In a strange way, this flurry of activity could be viewed as a positive thing because it means that you have to get up and keep going, even without your loved one by your side. It is exhausting, but you are doing it for the person you have loved and lost, and it helps you still to feel an ongoing connection to them.

What many people find difficult is the time when this initial activity starts to slow down, and the realisation gradually hits that your loved one is no longer with you. And this is a good time to give some consideration as to how to honour their memory in some lasting way.

There are many potential ways to remember a loved one. And choosing how to remember a loved one is a deeply personal decision. The key thing is for you to find a lasting, meaningful tribute that reflects their spirit and personality, and will bring comfort to your family for years to come. 

Here are some of the most popular ways to remember a loved one.

Five ways to remember a loved one

Below are five meaningful ways to remember a loved one. But remember that there is no right or wrong way to do this. It may be that one or more of the following ideas resonate with you. But if not, Funerals With Grace can help you to find another way that is perfect for you and your loved one.

• Create a living tribute

Creating a living tribute not only offers a place for reflection and to remember your loved one, but can also bring a sense of comfort, symbolised by the ongoing life of the living tribute. 

What is a living tribute?

A living tribute is a memorial that continues to grow, such as planting a tree or creating a memorial garden. Planting a tree in someone’s honour is very easy to do through organisations like The National Trust or The Woodland Trust.

• Name a star after them

Naming a star after your loved one creates an everlasting tribute to them in the night sky. A star will be selected for you in a location where you will be able to see it, and you will receive a naming certificate and a star map. You may also be able to use an App to find out more details of your star.

How do I name a star after someone?

For more information on how to name a star after your loved one, search for a reputable star naming organisation such as Star Name Registry or Buy a star.

• Create memorial jewellery

Another way to remember your loved one and keep them close is to create one or more pieces of memorial jewellery. Specialist artists and jewellers can blend ashes into jewellery, and create a lasting personal tribute of your choice. Additionally, fingerprints or photographs of your loved one can be incorporated into rings, necklaces, or bracelets.

Can ashes really be turned into jewellery?

Discover beautiful memorial jewellery designs from specialists such as EverWith Memorial Jewellery or Ashes to Glasses.

• Transform ashes into artwork

Another beautiful way to use ashes is to turn them into glass, a painting or sculpture to create a deeply personal piece of art that celebrates the life of your loved one.

Can ashes really be used in artwork?

You can see examples of ashes transformed into artwork at designers such as Ashes with Art or Ashes into Art. 

• Dedicate a memorial bench or plaque

A lovely way to remember a loved one is to arrange for either a memorial bench or plaque to be installed in one of their favourite places. For example in a park, garden, or other special location that was meaningful to them. 

A bench or plaque provides a permanent record of their name and life, and can also become the place to visit and relive your memories of them. 

There are many potential suppliers from where you could obtain a bench or plaque. For example The Bench Memorial Company provides handmade benches and there are many independent suppliers that create beautiful plaques.

Where can I place a memorial bench?

If you want to have a memorial bench or plaque in a public space, you are likely to need permission from the landowner or the relevant authority, for example a local council, churchyard manager, or private landowner. Funerals With Grace can help to advise you on this process.

We hope that the above ideas provide some inspiration about meaningful ways to remember a loved one. Whether you decide on a living tribute such as planting a memorial tree, creating personalised jewellery or a piece of art, or using a bench or plaque to dedicate a quiet place to reflect, Funerals With Grace is here to help you create the most meaningful way to remember a loved one.