How to choose the best memorial photo plaque for a headstone

Choosing a headstone is an important step in providing a beautiful place of rest that family and friends can visit to remember your loved one. You can put a picture on a headstone to honour and remember your loved one for years to come, making sure that current and future generations can visit and recognise a beloved family member. Photo plaques elegantly depict the life of your beloved by showcasing who they were and how they lived their life. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, it shines a light on a person who is deeply loved and missed. 

Our Photoplaques

Heart Photoplaque
From £186

Rectangular Photoplaque
From £175

Square Photoplaque
From £175

Round Photoplaque
From £186

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High-resolution image 

Photo plaques shine best when the image of your loved one is clear and easily legible. As such, it’s important to choose a high-quality image that will translate well when placed onto a headstone. A high-resolution image is always the best choice, as it will ensure that the details are clear and legible on the headstone. Try to select a picture that isn’t blurred or has been edited (such as images with filters) or if you’re planning to scan a physical photo to share try to choose a photo that isn’t damaged or in a bad condition. If you’re unsure of how to share your chosen image or which guideline to follow, take a look at our photo plaques guide for easy-to-follow steps and FAQs. 

Consider what shape you like

You can choose from a range of shapes and sizes for memorial photo plaques. It’s important to consider whether the photo you would like to use is best suited to a landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) photo plaque, as this could affect what sizes and shapes are an option for you. We offer multiple options, including square, rectangular, square, round, and heart-shaped, as well as framing options for your photo plaque. If you’re unsure of what the best option is for your chosen photo, our friendly staff are available to help you make the choice that’s best for you. If you’d like to take a look at our options offline, request a brochure using our online form.

Avoid cropped photos

You will want to select a picture that will ensure all of your focus is on your loved one, not what’s surrounding them in the photograph. It’s best to choose a picture for your headstone that is exactly (or as close to as possible) what you want to be displayed. A cropped photo is not the best choice as it can be difficult to fill in missing parts, so the ideal image will be one that hasn’t been previously cropped or edited. 

Neutral background

A neutral background provides a good base for memorial plaque photos as it ensures that your loved one is the main focus. Try to avoid images with backgrounds that could be distracting or show other people in the background. Don’t worry if your favourite picture of your loved one has a background that doesn’t meet the criteria; we can remove backgrounds and other people from the photo as per your wishes. 

How much does it cost to put a picture on a headstone?

Headstones with a picture can vary in pricing depending on what shape, size, and style you choose. Photos can be added directly onto a headstone using laser etching or hand etching, which can be costly. However, memorial photo plaques are a more affordable option if you’d still like to include a photograph to evoke treasured memories of your loved one. Our memorial photo plaques are made with high quality materials for a long-lasting and beautiful finish and can range in price from £175 to £250. Additions such as frames can be included as a finishing touch and cost between £80 to £100. 

Memorial photo plaques are a meaningful addition to the grave of your loved one. Whether you want to remember their loving smile or showcase who they were as a person, photo plaques bring out the best of treasured photographed memories. If you’d like to find out more about our photo plaque options and how to add a photo to a headstone, visit our grave decorations page to find out more. If you would like to know if a certain memorial photo is possible or would like to get a quote, contact us today and we’d be happy to assist you.