How to write a Memorial Inscription
Meaningful examples of memorial words and guidance on how to write an Inscription
Funeral cortege
A funeral procession is also called a funeral cortege. It is a slow, solemn and respectful convoy of vehicles. The cortege conveys the deceased and mourners from the funeral ceremony to the crematorium or graveside.
Carrying the coffin
A pallbearer is traditionally one of the people who help to carry someone’s coffin from the hearse to the funeral venue. If they are being buried, this would include the grave. People chosen to do this, or who would like to, are usually close family members and friends.
Alternative funeral Ideas
It’s often the little things that can make a loved one’s final goodbye or celebration more personal. Allow us to inspire you with some wonderful, unique, and alternative funeral ideas.
How to write a eulogy
Writing and delivering a eulogy is a deeply emotional experience. It can be a positive experience for some, it must be remembered that it can be too difficult for others.
The funeral reception
The funeral reception, or wake, held after the funeral service can be a traditional or unique affair. Personalised funerals become more popular. Therefore, people are choosing to use this time to celebrate the life of their loved one rather than mourn their passing.
After the funeral
After the funeral, you are not alone. Bennetts Funeral Directors will continue to support you. We offer all our bereaved families practical information and a vast network of bereavement support services.
Bereavement support
Dealing with loss and bereavement can be a very difficult and confusing time for any individual or family and losing someone we love is probably one of the hardest experiences many of us will ever go through. Our local bereavement support groups, courses, and seminars will guide and support you through your healing process. You are not alone!
Choosing or writing a memorial inscription (sometimes known as an epitaph) is one of the most personal parts of remembering a loved one. A few carefully chosen words carved into stone can leave a timeless message of love, loss, and legacy. But what makes a good memorial inscription? How do you find the right words?
Whether you’re planning ahead or honouring someone dear, our guide on how to write a memorial inscription, will help you understand how to write commemorative words that are sincere, memorable, and fitting.
What is an Inscription?
A memorial inscription is a short inscription on a headstone or memorial plaque. It often includes a tribute, message of love, or spiritual reflection that captures the essence of the person who has passed away. Traditionally poetic or sentimental, epitaphs or inscriptions can be religious, personal, or simple expressions of affection.
Tips on How to Write a Memorial Inscription
Writing a memorial inscription can feel like a daunting task, but it helps to keep the following in mind:
- Keep It Concise: Inscriptions are usually one or two lines long. Every word should have weight.
- Speak from the Heart: Choose words that reflect the individual’s character, values, or the love they shared.
- Choose a Tone: Will it be spiritual, poetic, loving, or light-hearted? Tone sets the emotional impact.
- Consider Your Audience: Family, friends, and even future generations will read these words.
- Use Symbols or Scripture If Meaningful: Faith-based lines, nature references, or personal phrases can deepen the message.
60 Thoughtful Inscription Examples
Inscriptions for Children and Babies
- Too beautiful for Earth.
- Held for a moment, loved for a lifetime.
- Sleep, little angel, in heavenly peace.
- Though our arms are empty, our hearts are full of you.
- Small hands, big love.
- Our precious star now shines above.
- Gone to be an angel, too soon for us.
- Forever our baby, forever missed.
- Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.
- Born into heaven.
Inscriptions for Mothers, Wives, and Sisters
- Her love was our shelter, her life our guide.
- A heart so kind, a soul so true.
- She lived with grace, and left in peace.
- Forever a light in our hearts.
- Beloved mother, faithful friend.
- Her laughter still echoes in our souls.
- Gone from our sight, never from our hearts.
- Wife, mother, friend—irreplaceable.
- She gave the world more than she took.
- Always loving, always loved.
Inscriptions for Fathers, Husbands, and Brothers
- A man of strength and love.
- He lived with honour, he rests in peace.
- A guiding hand we’ll never forget.
- Devoted husband, cherished father.
- His legacy lives in us.
- A true gentleman, a great soul.
- Always there, always missed.
- His love shaped our lives.
- In our hearts, his story continues.
- Quiet strength, eternal love.
Biblical Tributes
- “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
- “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” – Timothy 4:7
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1
- “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8
- “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21
- “He shall receive the crown of life.” – James 1:12
- “In hope of eternal life.” – Titus 1:2
- “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” – Corinthians 5:8
- “I am the resurrection and the life.” – John 11:25
- “The Lord watch between me and thee.” – Genesis 31:49
Short and Sweet Parting Messages
- Gone but not forgotten.
- At rest.
- Loved and remembered.
- Forever in our hearts.
- Always with us.
- In loving memory.
- Peace, perfect peace.
- Treasured forever.
- Until we meet again.
- Resting where no shadows fall.
Famous Epitaphs
- Mel Blanc – “That’s All Folks.”
- Winston Churchill – “I am ready to meet my Maker.”
- Emily Dickinson – “Called back.”
- Robert Frost – “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world.”
- Dorothy Parker – “Excuse my dust.”
- Robert Frost – “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world.”
- Bette Davis – “She did it the hard way.”
- Frank Sinatra – “The best is yet to come.”
- Spike Milligan – “I told you I was ill.”
- William Shakespeare – “Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.”
Final thoughts on how to write a Memorial Inscription
When it comes to how to write a memorial inscription – there’s no perfect way – only what feels true to you and honours your loved one. Whether poetic or simple, spiritual or heartfelt, the right words will speak for generations. When you take time to reflect and write with love, your message will endure in the most meaningful way.
Creating a story of a life well lived should be given much though and planning. Bennetts Funeral Directors will be happy to advise you on all aspects of creating final words, as well as memorial engraving on headstones, tablets and plaques.
Call us on 01277 210104 or 01277 627492, we are here to help.
Please note : Memorials being placed in churchyards must have approval from the incumbent, the minister of the church; inscriptions on memorials in churchyards are encouraged to have content consistent with Christian teaching. Memorials and the inscriptions must meet Diocesan Churchyard Regulations.
Cemeteries are more lenient regarding the inscriptions; however, approval must still be sought.
Please read our brief guide to churchyard and cemetery regulations for further information.