How to create an online memorial
Losing someone we love is one of life's most challenging experiences. While grief is deeply personal, many find comfort in honouring a loved one’s memory in a way that keeps their legacy alive. In today’s digital age, creating an online memorial offers a meaningful space to share memories, connect with others and celebrate a life well-lived.
Online memorials provide an accessible, lasting tribute where family and friends can share their grief and memories, no matter where they are in the world.
Choosing the right online memorial platform
There are several ways to create an online memorial, each offering different features and levels of personalisation. Dedicated memorial websites, such as MuchLoved, or My Keeper, provide structured templates to create a personalised tribute. Social media memorial pages, including Facebook, allow you to convert a profile into a ‘Memorialised Account’ where loved ones can share messages and photos. Alternatively, a personal memorial website via WordPress or Squarespace offers complete customisation, while charity tribute pages on platforms like JustGiving allow you to fundraise in your loved one’s name.
If you're looking for a cost-effective option, there are several free online memorial websites that allow you to create a tribute without upfront costs. These platforms provide essential features such as guest books, photo galleries and sharing options to help preserve memories.
When choosing a platform, consider the level of privacy, ease of use and long-term availability to ensure the memorial remains a lasting tribute.
Personalising the online memorial
The most meaningful online memorials reflect the personality and impact of the person being remembered. A well-crafted biography can share their life story, passions and achievements. Adding photos and videos creates a visual narrative of their journey, while contributions from family and friends bring together shared memories. Some memorial pages include a timeline of key moments or favourite quotes, songs and poems that reflect their spirit. Many also incorporate fundraising links for causes that mattered to them, ensuring their legacy continues to make a difference.
Some families choose to create a digital memory box, where they can store cherished photos, voice recordings and messages from loved ones to revisit in the future. This feature allows for a more interactive and personal way to preserve memories beyond static images or text.
Managing privacy and accessibility of an online memorial
An online memorial should be a safe and respectful place. Setting privacy controls allows you to decide whether the tribute is public or by invitation-only. Moderation features, such as approving comments before they go live, help ensure that all contributions remain respectful. It's also essential to check the platform’s policies on how long memorials stay live and to back up important content, such as photos and messages, to preserve them for years to come.
Inviting others to contribute to memorial websites
One of the most valuable aspects of an online memorial is the ability to bring people together. Sharing the memorial link via email, social media or messaging apps ensures that family and friends can take part in the tribute.
Encouraging others to share their memories not only keeps a loved one’s legacy alive but can also offer comfort to those grieving. Cruse Bereavement Support suggest that sharing memories with others plays a significant role in the healing process. Some people choose to host a virtual memorial gathering, where loved ones can reflect and share their stories together in real-time.
Why create an online memorial
Grief is a journey, and creating an online memorial can offer a way to process loss while ensuring that a loved one’s memory lives on. Whether through words, pictures or acts of kindness, a digital tribute can be a beautiful and lasting way to celebrate their life.
Golden Charter understands the importance of remembrance and is here to help you honour your loved one in a way that feels right for you. If you’re planning for the future, our pre-paid funeral plans offer a thoughtful way to ensure your wishes are met, giving peace of mind to you and your family.
For more guidance on funeral planning and bereavement support, visit our news & advice area, or to get in touch about arranging a funeral plan, view our range of plans.
