Memorials: 9 Creative Ways to Honor a Loved One

Losing a loved one is never easy. Coping with the loss and grief can be challenging, and many people look for ways to keep the memory of their loved ones alive. It’s not easy coping with grief and there’s no right or wrong way to remember a loved one. To help you cope with the loss we are going to look at 9 simple and creative ways to honor and remember a loved one.

So take your time and use this article to figure out what works for you.

1. Carry a keepsake to remember your loved one

One of the simplest ways to remember your loved one is to keep something of theirs that has sentimental value to you. It could be a piece of jewelry, a photo, a favourite book, or even a piece of clothing. Whenever you look at or use that item, it will bring back memories of your loved one and honour the memory of them.

For example, my daughter has a ring that belonged to her grandmother. It’s not valuable but it does create a connection. A friend of mine likes to wear an oversized sweat shirt that belonged to her grandfather. They were very close so when she wears it she feels closer to him. It’s very comforting and therapeutic and it makes it feel like he is still around looking after her.

Keeping their memory alive doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a lot of hard work. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ways to honour a loved one.

2. Create jewellery with their handwriting, ashes, or hair.

This may sound a little crazy or weird, but it is a really unique way to remember someone.

Creating memorial jewellery is easier than you think, as there are now lots of providers on places like Etsy that will design and make a fitting tribute to your loved one. For example, a stunning cremart (cremation art) pendant or ring  is definitely a unique way to keep your loved one close to your heart. You can use their longhand script to create a special piece of jewellery or use their ashes or hair to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Memorial jewellery looks like normal jewellery – except it is better!  It seems to have a beautiful sparkle about it. The pieces are made by craftsmen who care about the products they are making which also helps  ensure quality. The end result is a beautiful affordable piece of jewellery like this £175.00 ring by  Asheswithart.co.Uk 

3. Choose a special place to remember them

Choosing a special place to remember your loved one is a wonderful way to honor their memory. If there is a public place like a park that they loved, you can apply to the local council for permission to place a memorial bench with a plaque in their favourite spot or dedicate a tree in their honor. In this way, their name lives on in a permanent memorial. You are also creating a place where friends or family members can come together to share thoughts and feelings and just connect to ones who have passed.

4. Get a memorial tattoo

A memorial tattoo is a permanent reminder of your loved one. Getting a tattoo is a very unique and creative way to remember a loved one because every tattoo is different. You can pay tribute to your loved one by choosing a symbol that represents them or even use their handwriting, which a skilled artist can copy. You can choose one of their favourite quotes, sayings, songs or poems as a permanent memorial.

In the UK a tiny tattoo costs from £60 and a small one from £90 (prices correct in 2023) Check out the price guide and available artists here

It’s very easy to set up an appointment with a tattoo artist and if you shop around, you may find one who can create something really special to help you keep their memory alive. If this is something you might be interested in you can check out some top UK artists in this article on Buzzfeed.

 

5. Turn their ashes into a cremation diamond

Turning your loved one’s ashes into a diamond is a unique and beautiful way to keep their memory alive. The diamond can be set in memorial jewellery, such as rings or pendants or kept as a precious keepsake. Cremation diamonds are pure like real diamonds, however, just like natural diamonds, they take a long time to form. This memorial tribute can take between 7 -12 months to develop as they have to be created in a special lab in expensive equipment. Prices vary depending on the colour of the diamond chosen. You can check out more at https://everdear.co/cremation-diamonds-from-ashes/all-jewelry.

Read more about this process in  our guide to alternative burial options

6. Create a memorial garden using their favourite flowers

Planting a memorial garden for your loved one’s favourite flowers is a peaceful and serene way to remember them. Flowers and humans have seasons. When we connect with nature we can understand the rhythm of life and whilst it doesn’t take the pain away, it can fill us with much needed joy.

Celebrating the life of a loved one with plants your loved one enjoyed is a lovely way to commemorate someone who has passed.

It’s also an opportunity for people to leave our problems behind and connect with nature and do some productive work. This in itself can be very therapeutic in the grieving process.

It is easy to set up a memorial and you will be creating a living memorial that can be enjoyed for years to come. Loving memory roses are amongst the most popular choice for a memorial garden, possible because of the traditional connection between roses and love.

You could hand out packets of seeds like Forget me knots to members of the family and then have a planting day as a tribute to the loved one who has passed. Sharing stories and memories as you plant is a great way to build a connection and pay tribute to a loved one.

7. Hand out memorial cards

Sending out memorial cards to family and friends is a way to share the memory of your loved one with others.

It’s a kind gesture that can bring comfort to those who are grieving. Memorial cards give you an opportunity to create a unique piece of art and a way to pay tribute. For example, if your mom loved a particular poem, or she had a favourite recipe, it can be easily shared in a home made remembrance card.

Memorial cards can be simple or elaborate. They are a great way to share stories, photos or even one of their favourite verses from a song. There are limitless beautiful ideas that can be shared in a card.

8. Create a special plaque in their memory

You can create a special plaque in your loved one’s memory to be placed in a meaningful location. The plaque can feature their name, dates of birth and death, and a special message or quote.

You can choose to have the plaque made out of a material that relates to your loved one, such as their favourite colour or material like wood, metal, or stone. You can also add a special design or emblem that reminds you of your loved one, such as a heart, a cross or a symbol specific to their profession.

Consider the location where you want to place the plaque. It could be in a garden, at a park, or even a special place in your home. You could also consider donating the plaque to a local organisation or memorial site in honor of your loved one.

There are many companies that specialise in creating custom plaques, and they can help you design the perfect one for your loved one. Take your time choosing the right materials, design, and location for the plaque so that it is as meaningful and as special as the memories of your loved one.

9. Create a ritual to keep their memory alive

Creating a ritual to honor your loved one’s memory can be a comforting way to keep them close to your heart. You could light a candle on their birthday or anniversary or even visit a special place that holds significance to you.

When you have lost someone close having a ritual that involves doing things that remind you of them not only helps keep their memory alive, it also smooths the grieving process we go through when someone dies.

So there you have it. 9 simple and creative ways to honor a loved one.

1. Carry a keepsake
2. Create a special place
3. Custom make  memorial jewellery
4. Get a memorial tattoo
5. Turn ashes into Cremation diamonds
6. Create a healing memorial garden
7. Immortalise them in memorial cards
8. Design a unique plaque
9. Adopt a special ritual

In summary there are many unique ways to remember your deceased loved one. Whether it’s keeping something of theirs close to you, creating a living memorial, or getting a memorial tattoo, the important thing is to find a way to keep their memory alive in your heart.