How to create a beautiful memory table for a funeral

A memorial table at a funeral service can be a great way for family and friends to share special tributes about the deceased. Memory tables at funerals create a sense of connection and remembrance on the day. A memory table can help attendees reflect on the deceased by looking at photos or tributes that have been laid out on the table and it also allows the family of the deceased to read back on all the fond memories everyone had of the deceased. The table becomes a focal point at the service, encouraging shared memories and conversations that celebrate the deceased’s life.

What should I put on a memory table at a funeral?

What you decide to put on the memory table for a loved one’s funeral will be unique to you and your family. However, some great things to put on a memory table are photos of the deceased, certificates, achievements or medals that meant a lot to the deceased. You can also lay out a notebook where people can share their own memories of the deceased so you can read back on them at a later date which can provide a sense of comfort to those who are grieving. Below we have put together a list of items we think are perfect for all funeral memory tables!

Essential Elements of a Memory Table

Photographs

Photographs are perfect for any funeral memory table. They provide a visual narrative of the deceased’s life, capturing moments from childhood through adulthood. They allow attendees to reflect on the deceased’s life and remember them in all aspects of their life.

Advertisement

Consider including:

• Baby and Childhood Photos: These evoke fond memories and showcase the earliest chapters of the deceased’s life. Displaying baby pictures can bring smiles and memories of the deceased’s early years.
• Family and Friends: Images with loved ones highlight important relationships. Including group photos from family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions can remind attendees of the bonds that were shared. For many attendees, they can also remind them of forgotten memories they had with the deceased, evoking nostalgia.
• Milestones and Achievements: Graduation, wedding, and career photos celebrate significant accomplishments. These photos can be arranged chronologically to tell the story of the deceased’s life journey and celebrate their achievements.

What do you need to display photographs on the memory table?

To display photos on a memory table consider displaying them in the following ways to keep the images clean and safe.

• Photo album: Photo albums can be created for each stage of their lives. You could have a photo album for baby photos, a photo album for family and friends and even a photo album for their milestones. Putting images in photo albums makes sure that photos are organised and kept clean, especially if there are a lot of people attending the funeral who may be touching the photos.
• Frames: Frames are a great way to display beautiful pictures of your loved one. You could display their greatest life milestones in frames like their graduation, wedding or greatest life achievements.
• Scrapbooks: If your loved ones kept tokens of their life or travels, then scrapbooks are a great way of putting images together with some of their most precious memories. You can put photos together with things like plane tickets or concert tickets that they kept to create a memorable scrapbook.

Personal Mementos

Personal items add depth to the memory table, making it more intimate and reflective of the deceased’s passions and interests. Items to consider:

• Hobbies and Interests: Musical instruments, sports equipment, or art supplies. For instance, if the deceased loved playing guitar, you might include their favorite guitar along with sheet music of songs they enjoyed playing. Or if your loved one love to paint as a hobby you might include one of their paintings on the table.
• Collections: Displaying stamps, coins, concert tickets or other cherished collectibles can be a great way to remember the deceased and the things the loved to do. A display case with a selection of their favorite items can be a captivating centerpiece and also ensures that the items are kept safe and clean.
• Personal Artifacts: Displaying watches, jewellery or favorite books can evoke personal memories and stories from those who knew the deceased well. This items normally hold significant memories of a loved one so only display these items if the funeral is intimate or you know who is coming to make sure nothing goes missing.

Written Tributes

Written tributes are a beautiful way thing to display on a memory table at a funeral. Having a memory book or memory cards where people can write down their favourite memory of the deceased is a great way to bring everyone together on the day. Having these written tributes to look back on can also be extremely comforting for the deceased’s close family and friends and can help with the grieving process.

• Letters and Cards: Personal messages and notes. Encouraging attendees to write letters to the deceased, or displaying cards and letters received over the years, can add a deeply personal touch.
• Poems and Quotes: Favorite verses that resonate with the deceased’s life. These can be printed and framed, or written on decorative paper and scattered among the other items.
• Guestbook: A place for attendees to write their own memories and condolences. A beautifully bound book or a journal can be provided for guests to leave messages.

Multimedia Elements

Incorporating multimedia can create a dynamic and engaging memory table. Consider these options:

• Slideshow: A digital photo frame or projector showcasing a slideshow of pictures. This can play continuously throughout the service, providing a visual journey through the deceased’s life.
• Video Messages: Pre-recorded messages from loved ones. These can be played on a loop or shown at specific times during the funeral service.
• Music Playlist: Songs that were meaningful to the deceased, playing softly in the background. A curated playlist can be shared with attendees, perhaps even as a keepsake on a CD or on a USB.

Designing the Memory Table

The layout of the memory table should be thoughtful, making sure to keep the focal points on the table the most memorable memorabilia and images of your loved one. Here are some tips for a beautiful arrangement:

• Central Focus: Place the most significant items, like a portrait or a large photo collage, at the center of the memory table. This draws attention and anchors the display.
• Balanced Display: Arrange items symmetrically around the central items. This maintains a visually pleasing balance. Consider using pairs of items or arranging items in a mirrored layout.
• Clear Labels: Use labels or small cards to explain the significance of each item. This helps attendees understand the context and importance of the items on display on the memory table.

Example of a thoughtfully laid out memory table:

Imagine a memory table for a beloved teacher. The central focus could be a large framed photo of the teacher with their students. Surrounding this, you could include books they taught from, notes from students, and awards they received. Each item could have a small card explaining its significance.

Incorporating Themes on a Funeral Memory Table

Using themes on a funeral memory table can add a cohesive element to the memory table. Possible themes include:

• Career: Items and photos related to the deceased’s professional life. For a doctor, this might include their medical degree, stethoscope, and awards or recognitions.
• Travel: Souvenirs, maps, and photos from significant trips. A world map with pins marking visited locations can be an engaging visual element.
• Hobbies: Memorabilia from activities the deceased enjoyed. For an avid gardener, you could display their favorite gardening tools, seed packets, and photos of their garden.

Example

A memory table for a passionate baker might include their favorite recipes, baking tools, and photographs of them in the kitchen. You could even include a sample of their baked goods for guests to enjoy, adding a sensory element to the tribute.

Utilizing Space

If you feel like you do not have enough space to display everything you need to then you could create a tiered table. Using different levels can help display items more effectively and make the table more visually engaging. Here’s a diagram to illustrate this concept.

The table below, although for retail, could be an example of the type of table you could use to display memories of your loved one.

Personalizing the Memory Table

Custom Decor

Incorporating personalised decorations to the table that reflect the deceased’s personality and preferences is a great way to inject your loved ones’ personality into the table. You could use the following elements to decorate the table:

• Flowers: Choose the deceased’s favorite flowers or colors. Arrangements can be placed around the table to enhance its visual appeal and add a fragrant element.
• Tablecloth: Select a tablecloth that complements the theme or personal style. A custom-made cloth with significant patterns or colors can be a unique addition.
• Lighting: Soft lighting or candles can create a serene and reflective atmosphere. Battery-operated candles or fairy lights can add a gentle, warm glow.

Interactive Elements

Encourage attendees to interact with the memory table. Interactive elements can foster engagement and participation, making the tribute more memorable.

• Memory Cards: Memory cards allow attendees to write down a memory they have of your loved one. Guests to write down their favorite memories. These can be read aloud during the service or kept as a keepsake.
• Memory Jar: Memory jars are a great way to keep memory cards safe. It can also be kept and you can take out a memory every day to remember your loved one.
• Photo Sharing: A Polaroid camera for guests to take instant photos and add to the table. These photos can be hung on a string with clothespins or added to a guestbook.

Conclusion

A memory table is a powerful way to honor and remember a loved one. By thoughtfully selecting and arranging photographs, personal mementos, written tributes, and multimedia elements, you can create a meaningful and lasting tribute. This space not only celebrates the life of the deceased but also offers comfort and connection to those who mourn their loss.