alone in this process. We are here to offer a gentle hand and clear, simple guidance.

This post is designed to answer the first and most common question we hear: "What funeral stationery do I actually need?"

The Core Elements of a Memorial Tribute

In Australia, funeral stationery serves two beautiful purposes: a practical guide for the service and a cherished keepsake for guests to take home. Here are the most common pieces families choose to create a cohesive and heartfelt tribute.

Order of Service Booklets: This is the cornerstone of the stationery suite. It’s a booklet that guides guests through the ceremony, outlining the schedule of music, readings, and tributes. It often includes the eulogy, song lyrics, and precious photographs, creating a beautiful narrative of a life lived. For Catholic services, this is often called a Mass Booklet and follows a more specific liturgical structure.

Memorial Cards / Holy Cards: These are small, wallet-sized keepsakes, perfect for guests to carry with them. They typically feature a favourite photo, your loved one's name and dates, and a short, meaningful verse or prayer. For those of the Catholic faith, Holy Cards (also known as Prayer Cards or Santini Cards) are a deeply held tradition, featuring a religious image or prayer.

Memorial Bookmarks: A very popular choice in Australia, bookmarks are a practical and lasting memento. Often laminated for durability, they serve as a beautiful reminder of a loved one every time a book is opened.

Thank You Cards: After the service, you may wish to express your gratitude to those who offered special support—whether through flowers, donations, or kindness. These cards, often matching the Order of Service design, provide a simple and heartfelt way to say thank you.

Guest Books (Condolence Books): Placed at the entrance to the service, a guest book provides a space for friends and family to share their names and a personal message of support. It becomes a treasured record of all the lives your loved one touched.

Why These Pieces Matter So Much

Beyond their practical function, these items become a tangible connection to the person you are honouring. The process of choosing the photos, the words, and the design is, in itself, a quiet act of remembrance and love. It is an opportunity to create a final, beautiful tribute that truly reflects the unique spirit of the person you have lost.

Here at Eternal Prints, we see our role as helping you transform your memories into a beautiful tribute. We are here to manage the details, so you can focus on honouring a beautiful life.

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our Perth studio is a calm, quiet space to discuss your needs, and we support families with compassionate, express-shipped service all across Australia.