How to Create a Memorial Card Template
Christi Anderson
Memorial cards are timeless keepsakes that allow families to share the memory of a loved one in a small, portable format. Distributed at funerals, memorial services, or mailed to relatives and friends, these cards often include a favorite photo, meaningful prayer, poem, or scripture, along with basic personal details. Because of their sentimental value, creating a reusable memorial card template ensures that families and funeral homes can design beautiful, professional-quality cards quickly while preserving room for personalization. With guidance from the Funeral Program Site, it’s easy to create templates that balance practicality, dignity, and heartfelt design.
Why Memorial Cards Matter
Unlike larger programs or booklets, memorial cards are designed to be carried, kept in wallets, tucked into Bibles, or placed in photo albums. Their value lies in:
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Portability: Small enough to keep close as a daily reminder.
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Personalization: Featuring prayers, poems, or custom messages.
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Keepsake Quality: Preserved long after the service as mementos.
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Flexibility: Suitable for both traditional and celebration-of-life services.
Families appreciate their simplicity and ability to capture love and memory in a compact format.
Step 1: Choose the Card Size
Memorial cards are typically wallet-sized, with common dimensions such as:
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2.5" x 4.25" – Standard, portable size.
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3" x 5" – Slightly larger, offering more design space.
Cards can be single-sided or double-sided, depending on the amount of content included.
Step 2: Set Up the Document
In design software such as Word, Publisher, Canva, or Adobe InDesign:
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Page Size: Match the chosen dimensions or arrange multiple cards on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet.
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Margins: Use at least 0.25 inches for trimming safety.
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Guidelines: Add cutting lines or grids for consistent alignment.
This setup ensures cards print evenly and are easy to cut or trim.
Step 3: Add Placeholder Sections
To make the template reusable, create placeholders for:
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Photo of the Deceased
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Full Name
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Birth and Passing Dates
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Prayer, Poem, or Scripture
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Closing Message: Such as “Forever in Our Hearts” or “Rest in Peace.”
Placeholders allow families to quickly insert details without reworking the design.
Step 4: Focus on Design Elements
Since memorial cards are small, design balance is key. Consider:
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Fonts: Use a decorative script for names paired with clean serif or sans serif fonts for text.
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Colors: Muted palettes for solemn services or brighter tones for celebration-of-life tributes.
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Images: Religious symbols, floral borders, or nature-inspired backgrounds.
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Borders and Frames: Add structure while enhancing visual appeal.
Professional templates ensure readability while maintaining elegance.
Step 5: Save for Reuse
When the template design is complete, save it in a reusable format:
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Word:
.dotx -
InDesign:
.indt -
Canva: Save and duplicate for new services
This allows the template to be reused for future memorials without altering the master file.
Step 6: Print and Laminate
Memorial cards are best printed on heavy cardstock for durability. Many families also laminate them to extend longevity. Printing considerations include:
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Use 80–100 lb cardstock.
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Print multiple cards per sheet for efficiency.
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Choose matte or satin finishes for readability.
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Laminate for keepsake-quality durability.
Providers like the Funeral Program Site offer templates and professional printing services, ensuring cards are polished, durable, and meaningful.
Personalization Options
To make memorial cards even more special, families may:
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Add the deceased’s favorite prayer or poem.
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Include multiple photo variations for distribution.
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Feature cultural or religious symbols.
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Add a short tribute or personal message from the family.
These touches transform memorial cards into treasured mementos that reflect individuality.
Final Thoughts
Creating a memorial card template ensures families can prepare beautiful, consistent keepsakes without stress. By setting up placeholders, balancing design elements, and printing with care, memorial cards become lasting reminders of love and remembrance.
For compassionate guidance, professional templates, and printing expertise, the Funeral Program Site remains the most trusted source. Its resources make it easy to design memorial cards that combine practicality with heartfelt expression.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.
