A memorial bench is a heartfelt way to honour a life that touched so many others. It can be as simple or as creative as you wish; a plaque embossed with just their name is beautiful in its simplicity, but there are countless other ways to add more personal touches.
To help you create a one-of-a-kind tribute, we’d like to take you through a variety of ways you can personalize a memorial bench to reflect your loved one’s unique spirit and personality.
Memorial bench plaques are often made of cast bronze or aluminum, with text embossed in silver or gold. Synthetic materials, like Lexan polycarbonate, are a sturdy and versatile alternative.
The traditional plaque includes the individual’s name and their dates of birth and passing, but some also include space for a short message. It’s here that you can share a small part of what made your loved one truly special!
A short, simple phrase can really say it all. Many of our customers opt for a short message that captures their loved one’s unique spirit by describing what they loved, what they did, or who they were to others.
The tone of this message can be serious and heartfelt or a bit tongue-in-cheek; the family and friends creating the tribute will have the best sense of what feels right.
A few examples:
“Lived simply, loved generously, and laughed loudly.”
“Always remembered, forever missed.”
“Devoted Husband, Father, and Leafs fan.”
“Remember the campfire.”
Sometimes, a single verse says a thousand words. Music and poetry have a special ability to capture moments in time and shared memories. A line from a beloved song or poem can be a beautiful tribute on a memorial bench; not just for an avid reader or artist, but for anyone who had a favourite summer anthem or a go-to karaoke classic.
Choose a verse or a lyric that was personally significant to your loved one. Don't feel stuck choosing something that feels ‘profound,’ or something from the literary or musical ‘canon.’ Meaning come from any genre or era, as long as it means something to you!
A few examples:
“No dress rehearsal, this is our life.” The Tragically Hip, Ahead by a Century
“You’re off the Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!" Dr. Suess, Oh! The Places You Will Go
“You belong among the wildflowers.” Tom Petty, Wildflowers
“That it will never come again, is what makes life so sweet.” Emily Dickinson, That It Will Never Come Again
For many of us, the stories we love become a part of who we are. If your loved one held a book, film, TV show, or video game especially close to their heart, a quote from that media is a wonderful way to share that part of their personality.
The line you choose can be inspiring, funny, or simply iconic. It doesn’t need to be famous; while a famous quote will be widely recognized, a line from an obscure favourite is a special, personal touch. Either way, it’s a thoughtful tribute that’ll surely bring a smile to those who stop to rest.
A few examples:
"Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
"Be excellent to each other." Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
“May the Force be with you.” Star Wars
"Do it for her." The Simpsons, Season 6, Episode 3: And Maggie Makes Three
For a person of faith, a line from a sacred text or a spiritual quote can be a comforting tribute that reflects a big part of their identity. The message could be a verse from a specific religious tradition or a more general, non-denominational saying that speaks to the soul.
If you aren’t a member of the same faith, talk to other members of your loved one’s faith community. It’s likely that they will be happy to help you find a passage that feels perfect.
A few examples:
"The lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back." Celtic blessing
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
" Take time to do what makes your soul happy.” Unknown
A memorial bench naturally invites people to sit, pause, and reflect, which is interactive in and of itself! But you can encourage an even deeper connection by adding an interactive element directly to the memorial plaque.
Consider ideas like:
A scannable QR Code that links to a sort of ‘digital memorial’: a webpage with photos, a life story, or even a playlist of favourite music. This is a great solution when you have more to share than can fit on a small plaque. Just be sure to use permalinks to make sure the link remains active for years to come (ask your tech-savvy friends or colleagues to help).
A riddle or puzzle is a wonderful idea for someone who loved games and challenges. A famous example is the Bean Puzzle Tombstone in Wellesley, Ontario, which has become a piece of local history.
A gentle prompt. Encourage visitors to share a moment with prompts like, “Sit for a moment and listen to the birds,” or “Whistle your favourite tune.” Most of the signs we see in public spaces tell us what not to do, so an invitation to do something can have a really touching impact on someone’s day!
Beyond the plaque, the bench itself can be a wonderful canvas for personalization. Its design, material, and even custom artwork can reflect the unique spirit of the person you’re honouring.
The bench's overall design, be it modern or classic, can mirror your loved one’s personal style.
The material makes a statement, too. Options range from wood and metal to eco-friendly recycled plastics. Even the colour finish adds a layer of personality.
Ask yourself what feels most true to them: was their spirit sleek and modern, sturdy and practical, or timeless and traditional?
If you choose a wooden bench, consider painting the bench with colours and designs that represent the person’s hobbies or passions.
Painting a memorial bench is a powerful and healing activity for family and friends to do together. Each person can add a design (or just a few brushstrokes) as a tribute to the person being memorialized.
It’s been shown that creative acts can help us heal during the grieving process; so, painting a memorial bench can benefit the individual’s community in a very real and tangible way. It’s a beautiful demonstration of how a special person can continue to touch the world long after they are gone.
Check local rules and guidelines. Before you begin, find out about any rules for the installation area. For public parks, check with the municipal park authorities. For private properties, talk to the owner or manager. There may be guidelines on bench styles, materials, or even what you can put on the plaque.
Gather input from family and friends. Inviting others to share ideas can make the process more meaningful for everyone. It often helps to have one person organize the project, but simply asking for input ensures that people feel included in the final tribute.
Know that sometimes, less is more. A meaningful tribute doesn't need to be elaborate. A short, heartfelt message is deeply powerful. The most important thing is that the tribute feels right to those who knew and loved the person.
Choose materials and words that endure. A memorial bench is a long-term installation. Choose durable materials that can withstand the elements for decades and choose words that will remain meaningful and appropriate far into the future.
Creating a memorial bench is a deeply personal journey. The end result is a quiet spot for friends and family to feel close to the person they miss, and a place where strangers can rest and share a moment with their memory. In a way, a memorial bench allows your loved one to continue offering comfort and peace long after they have left us – an impact we should all hope to have on the world.
There are countless ways to design a memorial bench that is as unique as the person it honours. When you’re ready to get started, the team at Classic Displays is here to help. We can answer questions about memorial bench design options, materials, and the best way to bring your ideas to life. Contact us today or browse our online catalogue to find inspiration for your own project.
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