Should I Choose a Color for My Memorial Piece?
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"Do I have to pick a color? What if I choose the wrong one?"
I want you to take a breath, because there is no wrong answer here. But I also know that when you're grieving, even small decisions can feel impossibly heavy. So let me walk you through this gently because choosing a color for your memorial piece can actually be one of the most meaningful parts of the process.
You Don't Have To Choose a Color at All
Let's start here. Many of my most beautiful pieces let the natural materials speak for themselves. Cremation ashes each carry their own organic tones, soft grays, warm creams, beige or dark grey. When sealed in resin without added color, these materials create something raw and honest. You can see them in the piece. That, for many people, is exactly what they want.
If the idea of adding color feels like too much right now, it's perfectly okay to simply say: "Just keep it natural."
When Color Feels Right
For others, color is how they say I know you. It's the way to fold a little more of someone's personality or a pet's spirit into something wearable.
Here are some of the ways families choose color:
Their favorite color. This is the most common and perhaps the most tender. A grandmother who always wore lavender. A dog who had a bright orange collar he loved. A father whose whole wardrobe was navy blue. Wearing their color is a quiet way of saying: I still see you.
A color tied to a memory. Colors hold memories in a way that words sometimes can't.
A color that brings you comfort. Grief is personal. If pale blue calms you or forest green makes you feel held, choose that. This piece is for you to wear. It should feel like home every time you put it on.
A color that matched their energy. Some people are bold, vibrant purples, electric blues, fiery reds. Some are soft, blush, ivory, sage. You knew them. You know what color feels like them.
For pet families, color can be a beautiful way to capture your animal's personality. A golden hue for a golden retriever. A deep black for a midnight-colored cat. A bright, happy yellow for the dog who made everyone smile. Your pet had a whole personality, color is just one more way to honor it.
The Most Important Thing
Whatever you choose, a color full of meaning, a color that just felt right or no color at all your piece will be made with the same love and intention. There is no version of this that isn't beautiful, because every version of this is made from something real.
You're not choosing a color. You're choosing how to carry them.
And that's something you can't get wrong.
Have questions about your piece? I'd love to hear from you. Visit secondlifekeepsakes.com or find me on Instagram @secondlifekeepsakes.
-Brittany xoxo
