Memorial Photo Buttons at a Celebration of Life: 10 Gentle Ways Families Use Them

A memorial button is small, but it can do a lot of quiet work on a hard day. It puts a loved one's face in the room, gives guests an easy way to start a story, and becomes something people keep.

If you're planning a service, here are ten ways families use memorial photo buttons. Choose what feels right, and leave the rest.

At the Service

1. A Welcome Basket by the Guest Book

A small basket of buttons near the entrance lets every guest take one as they arrive. No one has to ask, and no one is left out.

2. Pins for the Grandkids

Children often don't know what to do at a service. A pin of their grandparent gives them something to hold on to, and a way to remember them long after the day.

3. A Memory Board

Pin a few buttons around the photo board, next to handwritten notes and favorite pictures. It ties the display together.

4. The Family Row

Close family can wear a larger 3″ pin, so guests know who to find and hug.

After the Service

5. For Anyone Who Couldn't Attend

Mail a button with the program to relatives who couldn't travel. It's a gentle way to include them.

6. On a Bag or Jacket

Many people move their pin to a backpack, a work lanyard or a jacket they wear often, so they carry the person with them.

7. A Magnet at Home

The same photo on a magnet keeps them in the kitchen, where the family gathers. Custom photo magnets →

On the Days That Follow

8. A Birthday Each Year

Some families wear the pins again each year on the birthday, and share a favorite meal or story.

9. A Walk, Run or Fundraiser

Teams walking in someone's honor often wear matching buttons with the person's photo and the event date.

10. Remembering a Pet

Pets are family. A small button of a beloved dog or cat is a gentle way to remember them too.

Choosing a Design

• Legacy memorial pin: a soft gold wreath around a loved one's photo.
• Halo memorial pin: simple and classic.
• Grace memorial badge pin: a 2×3″ badge pin with a loved one's photo, name and dates.

Not sure what to write? Our photo tips and wording ideas can help.

Timing

Pins and magnets are ready in 72 hours, and expedited shipping is available at checkout. If the service is soon, email us before you order and we'll do everything we can to help.

Every order comes with a free designer review, so it fits well and looks its best. If a photo is too small to print clearly, we'll email you before anything prints.

We're Here for You

If you'd like help choosing a photo or the right words, email hello@modernkeepsakes.com. We'll read every word and help however we can, with no pressure to order.

Browse memorial pins →