Start with the essentials
Most memorial cards follow the same simple structure, and you do not need to reinvent it. The front introduces your loved one; the back holds a prayer, poem, or personal message. Keeping to this pattern makes the card feel familiar and respectful, and it keeps the design uncluttered.
At a minimum, the front of a memorial card includes a photo, the person's full name, and their birth and passing dates. A short header such as "In Loving Memory" or "Celebrating the Life of" sits above or below the name.
What goes on the front vs. the back
A quick reference for how families usually split the wording across the two sides:
- Front: a header ("In Loving Memory" / "Celebrating the Life of")
- Front: full name, sometimes with a nickname in quotes
- Front: birth and passing dates, often joined with a small dash or dove
- Back: a prayer, scripture verse, or poem
- Back: a short personal message or the family's thanks
Short memorial card sayings
These work as a header on the front or a single line on the back. Short lines read best on a card this size (2.5″×4.25″).
Short & timeless
- Forever in our hearts
- Always loved, never forgotten
- Until we meet again
- Gone from our sight, never from our hearts
- Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure
- A beautiful life that came to an end too soon
- In our hearts forever
- Cherished memories, treasured always
Faith & comfort
- Safe in the arms of God
- Rest in peace
- Called home
- With God in eternal peace
- Held in God's loving care
- Faithful servant, now at rest
Celebration of life
- A life beautifully lived, a heart deeply loved
- Celebrating a life well lived
- Their light lives on in all of us
- So loved, so missed, so very dear
- Every life is a story worth telling
- Love leaves a memory no one can steal
Prayers and verses for the back
The back of the card is where families most often place a prayer or scripture. Popular choices include Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd"), the Lord's Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, and the traditional Irish Blessing. If your service has a religious tone, a familiar prayer offers comfort and recognition.
You do not have to write these from memory. Our funeral prayer cards include eight cherished prayers built in, and you can preview exactly how the text sits on the card before you order.
Writing your own message
A personal message does not need to be long. One or two sentences that sound like your family will always mean more than a borrowed quote. Think about a phrase your loved one said often, a value they lived by, or a simple thank-you to those who came.
Examples: “Thank you for celebrating Mom's life with us today.” — “Dad taught us to be kind, work hard, and always come home for dinner.” — “We are grateful for every day we had with you.”
If you want to see your words on the card first, you can design the front and back with a live preview, or start from a free in loving memory template and receive a printable PDF by email.
Design a memorial card with live preview
Add a photo, choose a prayer, and see both sides before you order. Premium matte cardstock, printed and shipped fast.
Design a memorial cardFrequently asked questions
What do you write on the front of a memorial card?
The front usually has a header such as “In Loving Memory,” the person's full name, and their birth and passing dates, placed with a photo. Some families add a nickname or a very short line like “Forever in our hearts.”
What is a good short saying for a memorial card?
Short, timeless lines work best on a small card — for example “Always loved, never forgotten,” “Until we meet again,” or “Forever in our hearts.” Keep it to a single line so it stays readable.
What prayer should go on the back of a memorial card?
Popular choices are Psalm 23, the Lord's Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, and the Irish Blessing. Choose one that matches the tone of the service. Our prayer cards include eight built-in prayers you can preview before ordering.
Can I write my own message instead of a prayer?
Yes. A short personal message — a phrase your loved one used, a value they lived by, or a thank-you to guests — is often the most meaningful choice. You can add custom wording and preview it before you order.