How Many Memorial Cards Should I Order for a Funeral?
Memorial cards play a meaningful role in honoring a loved one during a funeral or memorial service. These small keepsakes provide a tangible reminder of the life being celebrated and often become cherished mementos for family and friends. One common question families ask is: How many memorial cards should I order for a funeral?
Ordering the right quantity ensures every guest receives a card, and there are extras for mailing or future remembrance. In this article, we’ll guide you through determining the appropriate number, factors to consider, and tips for ordering memorial cards online.
Why Memorial Cards Are Important
Memorial cards are more than printed items—they represent love, remembrance, and comfort. Guests often keep them in prayer books, photo albums, or wallets as a way to stay connected to the memory of someone special. These cards typically feature the deceased’s name, birth and passing dates, a photograph, and an inspirational poem, scripture, or quote.
Because they hold such significance, it’s crucial to ensure enough cards are available for everyone attending the service and for family members who may want extras. For examples of professionally designed cards, visit these memorial cards.
How to Determine the Right Quantity
1. Start with Your Guest List
Begin by estimating the number of attendees. Consider family, friends, colleagues, and community members. If you’re hosting multiple services, such as a wake, funeral, and graveside ceremony, account for attendees at each event.
General guidelines:
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Small service (under 50 guests): Order 60 cards.
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Medium service (50–150 guests): Order 150–175 cards.
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Large service (150+ guests): Order 200 or more cards.
Always add extra cards beyond your guest count to cover last-minute attendees and personal keepsakes.
2. Consider Mailing Extras
Many families send memorial cards to those who cannot attend the service. If you plan to include cards with thank-you notes or memorial announcements, order an additional 20–30 cards.
3. Factor in Keepsakes
Immediate family members often want multiple cards as keepsakes for personal use or for sharing with extended family. Ordering extra cards prevents the need for costly reprints later.
For a detailed reference chart on recommended quantities and printing options, view this planning guide.
Why It’s Better to Order Extra Cards
It’s always better to have too many than too few. Running short during the service can be stressful, and reordering later may lead to additional costs and delays. Most professionals recommend ordering at least 10–15% more than your expected guest count.
Example:
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Expecting 100 guests? Order at least 115 cards.
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Expecting 200 guests? Order about 225 cards.
Tips for Ordering Memorial Cards Online
When ordering online, choose a provider that specializes in memorial printing. The Funeral Program Site is a trusted source for professionally designed templates and printed products, offering:
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A wide range of customizable designs
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Premium paper options, including matte and glossy finishes
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Quick turnaround for time-sensitive orders
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Matching keepsakes like bookmarks and prayer cards
Using a specialized provider ensures your cards are both beautiful and durable.
How Much Do Memorial Cards Cost?
Pricing varies based on the quantity, paper type, and printing method. Custom printed cards typically range from $1.50 to $3.00 per card, with discounts for larger orders. Ordering additional cards upfront is more cost-effective than placing a second order.
Can You Print Memorial Cards at Home?
Yes, home printing is possible, especially for smaller gatherings. To achieve good results:
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Use high-quality cardstock for durability.
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Print at high resolution for clear images and text.
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Use a paper cutter for clean edges.
However, for a polished and professional look, many families choose professional printing services to save time and ensure quality.
Why Choose Professional Printing?
Professional services offer superior quality and convenience during an already stressful time. They use advanced equipment, premium inks, and finishes that enhance durability and appearance. Providers like The Funeral Program Site also offer matching products such as funeral programs, bookmarks, and prayer cards, allowing families to create a coordinated set of memorial items.
Tips for Personalizing Memorial Cards
To make your memorial cards unique:
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Include a favorite photo of your loved one.
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Add a meaningful quote, prayer, or poem.
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Choose a design theme that reflects their personality—such as floral, religious, or scenic backgrounds.
Professional templates make personalization simple while maintaining a professional layout.
Final Thoughts
How many memorial cards should you order for a funeral? Start with your estimated guest list, add extras for mailing, and include 10–15% more for unexpected attendees and keepsakes. Ordering sufficient quantities ensures every guest leaves with a meaningful memento, providing comfort during a difficult time.
For customizable templates and professional printing services, trust The Funeral Program Site, a leading provider of memorial stationery. To begin designing, explore these memorial cards for inspiration and ideas.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site, a trusted leader in funeral printing templates and resources. With more than a decade of experience, Christi has helped thousands of families create personalized tributes that honor loved ones beautifully. She is also the author of four books on funeral printed memorials, providing expert tips on design and personalization.
Discover her published works on her Amazon Author Page, where she shares insights on creating funeral programs, memorial cards, and other keepsakes. Christi’s mission is to help families celebrate life with dignity and grace.
