DIY Funeral Picture Board: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
- Evan Johnson
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
A memory board celebrates your loved one's life through photos that tell their story. These displays help guests connect with memories and often become a centerpiece at services. This guide shows you how to make a picture board for a funeral that honors your loved one with care and thoughtfulness.
What is a Funeral Picture Board?
A funeral picture board displays photos and keepsakes that showcase meaningful moments from your loved one's life. These boards help family and friends remember special times together during memorial services, funerals, or celebrations of life.
Supplies You'll Need
Before starting your DIY funeral picture board, gather these essential supplies:
Display Board: Foam core board (available at craft stores, typically 20"×30" or 24"×36")
Photos: 20-40 photographs representing different aspects of your loved one's life
Adhesive: Photo-safe adhesive like removable glue dots, photo corners, or removable tape
Decorative Elements: Background paper, fabric, ribbons, or decorative borders
Labels/Captions: Small cards or paper for captions or meaningful quotes
Basic Tools: Scissors, ruler, pencil for planning layout
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Memory Board
1. Select Meaningful Photographs
Choosing the right photos is key to creating a meaningful picture board for a funeral.
Tips for selecting photos:
Choose a variety of images from different life stages (childhood through recent years)
Include photos with family members and close friends
Select pictures that showcase hobbies, achievements, and special moments
Aim for a mix of formal portraits and candid shots that reveal personality
If possible, include some rarely seen photos that will bring fresh memories
Choose photos that reflect the essence of your loved one’s life and character. Quality matters more than quantity. If you have many photos, consider making multiple boards with different themes.
Board Size | Recommended Photo Quantity
20"×30" | 15-25 photos
24"×36" | 25-40 photos
Tri-fold | 40-60 photos
These quantities are suggestions for balance and comfort, but feel free to adjust based on the amount of space you have and the memories you want to include.
2. Organize Photos by Theme
Before attaching photos, organize them into themes that tell a cohesive story, making the display easy to follow for viewers.
Popular thematic approaches:
Life Journey: Arrange photos from childhood to recent years
Relationship Focus: Group photos by family, friends, and significant relationships
Life Milestones: Highlight major achievements and life events
Passions & Interests: Showcase hobbies, travel, and activities they loved
Planning your layout before attaching photos will create a more organized and meaningful display.
3. Prepare Your Display Board
Once you've selected and organized your photos, prepare your board:
Choose a background: Cover your foam board with fabric, decorative paper, or paint in a color your loved one enjoyed
Add a title: Many memory boards include a simple heading like "In Loving Memory" or your loved one's name and dates
Mark sections: If organizing by theme, lightly mark areas for each section with pencil
A simple white or black foam board also works well if you're short on time.
4. Create a Test Layout
Before permanently attaching anything:
Lay all photos on the board in your planned arrangement
Step back occasionally to view the overall effect
Make adjustments until you're satisfied with the layout
Take a photo of your final arrangement as a reference
As the blog Behind the Designs suggests, "The process of creating a photo board is meant to contribute to the meaningful and memorable experience in honoring your loved one."
Remember to leave some space between photos to prevent a cluttered appearance. The board should feel organized while still showcasing plenty of memories.
5. Attach Photos to the Board
Once you're satisfied with your layout, it's time to secure the photos:
Photo attachment options:
Photo corners: These allow photos to be removed later without damage
Removable adhesive: Products like removable glue dots or poster putty hold securely but can be removed
Photo-safe tape: Use sparingly on the back of photos (avoid regular tape which can damage photos)
Copies instead of originals: If you're concerned about damaging original photos, use high-quality color copies
Work step by step, following your test layout. Start from one corner and work across the board to keep your planned arrangement.
6. Add Captions and Decorative Elements
After securing all photos, consider these finishing touches:
Small labels identifying people, places, or dates
Meaningful quotes or sayings that were significant to your loved one
Decorative elements like pressed flowers, ribbons, or small keepsakes
Brief stories or anecdotes that provide context for special photos
These personal touches make your display more meaningful and help viewers connect with your loved one's story.
Display Tips for Your Memorial Picture Board
Once completed, consider these display options:
Use an easel to display the board at eye level
Place the board near the guest book or entrance where all attendees will see it
Ensure adequate lighting so people can easily view the photos
Consider adding a small table nearby for related keepsakes
To protect the board during transport, wrap it in plastic or keep it flat until you reach the service location.
Time-Saving Alternatives
If you're short on time or feeling overwhelmed, consider these alternatives:
Digital photo collage: Create a digital collage and have it printed as a single large poster
Delegate to friends: Creating a memory board can be a meaningful way for friends to help during this difficult time
Preserving Your Memory Board After the Service
Many families want to preserve their memory boards after the funeral:
Take high-quality photos of the completed board
Carefully remove and store photos in an album or memory book
Some families keep the board intact for display at the one-year remembrance gathering
The National Archives offers helpful guidance on proper long-term photo preservation techniques for your treasured memories.
Creating a Digital Alternative: Memorial Videos
While photo boards create a meaningful physical display, many families now also include memorial videos as part of their remembrance.
A professional memorial video offers several benefits:
Includes many more photos than a physical board
Adds meaningful music to enhance the emotional experience
Can be shared with those unable to attend the service
Creates a lasting digital keepsake for future generations
If making both a photo board and a video feels too much right now, we can help. We create meaningful memorial videos to honor your loved one, letting you focus on other important matters.
FAQ About Funeral Picture Boards
How many photos should I include on a memory board?
For a standard 20"×30" board, 20-40 photos typically work well without appearing overcrowded. If you have more photos, consider creating multiple boards with different themes.
How long does it take to make a memory board?
With photos already selected, creating a basic memory board typically takes 2-3 hours. More elaborate designs with special decorative elements may require additional time.
What if I don't have enough photos?
Focus on quality over quantity. A thoughtfully arranged board with fewer meaningful photos can be more impactful than one overcrowded with images. Consider reaching out to friends and family who might have photos to contribute.
Honor Your Loved One's Memory
Creating a DIY funeral picture board is a meaningful way to celebrate a life well-lived. Many people find comfort in revisiting special memories while creating a tribute for their loved one.
If creating a physical memory board feels overwhelming, BioPic Studios can help you create a beautiful digital tribute that combines photos, music, and more.
For more information about memorial video options or to learn how we can help preserve your loved one's memory through professional video tributes, visit our Memorial Videos page or contact us at creative@biopicstudios.com.
