Custom Memorial Plaque Guide: What to Put on One
A memorial plaque should include the person's photo, their full name, their birth and passing dates, and a short tribute line or a meaningful quote. Optional additions are a religious symbol, a hobby icon, or a single word that captures them. At PrintCraftMan, custom acrylic memorial plaques start at $34.95, are made to order in our San Leandro, California studio, and ship in 3 to 5 business days after you approve a digital proof.
Memorial plaque options compared
| Option | Best for | Personalization | Starting price | Production time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Photo Plaque | A person, indoor display | Photo, name, dates, quote | $34.95 | 3 to 5 business days |
| Pet Portrait Acrylic Plaque | A pet | Pet photo, name, dates | $29.95 | 3 to 5 business days |
| Acrylic Portrait Plaque | A portrait-style tribute with LED base | Photo, name, LED base | $29.95 | 3 to 5 business days |
What to include on a memorial plaque
Start with one clear photo. A straight-on, well-lit photo reproduces best, and we restore color and sharpness by hand if the original is old or faded. Add the full name the family used, then the birth and passing years or full dates. A single tribute line carries more weight than a paragraph. Common choices are a short quote, a line of scripture, or one word like "Beloved" or "Always."
For a person
For a parent, partner, or friend, a photo plaque on a wooden LED base sits well on a mantel or shelf and glows softly in the evening. Keep the text to a name, dates, and one line. Our Memorial Photo Plaque is built for this.
For a pet
We treat pet photos the same way we treat human portraits, with hand color-balancing and restoration. A pet memorial can hold the pet's name, dates, and a short line. See the Pet Portrait Acrylic Plaque, or read our pet memorial keepsake guide for photo tips.
Which material lasts
Premium 5mm cast acrylic with UV printing holds color for years indoors and resists yellowing far better than thin sheet acrylic. The wooden LED base is for indoor use. For a dedicated outdoor memorial, a weather-resistant engraved option is a better fit. If you are unsure, tell us where it will live and we will steer you right.
From Our Workshop
I'm Ariel. My team and I make every memorial keepsake by hand in our San Leandro, California studio, and we have made over 30,000 personalized pieces for families across the US. Memorial orders matter to us more than any other kind. We open your photo, restore it if it needs it, lay out the name and dates, and send you a digital proof before we print anything. Nothing ships until you are happy with it. See how we work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you put on a memorial plaque?
A clear photo, the person's full name, birth and passing dates, and a short tribute line or quote. Optional additions include a religious symbol, a hobby icon, or a single meaningful word. Keep the text short so the photo stays the focus.
How much does a custom memorial plaque cost?
At PrintCraftMan, acrylic memorial photo plaques start at $34.95 and rise with size and base type. Pet and portrait acrylic plaques start at $29.95. You approve a digital proof before we print, with no extra charge for the personalization.
What is the best material for a memorial plaque?
Premium 5mm cast acrylic with UV printing is the best indoor choice because it holds color for years and resists yellowing. The wooden LED base is indoor-only. For an outdoor memorial, choose a weather-resistant engraved option instead.
Can I put a photo on a memorial plaque?
Yes. Upload one clear photo and our designer restores and color-balances it by hand if needed, then lays it out with the name and dates. You see a digital proof before we print.
How long does it take to make a memorial plaque?
Production is 3 to 5 business days from when you approve the proof. Delivery time after that depends on your distance from California. Rush production is available as a checkout add-on.
Can a memorial plaque be made for a pet?
Yes. We make pet memorials the same way we make human ones, with hand photo restoration. A pet plaque can include the pet's name, dates, and a short tribute line.