Creating a Perfect Tribute: How to Choose Words, Photos & Designs for Funeral Stationery

Funeral stationery is so much more than paper and ink; it is a story. It is the final, beautiful tribute you will create to honour a unique and cherished life. As you begin this deeply personal process, the main question often becomes: "How do we make it truly feel like them?"

At Eternal Prints, we believe that personalisation is the heart of a meaningful farewell. This guide offers gentle advice on choosing the photos, words, and design elements that will capture the true essence of your loved one.

 

Choosing the Right Photographs

This can be the most emotional step, but it is also the most beautiful.

The Main Photo: For the cover of the Order of Service or a Memorial Card, look for a photo where they look happy and natural. A clear, high-resolution image that captures their unique smile or the light in their eyes is perfect. Don't worry if the background isn't ideal or the photo is a little worn; our designers can often work wonders with gentle photo editing and restoration.

Telling a Story with a Collage: A photo collage on the inside or back pages is a wonderful way to share a fuller picture of their life—photos with family, enjoying a hobby, travelling, or simply laughing. It's a celebration of the many roles they played and the joy they brought to others.

What if Photos are Scarce? It's not uncommon. Reach out to extended family and friends; you may be surprised by the hidden gems they have. Even older, lower-quality photos can often be used effectively within a collage.

 

Finding the Right Words

The content of an Order of Service creates the blueprint for the ceremony. While every service is unique, a typical structure includes:

- The Essentials: Full name, dates of birth and death, and the service location, date, and time.

- The Flow of the Service: An outline of events, including opening music, the eulogy, any readings or poems, musical tributes, and closing words.

- Personal Tributes: Including the full text of a favourite poem, song lyrics, or a meaningful quote can add a deeply personal layer to the booklet.

- A Message of Thanks: The back cover is a lovely place for a message from the family, thanking guests for their love and support.

Selecting a Design Theme and Colour

The visual style of the stationery sets the tone for the service. The trend in Australia is moving away from rigid tradition toward designs that reflect an individual's personality.

Reflecting Their Passions: Did they love the ocean? A coastal theme with soft blues and sandy tones can be beautiful. Were they a passionate gardener? A floral design, perhaps featuring their favourite native bloom like a bottlebrush or kangaroo paw, is a perfect tribute. Themes can be built around anything from a love of golf to a passion for art.

The Language of Colour: While classic palettes of navy, cream, and silver are always elegant, don't be afraid to use colour. A splash of their favourite yellow or a gentle sage green can feel uplifting and deeply personal. Many families now encourage guests to wear a bright colour to celebrate a vibrant life, and the stationery can beautifully reflect this.

We understand that these decisions are not easy. Our role is to listen to your stories and memories, and then translate them into a design that feels just right. 

You can see some examples of how these personal touches come to life by viewing our funeral stationery collections here. We will work with you, step by step, to ensure every detail is a perfect reflection of the love you hold.

If you would like to discuss your ideas or need any help with choosing photos or wording, please don't hesitate to contact our compassionate team. We are always here to help you create the perfect tribute.