How to create the perfect memorial plaque

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. 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 - ensuring dignity and meaning for generations 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 so consider whether the plaque will commemorate one, two, or more individuals (depending on location), 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. 

Inscription guidelines:

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.

Tips for creating your inscription:

A well-written inscription can offer comfort, reflection, and connection. It can include:

• The person’s full name

• Birth and death dates

• Dates are generally formatted to DD.MM.YYYY

• Prioritise the most meaningful words or phrases.

• Avoid overly complex language or long quotes that may be hard to read.

• Quotes, poems or song lyrics are generally placed at the bottom of the plaque.

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, beliefs, or life story. These custom features not only enhance the visual appeal but also deepen the emotional connection for those who visit the memorial.

Personalisation options include:

• Photos: Photos come in a variety of options including ceramic and cast bronze in differing sizes. This creates a powerful visual tribute and helps future generations connect with their memory.

• 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’ll need to contact Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) to begin the ordering process. Their experienced team will guide you through the design and approval stages to ensure your plaque is a fitting tribute.

What to Do:

• Submit your design request
  Prepare your ideas for the inscription, preferred size, and any personal elements (photos, emblems, borders, etc.)

• Receive a design proof and related documents
  Once your design notes are submitted, we will provide a plaque proof shortly for review.