Designing a memorial plaque is a deeply personal task—one that comes during a time of grief and reflection. It’s a way to honor a life, to mark a space with meaning, and to create something lasting that tells part of someone’s story.
But when it comes time to design, many families find themselves torn: Should the plaque follow time-honored traditions, or should it reflect the unique spirit of the person it’s meant to commemorate?
The answer is often: both.
At RH Snow Memorials, we believe the most powerful plaques are those that balance tradition with personality, offering a sense of dignity and permanence while also capturing the essence of the individual. In this post, we’ll explore how to strike that meaningful balance.
Why Tradition Matters in Memorial Design
Tradition plays an important role in memorialization. For centuries, communities across cultures have used similar language, symbols, and materials to pay tribute to loved ones. These familiar elements bring comfort. They signal reverence. And they connect us to generations past.
Common traditional features include:
Religious symbols
Crosses, stars, and other faith-based motifs are often used to express spiritual belief and cultural heritage.
Classic inscriptions
Phrases like “In Loving Memory,” “Forever in Our Hearts,” or simply the person’s name and dates convey respect in a universally recognized way.
Timeless materials
Bronze, granite, and marble have long been used for plaques because of their durability and dignified appearance.
Standard fonts and layouts
Serif fonts, centered text, and minimal decoration are traditional choices that convey solemnity and order.
These elements create a sense of continuity—reminders that even as the world changes, love and remembrance remain constant.
The Power of Personalization
While tradition brings comfort, personalization brings depth. A memorial plaque doesn’t just mark a grave or space—it tells a story. And no two stories are the same.
Incorporating personal touches makes a plaque feel like a true tribute to the person it honors. Some ways families bring personality into the design include:
Meaningful inscriptions
Instead of (or in addition to) traditional phrases, you might include a line from a favorite poem, a personal saying, or even a quote from the person being remembered.
Symbols of hobbies or passions
An engraved guitar for a musician, a rose for a gardener, or a book for a lifelong teacher can instantly convey who this person was.
Unique layout or imagery
Families sometimes choose to include decorative borders, a specific shape, or a custom design that speaks to the individual’s legacy.
Custom fonts
A handwritten-style font or something that matches a personal style can lend warmth and individuality to the plaque.
The goal is not to overwhelm the design with details but to include just enough personal elements to make the plaque feel connected to the life it represents.
Finding the Right Balance
Blending tradition with personality is often a matter of intention. You don’t need to choose between one or the other—instead, you can build from tradition and layer in personal touches that resonate.
Here are a few tips for achieving a thoughtful balance:
Start with the Foundation
Begin with a traditional layout, such as the person’s name, dates, and a brief message. Then consider where you can add something unique—perhaps in the symbol, font, or inscription.
Keep It Simple but Meaningful
It’s tempting to include everything, especially when a loved one had a rich and multifaceted life. But too much detail can clutter the design. Instead, focus on one or two elements that best represent them.
Honor Cultural or Family Traditions
If your family follows specific cultural practices or religious customs, incorporate them into the design. These traditions often provide a grounding framework for the more personal additions.
Think About Longevity
While it’s natural to want a plaque that feels timely, remember that memorials are built to last for generations. Choose elements that will still resonate decades from now.
Real-World Inspiration
Here are a couple of examples (based on real client stories, anonymized for privacy) that demonstrate the power of blending tradition and personality:
James W., WWII Veteran
James’s plaque was designed in bronze with a traditional serif font and an etched American flag. It included the phrase “Beloved Father and Patriot.” His family added one personal touch: a quote from one of his letters home during the war. This line, simple and heartfelt, made the plaque unmistakably his.
Margaret T., Lifelong Teacher and Gardener
Margaret’s memorial was a granite garden plaque placed beneath her favorite tree. It used a classic rectangular shape and centered layout. But in one corner, her family added a small engraving of a watering can and book—symbols of her two great loves. The inscription read, “She helped things grow.”
In both examples, tradition set the stage, but personality made it personal.
Final Thoughts
Designing a memorial plaque is about more than choosing fonts and materials. It’s about telling a story—honoring a life in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
At RH Snow Memorials, we guide families through this process with care and compassion. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an existing tribute, we’ll help you create something beautiful, meaningful, and lasting.
Let Us Help You Create a Meaningful Tribute
At RH Snow Memorials, we specialize in designing plaques that blend tradition and personality, ensuring each memorial is as unique as the life it honors. Whether you need guidance with inscriptions, materials, or custom touches, our experienced team is here to support you.
👉 Contact us today to begin designing a tribute your loved one truly deserves.