Planning a funeral comes with so many little details—some expected, some you may not have thought about until now. A funeral welcome sign is one of those small touches that can make a quiet, meaningful impact. Placed at the entrance of the service, it offers guests a warm and respectful greeting while paying tribute to the person you’re honoring.

Whether you’re creating something simple with a favorite photo and their name, or including a short message or quote, a welcome sign helps set the tone for the day. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to include, how to display it, and a few design ideas to help you choose something that feels just right for your loved one.

What Is a Funeral Welcome Sign?

A funeral welcome sign (also know as a memorial board) is a printed tribute placed at the entrance of the service or memorial gathering. It’s a simple but thoughtful way to welcome guests as they arrive and to gently acknowledge the person being honored.

More than just a name and photo, it helps set the tone for the day—whether that’s quiet reflection, a celebration of life, or something in between. It also provides reassurance to guests that they’re in the right place, especially at larger venues or shared spaces.

Some families choose to display the sign on an easel near the entrance, while others place it on a memory table alongside candles, flowers, or keepsakes. However you choose to use it, a welcome sign is a lovely way to start the service with warmth and remembrance.

What to Include on a Funeral Welcome Sign

Your welcome sign doesn’t need to be complicated—just heartfelt. Here are the elements most families include when creating a sign that honors their loved one’s memory:

A Favorite Photo

Choose a clear, high-quality photo that captures their personality. It might be a recent picture or a treasured image from years ago—whatever feels most “them.” Smiling photos often work best, but there’s no rule—it’s all about what you love.

Full Name of the Deceased

Include the name they were known by. Some families include full names, while others prefer a more familiar version.
Example: Kathleen Mary Anderson

Birth and Death Dates

These can be displayed in a few different ways—choose the format that looks and feels right to you.
Examples:

• 09.09.52 – 10.10.23
• September 9, 1952 – October 10, 2023
• Born September 9, 1952 | Passed October 10, 2023

A Short Sentiment or Tribute Line (Optional)

This is where you can add a phrase that reflects love, remembrance, or faith. It doesn’t need to be long—just a few words from the heart.
Popular choices include:

• Forever in our hearts
• Celebrating the wonderful life of…
• In loving memory
• A life so beautifully lived, a heart so deeply loved

Some families also choose to include a short quote or Bible verse, especially if it was meaningful to their loved one.

Optional Additions to Make It Personal

While the essentials are more than enough, you might want to include a few extra touches to reflect your loved one’s personality or beliefs. These small details can help the sign feel even more special.

A Short Line About Who They Were

Just a few words can say so much. This could be a simple description or a mention of their most cherished roles.
Examples:

• Beloved wife, mum, and nana
• A kind soul, a loyal friend, a true gentleman

A Background Image or Themed Design

Some welcome signs feature soft watercolors, floral illustrations, or peaceful nature scenes like skies, trees, or sunsets. These add a comforting atmosphere and can reflect something your loved one enjoyed—like gardening, walking in the woods, or simply being outside.

A Religious or Symbolic Element

If your loved one had strong faith or spiritual beliefs, consider adding a subtle symbol like a cross, dove, angel wings, or butterfly.

A Meaningful Quote or Scripture

You might want to include a line from a favorite hymn, poem, or verse. Here are a few gentle ideas:

• “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
• “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
• “Forever remembered, forever missed.”

These extras aren’t necessary—but they can add a lovely personal layer if you feel drawn to include them.

Choosing the Right Size and Style for Your Sign

You don’t need to stress about choosing the “perfect” size—just think about where the sign will be displayed and what feels right for your service. Here are a few common options that work well in different settings:

Poster Size (18×24″ or 24×36″)

These sizes are ideal if you plan to display the sign on an easel at the entrance to the venue. They’re large enough to be seen easily but still feel elegant and unobtrusive.

Framed Print

If your service is more intimate or held in a smaller space, a framed 8×10″ or 11×14″ version can be displayed on a memory table or near the guestbook. It also makes a beautiful keepsake to take home afterward.

Pull-Up Banner Style

These are great for larger venues or outdoor memorials where a freestanding option might be more practical. They offer plenty of space for a larger photo and tribute message.

Whichever size you choose, all of my funeral welcome sign templates are available as digital files—perfect for printing locally or at home—and are also available professionally printed through Zazzle if you’d prefer to have everything taken care of for you.

Printing and Display Tips

Once you’ve chosen and customized your sign, the next step is printing and setting it up for the service. Here are some gentle tips to help you through the process:

Where to Print

You have a few options, depending on what feels easiest and most convenient:

• Zazzle Professional Printing – If you order one of my templates through Zazzle, you can have it professionally printed and delivered to your door. The quality is beautiful, and it saves you the hassle of finding a local printer.
• Print at Home – Smaller signs (like 8×10″ or 11×14″) can often be printed on a home printer, especially if you use high-quality photo paper.
• Local Print Shops or Office Stores – Places like Staples, Office Depot, or independent print shops can quickly print posters and foam boards in larger sizes.

Display Ideas

You don’t need to go overboard—just a simple setup is more than enough. Here are a few easy options:

• Easel Stand – Great for poster-size signs and adds a formal, elegant touch. You can order an easel from Zazzle along with your sign, but check with the venue first as they may have one you can borrow.
• Framed on a Table – Ideal for smaller signs, especially if you’re setting up a memory table with flowers, photos, or a guestbook.
• Leaning Display – You can prop the sign against a wall or sturdy surface—this works well for foam board prints or canvas styles.

If you like, you can decorate the area around your sign with fresh flowers, candles, or items that reflect your loved one’s personality—like a favorite book, hobby item, or small framed quote.

A Few Final Thoughts

Creating a funeral welcome sign is a small but meaningful way to honor someone you love. It helps guests feel connected from the moment they arrive and offers a quiet reminder of the life being remembered.

You don’t need to overthink it—just include the details that feel right for you. Whether it’s a favorite photo, a simple tribute, or a soft background that reminds you of them, your sign will speak from the heart.

If you’re looking for an easy way to create a beautiful and personal sign, I have a range of editable funeral welcome sign templates in my Zazzle store. They’re simple to customize and available both as digital downloads or professionally printed options—whatever works best for you during this time.

Take your time, and be gentle with yourself. Even the smallest gestures, like a welcome sign, can help create a space filled with love and remembrance.