At Living Hope Funerals, we have the privilege of helping families create meaningful funeral services that reflect the life of the person they love. One of the most personal touches we often see is a memorial table in a prominent position in the church or chapel, or by the graveside — it’s a simple space filled with photographs, treasured belongings and memories that tell a story.
A memorial table doesn’t need to be elaborate. In fact, its beauty often comes from the ordinary things that made your loved one who they were.
What Can You Include?
Start with photographs. Choose a selection that captures different chapters of their life — childhood, family celebrations, holidays, friendships, weddings, careers or simply everyday moments. You might include photographs that bring a smile, rather than focusing only on formal portraits. You may wish to get a photo enlarged and framed for the table.
Personal belongings can also make a memorial table feel incredibly special. Perhaps they loved gardening, so you could display their favourite gardening gloves or a small collection of flowers. If they enjoyed fishing, cooking, reading, travelling or playing music, consider including something that represents that passion.
Perhaps your loved one served in the defence forces or emergency services and wore a uniform. Badges, hats, medals and flags are all incredibly poignant items to include on a memorial table.
You might also display awards, sporting memorabilia, handwritten recipes, letters, favourite books or pieces of artwork. Children’s drawings or photographs from grandchildren can be particularly meaningful.
Let It Tell Their Story
When creating a memorial table, try not to think about what you should include. Instead, ask yourself: “What reminds me of them?”
Perhaps it is a particular perfume bottle, a well-worn hat, a favourite coffee mug or a collection of postcards from places they visited. These seemingly small objects can hold enormous emotional significance.
A memorial table can also become a place for family and friends to contribute. Inviting loved ones to bring a photograph or small keepsake can create a wonderful sense of shared remembrance. It can even prompt stories and conversations that may not otherwise be shared.
There Are No Rules
There is no right or wrong way to create a memorial table. Every person is different, and every family remembers differently. Some families create a carefully arranged display, while others prefer something simple and understated. Both can be equally beautiful.
Our staff at Living Hope Funerals can help you decide what will work best within the space available and how to safely display your treasured items.
Ultimately, a memorial table is not about creating a perfect display. It is about creating a small window into a person’s life — a place where people can pause, remember, smile, shed a tear and perhaps share a story. And sometimes, it is those little reminders of who someone truly was that make a funeral service feel most personal.
A favourite photograph. A familiar object. A handwritten note.
Together, these simple things can say something very powerful: “This was their life. This was who they were. And they will always be remembered.”
Please contact our compassionate and experienced team at Living Hope Funerals if you wish to talk about planning a funeral.