If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one, then you will know how important it is to keep their memory alive.

In this post, we’re going to show you some ideas to remember loved ones. They’re all simple and easy to fulfil, so you’ll be sure to find one that will work for you.

Once you’ve put your idea into practice, you’ll find it a source of comfort and hope during a challenging time.

Plant a special tree

Planting a special tree is a life-affirming way of remembering loved ones. As the tree grows, so your memories will flourish.

What’s also wonderful about planting a memorial tree is that it reminds you of the cycle of life and that death has a natural place, as does birth. This can bring great comfort to the bereaved.

You can plant your tree in your garden or, if you have permission, in a community space so that others can benefit from its beauty.

Put together a memorial display

It’s easy to create a permanent display in your home to remember your lost family member.

Simply dedicate a set of shelves to this purpose, where you can display your favourite photos and memorabilia. You can also add framed quotes or poems that will remind you of them.

Add candles or fairy lights to be lit on special anniversaries and whenever you want to pay special tribute to them.

Collect stories about your loved one

Ask mourners at your loved one’s funeral to write down their stories or anecdotes about them. These could include funny incidents or examples of when the deceased helped or inspired them.

Gather all the stories together and create your own special book. This could take the form of a scrapbook or a book created digitally. Either version can contain photos and mementoes of your loved one alongside the stories.

Referring to this special book when you are missing them will bring you comfort…and you might also find out some previously unknown snippets about them!

Raise money for charity

Maybe your loved one supported a special cause. Or you might feel inspired to raise money for the place that cared for them or for research into a disease that affected them.

Raising money for charity can give you a sense of fulfilment and comfort. You will not only be continuing your loved one’s special cause but your fundraising could help research into the same medical issues that affected your loved one.

There are lots of different ways to raise money too, so the possibilities are endless! You can participate in a fun run wearing a t-shirt personalised with your loved one’s name. If you have technological skills, you can set up a memorial website where others can donate money. Or if you’re good with your hands, bake your loved one’s favourite cakes to sell and raise funds that way.

Know that you can also order medical wristbands pre-printed with details of the condition that affected your loved one if you are raising money for that cause.

Create a memorial bench

If your loved one had a special place where they liked to enjoy time outdoors, a memorial bench will make a fitting tribute to them.

When organising a memorial bench to be placed in a public area, you’ll need permission from the local authorities. Fortunately, this is usually straightforward, and many areas have schemes to help you place your bench and keep it maintained.

You can also add a plaque with your family member’s name and dates or even a few words about why the bench’s location was special to them.

Customise wristbands to make memorial bracelets

You can create your own personalised memorial bracelets by customising plain wristbands.

Do this by adding whatever details you think will befit your loved one. These could be:

• A popular phrase such as 'Rest in peace' or 'Fly high, angel'
• Your loved one’s name, birthdate and the date they passed
• A catchphrase that was meaningful to your loved one
• A hashtag or website address directing wearers to fundraising in your loved one’s honour

Silicone wristbands are a great choice for memorial bracelets. They can be customised with any wording you wish and are comfortable to wear as well as long-lasting.

Custom wristbands are also available in a wide variety of colours. So if your loved one’s favourite colour was yellow, for example, you can honour their memory by personalising wristbands in this vibrant shade.

You can hand out your customised memorial wristbands at the funeral so that participants have a permanent reminder of your loved one that they can wear every day.

Find your silicone wristbands Australia here

For the newly bereaved, finding a way to express your feelings and continue your loved one’s memory can be challenging. But take comfort in the knowledge that any one of our ideas can help keep your loved one’s memory alive and bring you the comfort you need.

For a simple idea like creating memorial wristbands, check out our collection. We manufacture and supply plain and multicolour fabric, Tyvek and silicone wristbands that can be shipped throughout Australia. Customise them with the wording of your choice and draw comfort from taking your loved one’s memory with you everywhere you go.