Choosing a memorial decal for a loved one is deeply personal. You want something that honors their memory, reflects who they were, and feels meaningful every time you see it. With so many design options available, the decision can feel overwhelming—especially during an already difficult time.
At Custom Sticker Shop, we’ve helped thousands of families create memorial decals over our 22 years in business. We’ve learned that the “right” design isn’t about following rules—it’s about creating something that feels true to your loved one and brings you comfort. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you choose a memorial decal design that honors their legacy beautifully.
Start With Who They Were
The most meaningful memorial decals celebrate the person, not just commemorate their passing. Before exploring design styles, take a moment to think about what made your loved one unique:
Their personality: Were they traditional and dignified, or bold and unconventional? A classic “In Loving Memory” design might suit someone who valued tradition, while a custom graphic design might better honor someone with a vibrant, creative spirit.
Their passions: What did they love? Fishing, hunting, motorcycles, music, their faith, their military service? Incorporating symbols of their hobbies and interests creates a tribute that celebrates their life, not just their loss.
Their service: Did they serve in the military, work as a first responder, or dedicate their life to a particular cause? These elements of service often define how families want to honor them.
Their relationships: Were they a devoted parent, grandparent, spouse, or friend? Some families choose to emphasize these roles with phrases like “Loving Father” or “Beloved Grandmother.”
Starting with who they were—rather than jumping straight to design templates—ensures your memorial feels personal and authentic.
Traditional vs. Custom Memorial Designs
Memorial decals generally fall into two categories, each with distinct advantages.
Traditional “In Loving Memory” Designs
Traditional designs feature classic typography with standard memorial phrases like “In Loving Memory,” “In Memory Of,” or “Forever in Our Hearts.” These designs typically include:
- The person’s name
- Birth and passing dates (or just years)
- Simple, elegant symbols (angels, crosses, doves, hearts)
- Clean, readable fonts
- Timeless aesthetic
Best for: Those who prefer understated elegance, traditional values, or want a design that won’t draw excessive attention but still honors their loved one with dignity.
Popular choice: White vinyl in a 9-inch size offers excellent visibility while maintaining a respectful, classic appearance.
Custom Memorial Designs
Custom designs go beyond templates to create something completely unique. These might incorporate:
- Hobby-specific graphics (fishing rods, guitars, tools, sports equipment)
- Military insignias, ranks, and unit information
- Portraits or silhouettes
- Favorite quotes or personal sayings
- Multiple family members or pet tributes
- Unique layouts and typography
Best for: Those who want their memorial to tell a story, celebrate specific passions, or create something as unique as the person they’re honoring.
Our experience: 60% of our memorial orders are completely custom, one-time designs. Families often find that personalized elements make the tribute more meaningful and comforting.
Design Elements to Consider
Once you’ve decided on a general direction, consider these specific design elements:
Typography & Text
Font style matters: Script fonts feel elegant and personal, while block fonts offer better readability from a distance. Consider where you’ll place the decal—rear windows benefit from bolder, more readable fonts.
What text to include: At minimum, most memorial decals include a name and dates. Beyond that, consider:
- Full name vs. nickname (what they preferred to be called)
- Birth and death dates, or just years
- Memorial phrases that resonate with you
- Personal quotes or sayings they loved
- Military rank, branch, or title
Keep it readable: Remember that vehicle decals are often viewed from a distance. Too much text in small fonts becomes difficult to read and loses impact.
Symbols & Graphics
Symbols add visual meaning and can communicate what words cannot:
Religious symbols:
- Crosses (various styles: traditional, Celtic, ornate)
- Praying hands
- Angels or angel wings
- Doves (representing peace and the Holy Spirit)
- Scripture references
Military symbols:
- Branch insignias (Army star, Navy anchor, Marine Corps Eagle Globe and Anchor, Air Force wings)
- American flags (traditional, distressed, thin blue line)
- Rank insignias
- Unit patches or designations
- Dog tags or military silhouettes
Hobby & interest symbols:
- Fishing rods and reels
- Hunting rifles or deer silhouettes
- Motorcycles or car silhouettes
- Musical instruments
- Tools or trade symbols
- Sports equipment
Universal symbols:
- Hearts (love and remembrance)
- Stars (guidance and eternal presence)
- Butterflies (transformation and the soul)
- Ribbons (awareness or support)
Choose symbols that held meaning to your loved one or represent how you want to remember them.
Size Considerations
Size affects both visibility and appropriateness:
9 inches (most popular): Excellent balance of visibility and subtlety. Works well on most vehicle windows and surfaces. This is our most requested size for memorial decals.
12-18 inches: Better for larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs) or tailgate placements. Provides more space for detailed designs or multiple elements.
6 inches or smaller: Subtle, understated option for side windows or smaller surfaces. Best for simple designs with minimal text.
Custom sizes: We can create any size to fit your specific needs and placement location.
Pro tip: Consider your vehicle size and where you’ll place the decal. A 9-inch decal looks appropriate on a sedan’s rear window, while a truck tailgate might accommodate an 18-24 inch design without looking oversized.
Color Selection
Color impacts both visibility and aesthetic:
White vinyl (most popular): Classic, dignified appearance with excellent visibility on most vehicle colors (black, gray, blue, red, silver). This is the traditional choice for memorial decals and what we recommend if you’re unsure.
Black vinyl: Works beautifully on white, silver, or light-colored vehicles. Creates strong contrast and modern appearance.
Silver/gray vinyl: Subtle, elegant option that works on darker vehicles without being as bold as white.
Full color or custom colors: Available for specific design needs, though single-color vinyl is most common for memorial decals.
Consider your vehicle: The decal should be clearly visible against your vehicle’s color. White shows up on dark vehicles, black on light vehicles.
Military & Veteran Memorial Designs
Honoring a military veteran requires special attention to detail and accuracy. As a veteran-owned business that employs retired military personnel, we understand the significance of getting these details right.
Essential Military Elements
Branch identification: Include the appropriate branch insignia (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard). This is often the centerpiece of military memorial designs.
Rank and service dates: Many families include the veteran’s rank and years of service (e.g., “SGT 1968-1972” or “E-6 US Navy”).
Unit or specialty information: Ship names, squadron numbers, MOS codes, or special designations (Airborne, Ranger, SEAL, etc.) add meaningful specificity.
Military symbols: American flags (traditional or subdued/tactical), eagles, dog tags, or branch-specific symbols (anchors for Navy, wings for Air Force).
Medals and honors: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, or other significant medals can be incorporated to honor their sacrifice and achievements.
Design Approaches for Veterans
Traditional military: Clean, formal design with branch insignia, rank, name, and service dates. Often features American flag elements.
Tactical/subdued: Uses muted colors, distressed American flags, or tactical-style graphics. Popular for combat veterans.
Personalized military: Combines military elements with personal touches—hobbies, family roles, or favorite sayings alongside service information.
Memorial with sacrifice emphasis: Includes phrases like “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” or “Freedom Isn’t Free” to honor their service and sacrifice.
Religious & Spiritual Memorial Designs
Faith provides comfort for many during times of loss. Religious memorial decals can incorporate:
Christian symbols: Crosses (traditional, Celtic, ornate), praying hands, angels, doves, ichthys (fish symbol), scripture references (John 3:16, Psalm 23, etc.)
Catholic elements: Rosary beads, Sacred Heart, Virgin Mary imagery, saint references
Other faith traditions: Stars of David, Islamic calligraphy, Buddhist symbols, or other faith-specific imagery
Inspirational spiritual phrases:
- “In God’s Hands”
- “Heaven Gained an Angel”
- “At Peace with the Lord”
- “Resting in Paradise”
Religious symbols can be combined with traditional memorial text or stand alone as the primary design element.
Common Design Mistakes to Avoid
After creating thousands of memorial decals, we’ve seen a few common pitfalls:
Too much text: Trying to include too much information makes the decal cluttered and hard to read. Focus on the most meaningful elements.
Font too small: Text that looks readable on a computer screen may be too small when viewed from 10-20 feet away. Prioritize legibility.
Clashing elements: Mixing too many different styles (multiple fonts, competing symbols, conflicting themes) creates visual confusion. Cohesive designs have more impact.
Ignoring vehicle color: A white decal on a white vehicle or black on black won’t be visible. Always consider contrast.
Rushing the decision: This is a lasting tribute. Take time to consider your options and review proofs carefully before approving production.
The Design Process: What to Expect
Understanding the process helps reduce stress during an already difficult time.
Step 1: Gather Information
Before contacting us, gather the key information:
- Full name (or preferred name/nickname)
- Birth and death dates
- Preferred size and color
Step 2: Choose Your Approach
Decide whether you want to start with one of our existing designs and customize it, or create something completely unique from scratch. Both approaches work—it depends on your vision and timeline.
Step 3: Work With Our Design Team
Share your information and vision with us. We’ll ask clarifying questions to ensure we understand what you want. With 22 years of experience, we can guide you through decisions and offer suggestions based on what we’ve seen work well.
Step 4: Review
Review the name and dates are correct
Step 5: Production & Delivery
Once approved, we produce your memorial decal using premium Oracal vinyl. Most orders ship within 5-8 days with free shipping on orders over $25. You’ll receive tracking information so you can monitor delivery.
Trust Your Instincts
After all the considerations and options, the most important advice is this: trust your instincts. You knew your loved one better than anyone. The design that feels right to you—that brings you comfort and honors their memory in a way that’s meaningful—is the right choice.
There’s no wrong way to memorialize someone you love. Whether you choose a simple, traditional design or a complex custom creation, what matters is that it reflects your love and keeps their memory close.
We’re Here to Help
Choosing a memorial decal design is a deeply personal decision, and we’re honored to help you through the process. As a veteran-owned, family business, we understand loss, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring those who’ve passed.
Our design team has over 22 years of experience creating custom memorial decals. We’ll work with you to ensure every detail is right—from the spelling of names to the placement of symbols. We approach every memorial with the respect and care it deserves.
Ready to create your memorial decal? Browse our memorial decal collection for inspiration, or contact us to discuss your custom design. We’re here to help you create a lasting tribute worthy of their memory.
Custom Sticker Shop is a veteran-friendly, family business based in Topeka, Kansas. We’ve been creating premium custom decals for over 22 years, using American-made Oracal vinyl and employing retired military veterans. Every memorial decal is crafted with care and designed to last 7 years outdoors, ensuring your tribute endures.