Memorial Card Printing in Ireland: What to Look For in Quality, Card and Finish

In Ireland, memorial cards are usually sent out between three and twelve months after a bereavement. By then, the first rush of grief and arrangements has passed, and families can give the cards the care they deserve.

That’s important, because memorial cards are kept for a very long time. They sit in prayer books, wallets and kitchen drawers for years. So when you’re choosing memorial card printing in Ireland, quality matters. This guide covers what good printing looks like and how to prepare before you order.

Why print quality matters

A memorial card is handled again and again. Thin card bends, poor ink fades and a blurry photo is hard to look at. When you compare memorial card printers, look for:

• a sharp, clear photo

• card that feels solid in the hand

• a finish that protects the card from everyday handling

• careful proofreading, because one wrong name is hard to fix after printing

What the cards are made from

At Forever Memorial Cards, a family-run printer in Lismore, Co. Waterford with over 35 years’ experience, wallet cards are a good example. They’re finished at 55mm x 85mm, printed on good-quality coated art board and laminated in a gloss film, so they stand up to life in a purse or wallet.

Every order is checked before it goes to print. A draft is emailed to you first, and printing only begins once you’ve approved it.

Getting your photo ready

The photo does more work than anything else on the card, and taking a few months means you can find the right one.

• Photos sent through messaging apps are often shrunk and lose sharpness, so send the original file if you can.

• If you only have a print, photograph it in good daylight, holding the camera straight on.

• Ask around the family. Someone often has a better picture on an old phone or in a drawer.

• If your photo isn’t perfect, send it anyway. Photo editing is part of the free design service.

Checking the draft

This is the step that protects you. Read every word slowly, twice, then ask someone else to read it. Check every name and date against the death notice or with another family member.

Choosing your keepsakes

Families often order several items in the same design:

• Memorial cards: the traditional card sent to family and friends

• Memorial bookmarks: used every day, with holders available

• Wallet cards: small enough for close family to carry

• Lifetime cards: a separate range with its own layout

• Acknowledgement cards: a thank you to the people who cooked, drove, sent flowers or simply stayed close

• Forever Videos: a video tribute to share and keep

Finding the right words

You don’t need to write anything from scratch. The short bereavement verses suit bookmarks and wallet cards, while longer verses fit a full memorial card. A name, two dates and one well-chosen line can also make a lovely card.

Five things to do before you order

1. Agree on a photo as a family.

2. Choose a verse. Read a few aloud, and if it sounds like them, it’s probably right.

3. Write down the full name, the dates and anything else for the card.

4. Make a list of who you’re sending cards to, so you order the right number.

5. Check the draft carefully when it arrives.

Planning around a date

There’s usually no rush with memorial cards, but many families like to send them for the month’s mind or the first anniversary. Delivery normally takes three to five working days after you approve the draft, so if you have a date in mind, mention it at the start.

Local printing, delivered nationwide

Forever Memorial Cards works from Lismore, Co. Waterford, serving Munster and the rest of Ireland. Delivery is free and tracked across Ireland and the UK. Some designs feature local scenery, such as Ardmore and the Greenway near Dungarvan, in the Waterford memorial cards range. Most orders are placed online, but home visits can be arranged in the local area for families who’d prefer to talk in person.

Quick answers

How much does it cost? Every price is on the memorial card prices page. Design and delivery are free.

Can I speak to someone first? Yes. Ring 058 73140 (+353 58 73140 from the UK) or use the contact page.

A card made to last

A memorial card is small, but it’s kept for a lifetime. Choose a photo that feels right, words that sound like them and a printer you can trust. When you’re ready, visit Forever Memorial Cards for quality memorial card printing in Ireland.