Memorial Plaque Wording: Ideas, Examples & a Phrase Picker

By the Planet Engraving team · 16 Jul 2023

Choosing the words for a memorial plaque is often the hardest part of ordering one. You want to sum up a whole life in a few lines, and you want it to be right. This guide takes you through it step by step, with real examples, a phrase picker you can tap to build your own wording, and tips on fitting it all on the plaque.

The short version: five steps

• Start with their name, the way people knew them.
• Add the dates: full dates, or just the years.
• Choose an opening line, such as "In loving memory of".
• Add one or two lines about who they were, or the family they leave behind.
• Finish with a short verse or closing phrase, if you'd like one.

In loving memory ofMARGARET ANNE COLLINS12 April 1938 – 9 November 2024Beloved wife of Ron, devoted motherand adored nanna of sevenForever in our hearts

1. The building blocks of a memorial plaque

Most plaques are built from the same few parts, in this order. You don't need all of them. Many of the most moving plaques use only three or four.

2. Getting the name right

• Use the name people knew them by. If everyone called him Bob, say so: Robert "Bob" Smith.
• Maiden names are traditionally shown with née: Mary Jones (née Brown).
• Titles, ranks and honours can go before or after the name: Dr, Sgt, OAM.
• For two people on one plaque, give each person their own name and dates, joined with "and" or "&".
• Check the spelling with family before you approve the proof, especially unusual spellings and middle names.

3. Choosing a date style

There's no right or wrong style. Choose one that suits the plaque and use it the same way all the way through.

4. Phrase picker: tap to build your wording

Choose a theme, then tap any phrase to add it to your wording. You can edit it in the box, copy it, or send it straight to us with your quote request.

5. Wording ideas by relationship

A few complete examples to get you started. Swap in the names and roles that fit your family.

In loving memory ofJOAN ELIZABETH MILLER1941 – 2025Loving wife, mother and nannaHer love will light our way

Forever in our heartsKEITH “SANDY” JAMIESON19.06.1943 – 17.05.2025Devoted husband, loving father and proud PopWhat a man, what a mate

Together foreverHAROLD JAMES 1934 – 2019&DOROTHY MAY 1937 – 2024Resting together in peace

Our precious sonLUCAS JAMES REID2 May 2012 – 14 January 2024Held for a moment, loved for a lifetime

6. Wording for different places

Graves and headstones

Traditional and complete: name, dates, relationships and a short line. Relationships such as "Loved wife of..., mother of..." help future generations trace the family.

Niche walls and columbariums

These plaques are small and spaced closely, so keep it brief: name, dates and one short line. Check the size your cemetery allows before you order.

Garden and rock plaques

A garden plaque can be personal and warm, as it's mostly read by family. A favourite saying or something they loved to do works beautifully. See garden plaques.

Trees

Passers-by may read a tree plaque, so a little context helps: "This tree was planted in memory of..." with a date. See tree plaques.

Benches and seats

Long and narrow, so one or two lines read best: "In memory of Jack & Elsie Turner, who loved to sit here and watch the river roll by."

Urns and keepsake boxes

Small plaques suit just the name and years, or a single short phrase such as "Forever loved".

Clubs, schools and workplaces

Mention the connection: years of service, a role or what they gave. "In memory of our coach and friend, who gave 30 years to this club."

Service and military

"Lest we forget" and service details such as unit, rank or years of service are common. Emblems can be engraved too; just send us a clear image.

Pets

Pet plaques can be playful and warm: their name, the years and a line like "Best mate, always". A photo makes it special. Our pet plaque wording guide has dozens more ideas, or see pet memorial plaques.

7. Faith and blessings

Many families include a short prayer, blessing or Bible verse. Keep it to one or two lines so it stays easy to read. A few traditional choices:

• "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23)
• "I am the resurrection, and the life." (John 11:25)
• "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
• "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."
• "In God's care" or "Safe in the arms of Jesus"

Crosses, rosaries, doves and other religious symbols can be engraved beside the wording.

8. How much wording fits?

Fewer words in a larger font are easier to read, especially outdoors. As a rough guide for a name, dates and lines of tribute:

Have more to say than will fit? A story plaque adds a QR code that links to photos, stories and a full tribute online.

9. Layout and font tips

• Make the name the biggest line, then the dates, then the message.
• Use one or two fonts, not more. A script font for the opening line with clear capitals for the name is a classic pairing.
• Keep script fonts for short lines. Long sentences in script are hard to read.
• Leave some space around the edges. A crowded plaque is harder to read than a simple one.
• Centre-aligned wording suits most memorial plaques. Left-aligned suits longer stories.

10. Before you approve your proof

• Check every name, nickname and spelling.
• Check every date, and that the date style matches throughout.
• Read it out loud. If a line is hard to say, it may be hard to read.
• Ask someone else in the family to check it too.
• Check the plaque size suits where it's going, including any cemetery rules.

Examples from plaques we've made

Involve the family

Ask family and close friends what they'd like to say. It often brings out a phrase everyone agrees on, and it makes the plaque something the whole family owns. Our proof makes it easy to share the layout with everyone before you approve it.

Questions we often get

Ready to talk about your plaque? Send us the details below, call 02 4030 5878 or email office@planetengraving.net.