To make an online memorial, choose what you want the page to hold, gather photos and stories, decide who can view it, invite contributions carefully, and keep it updated over time.
The page does not need to be perfect before you share it. Many families start with a few meaningful pieces, then add more when relatives find photos, remember stories, or feel ready to contribute.
Choose what the memorial should hold
Start by deciding the purpose of the memorial. Is it mainly for family? Will it be shared with friends? Will it be connected to a headstone, urn, bench, service program, or home display?
These steps can help you shape the page:
Choose the main purpose. Decide whether the memorial is a public tribute, a family archive, a place for service guests, or a page connected to a physical memorial.
Pick the core sections. Most families begin with a biography, photos, videos, a timeline, and tributes. You can add favorite songs, sayings, recipes, or places later.
Name one page owner. Choose one person to review content, approve changes, and keep the page organized.
Start with enough, not everything. A clear photo, a short story, and a few memories can make the page feel complete enough to share.
Plan for updates. Leave room for family to add memories over time. An online memorial often grows as people find old photos or remember stories.
If you need content ideas, this guide on what to put on a digital memorial page gives a practical starting list.
Gather photos and stories
Gathering content is often the slowest part, and that is normal. People may need time. Some relatives may have photos on phones, in albums, in boxes, or saved on old computers.
Ask for specific items instead of saying, "Send anything you have." Clear requests are easier to answer:
- One favorite photo
- One short story
- One holiday memory
- One song or saying that reminds them of the person
- One photo from a specific decade
- One video clip, if they have one
Use simple prompts. For example: "What is one thing he always did for people?" or "What meal reminds you of her?" These questions often bring back better memories than broad requests.
Do not wait for every relative to respond before creating the first version. You can publish a gentle starting page and add more later.
Decide who can view it
Before sharing an online memorial, decide how public it should be. A page connected to a QR code at a headstone may be scanned by people outside the family. A page shared only by text may stay within a smaller circle.
Talk through these questions:
- Should the page be public?
- Should some photos stay private?
- Who can add tributes?
- Should children in photos be shown?
- Are there details that should be removed?
- Does the family agree on the tone?
There is no one right privacy setting for every family. A public page can still be careful and limited. A private page can still be meaningful and easy to share with close relatives.
Review the page for addresses, phone numbers, financial details, private medical information, and sensitive family matters before sharing.
Invite family carefully
People respond to memorial invitations in different ways. Some will want to contribute right away. Others may not know what to say. Keep the invitation simple and give people permission to send something short.
You might write:
"We are creating an online memorial and would love to include a few memories from family and friends. If you would like to contribute, you can send a photo, a short story, or a sentence about what you remember most. There is no pressure and no deadline."
That kind of message gives people a clear request without making the page feel like an obligation.
If several people will help manage the page, agree on basic guidelines. Decide who reviews submissions, how to handle duplicate photos, and what to do if a story feels too private for public viewing.
Link it to a physical place
An online memorial can stand alone, but many families want it connected to a physical place. That might be a headstone, urn display, memorial bench, garden marker, framed photo, or printed service card.
A QR code makes that connection simple. Someone scans the code and opens the memorial page on their phone. This can help visitors who want to know more than the marker can hold.
If you plan to place a QR code at a cemetery, ask the cemetery first. Policies vary, and cemeteries may have rules about size, material, adhesive, and placement.
How Beyond This Stone fits: the memorial QR code plate connects a physical memorial to a permanent online page. It is a 2x2 anodized aluminum adhesive plate, priced at $99.99 one time, with no subscription, free US shipping, and an optional 10-year warranty.
You can also review the setup instructions before placing a plate.
Keep it updated over time
An online memorial can grow slowly. You may add a new photo on a birthday, a story before a holiday, or a tribute when a friend reaches out months later.
To keep the page useful:
- Save original photo files in one folder
- Add captions when you know names and dates
- Review new contributions before publishing
- Keep private details off the public page
- Check links from time to time
- Ask one person to remain the page owner
If the memorial is connected to a QR code, test the code occasionally from a normal scanning distance. Keep the physical plate clean and make sure flowers or decorations are not covering it.
For inspiration, view this example memorial.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make an online memorial before a service?
Yes. Many families create a simple page before a service, then add more photos and stories afterward. It can also be shared through a printed card or QR code.
What if I do not have many photos yet?
Start with what you have. A main photo, a short biography, and one or two stories are enough for a first version. More can be added later.
Should an online memorial be public?
That depends on the family. Public pages are easier to share, but private or limited pages may feel better when photos or stories are sensitive.
Can an online memorial be linked to a headstone?
Yes. A QR code plate can connect a headstone or other memorial place to the online page. Ask the cemetery about its rules before attaching anything.
