Unique memorial ideas

Whether looking ahead and planning your own funeral details or looking for inspiration to celebrate the life of a loved one, here are some unique memorial ideas to consider if you’re looking for something beyond a traditional headstone. 

A memorial plaque

Having a physical location where friends and family members can come to visit and remember a loved one is why graves and headstones remain popular. If you are looking for a simpler option, many people opt for a simple memorial plaque instead; the advantage of this is it can be placed anywhere – for example, your own garden, if your loved one is buried far away and visiting their gravesite is not an option.

Memorial tree

Planting a tree is a beautiful memorial for a loved one. This can be done privately, on your own property, or in a memorial garden, which is an increasingly popular alternative to a traditional cemetery. Memorial forests like those maintained by the charity Life for a Life offer a tranquil space where friends and family members can gather to grieve and commemorate the life of someone they love.

Memorial benches

A bench dedicated to a loved one in their favourite park is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the life of a loved one and also positively contribute to a place that was meaningful to them while they were alive. Contact your local council to see if they offer such a scheme and have availability.

Set up an award in their name

Setting up an award or scholarship in the name of a loved one is a brilliant way to pay tribute to a loved one’s life and preserve their memory in a positive way. You can do this through a school, university or college, set up an apprentice scheme through work or a local sports club.

Looking at end of life planning? From wills and probate to funeral plans, Silversurfers members can enjoy special discounted rates through Co-op funeral care.

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Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor

Hello there! I’m Rachel and I’m the Assistant Editor for Silversurfers. I work behind the scenes to bring interesting, informative and entertaining subject matter to the Silversurfers community. I hope you enjoy the features we have shared with you. Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you!

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