How to create the perfect memorial plaque

• The cemetery location usually determines the specific size and shape required for a memorial plaque.
• Keeping inscriptions to around 200 letters ensures the text remains clear and easy for visitors to read.
• Permanent memorial plaques are handcrafted from high-quality bronze to provide a durable finish.
• You must verify all dates and spellings during the design review because bronze plaques cannot be changed once they are cast.

Creating a memorial plaque is a meaningful way to honour a loved one’s life and legacy. Whether placed in a cemetery, garden, or on a bench or wall, a plaque offers a lasting tribute and a place for reflection. If you are learning how to make a memorial plaque, the process involves a few simple steps to ensure the tribute lasts for generations. We help families arrange over 4,000 Australian-made plaques each year across our 11 cemeteries. Handcrafted in partnership with Australia’s most trusted foundry, each plaque is made with care and respect. This ensures dignity and meaning for years to come.

Memorial plaques come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different locations and personal preferences. We offer square and rectangular plaques, with shapes often tailored to suit the specific location. Most plaques are predetermined for cremation memorial locations. However, for cemetery graves, a wider range of sizes is available. If your site and location includes a granite base, we can guide you through suitable size and colour options.

Some memorials can accommodate more than one person. Consider whether the plaque will commemorate one, two, or more individuals, or if separate plaques are preferred for each person. 

The message is the most personal and emotional element of a memorial plaque. It captures the essence of the person being remembered and communicates their legacy to future generations.

Each plaque has its own guidelines for wording based on the size chosen. Most can comfortably hold around 200 letters, allowing space for a heartfelt message. We can supply the specifications for your individual needs. A well-written inscription can include:

• The person’s full name.
• Birth and death dates (generally formatted to DD.MM.YYYY).
• Meaningful words or phrases.
• Quotes, poems, or song lyrics, which are generally placed at the bottom.

If you are unsure what to write, we have memorial plaque wording suggestions to help you find the perfect message.

Whether you choose a classic phrase like “Forever in our hearts” or a custom quote from a poem or scripture, the wording should reflect the personality and values of the individual.

If you're unsure what to write, find memorial plaque wording suggestionsExternal site to help you find the perfect message. We're here to assist in creating inscriptions that are respectful, meaningful, and suitable for various memorial settings.

To create a truly unique and meaningful memorial plaque, consider incorporating personal design elements that reflect your loved one’s personality or life story.

What are memorial plaques made of? 

Most of our permanent tributes are handcrafted from high-quality bronze. This durable material allows for several personalisation options:

• Emblems and symbols: Plaque emblems and symbols come in a variety of styles (flat or raised) and sizes. These can reflect a loved one’s beliefs, heritage, or passions—ranging from religious icons (such as crosses, Stars of David, or crescent moons) to cultural motifs, military badges, and personal symbols like flowers, birds, or musical notes.

• Decorative borders: If your memorial location allows, you can choose from classic, ornate, or modern border styles to beautifully frame your plaque’s inscription and enhance its overall design.

• Colour lacquer finishes: Colour lacquer is available in selected areas only, with a limited range of colours. If you're interested in exploring this option, please let us know and we’ll advise on availability for your memorial location.

These design elements help tell the story of your loved one’s life, making each plaque a truly personal and one-of-a-kind tribute. For guidance on what’s suitable based on your memorial location and cemetery requirements, please get in touch with us.  We’re here to help you create something meaningful and appropriate.

Before your plaque can be created, you will need to contact us to begin the ordering process. Our experienced team will guide you through the design and approval stages. You should prepare your ideas for the inscription, preferred size, and any personal elements. Once your design notes are submitted, we will provide a plaque proof shortly for review.

Once you receive the plaque proof and documentation from us, please review all details carefully. This includes the spelling of names, birth and death dates, punctuation, and formatting. Each plaque is custom-designed and individually cast in bronze, so changes cannot be made once production is underway. Taking the time to check these elements ensures the final tribute is exactly as intended. We will advise you of the production timeline once the order is placed. 

Creating a lasting tribute is a deeply personal journey. Our team is here to support you through every choice and ensure your loved one is remembered with dignity. View our plaque memorialisation options to see the range of styles available for your chosen cemetery location. If you need more help, you can call us on 1300 466 904 for personalised guidance. 

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