Remembrance Tree Papers

Trees have always been connected to our sense of life as well as loss. For the Victorians, specific trees had specific messages, from the grief of the weeping willow to the weathered yet resilient oak. Throughout the generations and across cultures, the tree represents the wellspring of life.

That’s why Remembrance Tree Papers seems like such a timeless and inspired concept. This company creates hand-crafted memorial items out of 100% recycled paper – from Memorial Bookmarks, Guest Registers and Service Invitations. Preserving the life of trees while remembering the life we’ve lost.

My favorite item is the Thank You Card, which comes with embedded wildflower seeds. The card can be planted, bringing forth flowers, a simple reminder of the love and sympathy that sustains us. What a lovely idea!

When in mourning, it’s important to be reminded of regeneration. In this spirit, Remembrance Tree Papers (along with Trees for the Future) will plant a tree in honor of your loved one when you order their memorial stationery products. It’s a gesture that benefits the environment and future generations.

Tree of Life Pendant by Val Vanias Art

Dandelion Wishes

This is a sweet alternative to the typical somber guest book found at many services. Dandelion Wishes, created by The Wedding Perch, each dandelion is an opportunity for guests to write something - a wish, a prayer, a memory.

I especially like the image of a dandelion - something scattered to the wind, yet lives on with the promise of a wish. Seems appropriate when we've lost someone.

On another note, many of the items I feature are originally created for weddings. Although this may appear contradictory, I believe a remembrance service should be parallel to a wedding - an opportunity to gather together and honor the love we hold for one another. It's a promise to cherish someone forever, a bonding that transcends death. I wish that funeral services were half as creative as weddings!