1. An opening line
“In loving memory of”, “Remembering”, “This bench is in memory of” or “This tree was planted for”. It tells people what the plaque is for.
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Memorial plaque wording
The right words, one line at a time.
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Standard engraving, fixings and UK delivery included. Extras are shown before checkout.
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Finding the right words is often the hardest part. Here is a simple way to structure the wording, over 40 examples for different people and places, and short phrases to finish with. When you have a few words, design it online or send them to us on WhatsApp and we’ll lay it out for you.
- Names, dates and tribute wording
- Garden and wall memorials
- Brass or stainless steel finishes
- Optional wood backing
Memorial wording ideas
For a mum or dad.
Use the name they were known by, and one line that sounds like them.
A5
In loving memory of
MARGARET ELLIS
1942 – 2024
Mum, Nan, our everything
A5
DAVID “DAI” THOMAS
1949 – 2023
A wonderful dad and grandad
who could fix anything
A5
Remembering
JEAN HOLLOWAY
1938 – 2025
Her kitchen door was always open
Bench
For Dad
PETER SHAW
who loved this view
Memorial wording ideas
For grandparents.
Grandchildren often choose the names they used: Nana, Grandad, Gramps.
A5
In memory of
NANA JOAN
1935 – 2024
who made every day an adventure
A5
GRANDAD TED
1938 – 2024
He taught us the name
of every tree in this garden
A4
In loving memory of
BILL & BETTY ROSS
married 62 years
Grandparents, great-grandparents
and the heart of our family
Memorial wording ideas
For a husband, wife or partner.
Short and personal often reads best. Some families add the years they were together.
A5
DAVID ROWLANDS
1948 – 2025
My husband, my best friend
Forever loved by Ann
A5
In loving memory of
SARAH KAUR
1971 – 2023
Together for thirty years,
in my heart for ever
Bench
Sit awhile with
TOM & BETTY HARRIS
Together again
Memorial wording ideas
For a child or young person.
Many families choose a bright line, a nickname or something they loved.
A5
In memory of
LUCY MAY BENNETT
2001 – 2024
Forever young, forever loved
A5
Our shining star
OLIVER JAMES
2015 – 2022
Dream big, little one
Oval
For
ISLA
who loved the swings
Always our girl
Memorial wording ideas
For a friend, colleague or club member.
Say what they gave to the people who knew them.
Bench
Donated in memory of
KEITH ANDREWS
a true friend of this park
A5
In memory of
STEVE NOLAN
1961 – 2022
Captain, coach and friend
A5
Remembering
ROSE ATKINS
who made this allotment bloom
Planted by her friends, 2025
Memorial wording ideas
For a memorial bench.
Bench plates are small: two or three short lines read best from a little distance.
150 × 50 mm
In memory of
JOAN PARRY
who loved her garden
225 × 75 mm
This bench is in memory of
LILY CHAMBERS
1929 – 2019
who never missed a morning walk
200 × 50 mm
In loving memory of
FRANK & IRIS DAVIES
Enjoy the view as they did
150 × 50 mm
Remembering
BILL HUGHES
Rest here awhile
Memorial wording ideas
For a memorial tree or garden.
Begin with the tree or place, then the person. Fix the plaque to a post beside the tree.
A5
This cherry tree was planted
in loving memory of
JIM PARTRIDGE
1947 – 2025
Every spring, we will think of you
A5
This oak was planted
in memory of
MARGARET ELLIS
1942 – 2024
who loved this green
200 × 150 mm
Mum’s apple tree
In loving memory of
JOAN HARGREAVES
1951 – 2024
Always in bloom
A4
This tree was planted by
the children of
ASHFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
in memory of Mrs Patricia Long
Teacher and friend, 1988 – 2023
Memorial wording ideas
Where ashes are scattered or interred.
A simple line can mark the place without saying too much.
A5
In loving memory of
IVY & SID MOORE
whose ashes rest here together
in the garden they loved
A5
CHARLOTTE MAY PEMBERTON
1931 – 2021
Her ashes rest in this garden
Forever loved
Memorial wording ideas
For a pet.
A name, the years and something they loved. A portrait from a photo can be engraved on A5 and larger.
A5
BRAMBLE
Our faithful friend
2008 – 2022
Forever chasing rabbits
Circle
Here lies
WILLOW
The sweetest cat
2005 – 2023
A5
This silver birch
is for
BISCUIT
our beautiful spaniel
2011 – 2025
Memorial wording ideas
Religious wording.
Churches may have their own guidance on wording; check before ordering.
A5
To the glory of God
and in memory of
EMILY CARTER
1928 – 2016
who arranged the flowers here
A5
In loving memory of
FR MICHAEL BURKE
Parish priest 1986 – 2016
May he rest in peace
A5
WILLIAM ROWE
1931 – 2024
The Lord is my shepherd
Memorial wording ideas
Non-religious wording.
Celebrate a life, a place or a shared memory.
A5
Celebrating the life of
ROSEMARY ASHCROFT
1938 – 2023
Gardener, artist and much-loved mum
A5
Remembering
ALAN VAUGHAN
1944 – 2021
He made us laugh every single day
Bench
For
JOHN PENROSE
Gone sailing
Short phrases
Short memorial phrases.
Use one as the last line, or on its own beneath the name on a small bench plaque.
- In loving memory of
- Forever in our hearts
- Always in our thoughts
- Loved and remembered
- Forever loved
- Until we meet again
- Gone but never forgotten
- Rest in peace
- Sleep peacefully
- Together again
- Enjoy the view as they did
- Sit awhile and remember
- Their name liveth for evermore
- Your memory is our treasure
- Those we love walk beside us every day
- A life well lived
- Always with us
- Forever chasing rabbits
Stuck for words? Send us what you have on WhatsApp and we’ll suggest a layout and send you a free proof, usually within 3 working hours.
Design online, at your own pace
Your words. Your approval.
Choose your plaque
Choose the size, metal finish and fixings. See the price update as you change your options, including engraving and UK delivery.
Create your layout online
Enter your wording and create a layout in the designer. Adjust the text and spacing, and download the proof PDF to review or share before paying.
Check, then order
Check every name, date and fixing position. Approve the layout, check the production estimate and pay securely. Production starts after approval and payment.
Can’t see exactly what you need?
Tell us what you want. We’ll make it.
Almost any size, shape or wording: memorials, tree and garden dedications, house names, awards, logos, and portraits engraved from your own photos. Send us a few words, a sketch or a photo of the spot on WhatsApp, and we’ll design it for you and send a free proof, usually within 3 working hours.
No obligation. You only pay once you’re happy with your proof.
- 01Tell us your idea
Wording, size, where it’s going, or a picture of something you like.
- 02We design it
A proof drawn to size, by WhatsApp or email.
- 03Approve, then pay
Ask for changes until it’s right.
A little help choosing.
Compare the brass and stainless steel finishes before choosing a material. For a ceremony, building dedication or a list of contributors, see opening plaques and formal inscriptions.
What do you write on a memorial plaque?
Most memorial plaques have an opening line such as “In loving memory of”, the name, the years, and one short line about the person, such as “who loved this garden”. You can add who it is from on a final, smaller line.
How many words fit on a memorial plaque?
A 150 × 50 mm bench plaque fits two or three short lines. An A5 plaque fits five or six lines and an A4 plaque seven to ten. If it looks crowded, choose a larger plaque rather than smaller lettering.
Should I include the dates?
It is up to you. Years are enough for most plaques, such as 1942 – 2024. Full dates suit a church or formal plaque, and some families leave dates out altogether.
Can you help me with the wording?
Yes. Send us what you have on WhatsApp, even just a name and a few notes, and we’ll suggest wording and send a free proof, usually within 3 working hours.
Can I see my plaque before I pay?
Yes. Create your layout in the online designer, with no account or payment needed. Check names, dates, line breaks and fixing positions, then download your proof PDF if you need time to decide. The PDF includes a link to return to your design. If we design it for you, we send you the proof to approve before you pay. The proof is for approving wording and layout; screen colours and texture previews are illustrative.
What is included in the price?
Standard plaque prices include engraving, standard fixings and UK delivery. Wood backing, special finishes and other extras are priced in the designer before checkout.
Put your words in place.
Create your layout and see the price before you pay.