FAQS

Our useful tips will help you navigate the memorial design form.

  1. Do you have sample wording that I can reference for my program design?

    2.

  2. What should I include in the program obituary?

    Obituary or Biography

    The obituary program details normally include: birth information, parents, where they grew up, education, career, spouse and children, survived by (those still alive), preceded by (those who have passed before), and accomplishments.
    example

    Celebrating the Life of Hank "HP" Paul Dennison

    Hank "HP" Paul Dennison was born one sunny morning on January 5th, 1946 in Dallas, Texas to Henry and Ellen (Morris) Dennison of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hank was the oldest of three children. His brothers, Jacob and Joseph always looked up to him to show them the ropes. Hank wouldn't have it any other way. After graduating from high school, Hank attended Baylor University and earned a degree in engineering. His education quickly allowed him the opportunity to travel to many places and meet many people. One of those people happened to be the love of his life, Lorraine Smith, of Glen Cove, New York. In 1973, Hank married Lorriane in a small church ceremony. Soon after, the couple moved to Mesa, Arizona to settle down and start a family. They had sons Mark and James in 1975. Hank enjoyed working with charities, serving as a deacon in his local church, playing sports with his sons, and reading to his grandchildren. Hank is survived by his wife, Lorriane Anne Dennison, sons Mark (Tammy) and James (Gloria) Dennison, grandchilden Melissa, Annie, and Mark Jr., his brother Jacob Dennison, and many other family and friends. Hank is preceded in death by his mother and father, Henry and Ellen (Morris) Dennison, and brother Joseph Dennison. Hank will truly be missed by all who loved him.

  3. What does "survived by" and "preceded by" mean?

    "Hank is survived by his wife, Lorraine" means that Loraine is still alive.

    "Hank is preceded (in death) by his brother, Joseph" means that Joseph passed sometime before Hank.

  4. What should the Order of Service look like?

    Order of Service

    The funeral director or church leadership may be able to help you put together an order of service that best fits your needs.
    example

    PROCESSIONAL

    Music, "Song of Love"

    INVOCATION

    Rev. Morris Greendon

    SCRIPTURE READING

    Old Testament, New Testament

    PRAYER

    Mr. Troy Wilmstead, Son

    MUSIC SELECTION

    "Amazing Grace", Lima Wilmstead, Daughter

    TRIBUTES

    Two Minutes Please

    OBITUARY

    Read by Nina Wilmstead, Granddaughter

    MUSIC SELECTION

    "Tis so Sweet", Central East Choir

    EULOGY

    Pastor William Jainston

    RECESSIONAL

  5. What is the ideal quality for submitted photos?

    High resolution images, at least 300 pixels per inch (ppi), are ideal for quality printing. Ex: A 4x6 inch photo would require pixel dimensions of 1200x1800. For Video Slideshows, aim for photo resolution of 150 pixels per inch. Ex: a 4x6 inch image would have pixel dimensions of 600x900.

  6. Can I pick my own music for the video slideshow?

    Our list of musical selections are cleared for you to share via YouTube (without any copyright issues). If you would like to use different music for your memorial or personal celebration, simply mute your video and play your musical selection simultaneously.

  7. How will I receive the video slideshow?

    Slideshow Upload

    By default, your Video Slideshow will be sent to you as an electronic file. Download this file to your computer or a portable storage drive for replaying at a Memorial Service.

    We know that video files tend to be large and harder to share. We also understand that Video Slideshows can contain cherished personal memories that you may not want posted publically online. Because of this, we provide a few Slideshow Upload Options to fit your storage and privacy preferences.

    Do NOT Upload: Not available online.

    Upload to YouTube Only: Unlisted, only available to those who have the url link, and won't appear on the Web Tribute or in search results for Youtube or Google.

    Upload to YouTube and Post to Web Tribute: Public, via the Web Tribute, can be seen by anyone visiting the Website Tribute, and will appear in search results on the website and Google.

    Make your preference in the "Slideshow Upload" field on the Memorial Project Design Form.

  8. Where is the Web Tribute posted? Can I opt out of posting it online?

    Web Tribute Post

    As a complimentary service, your Memorial Design is also provided as a Single Page Web Tribute on The Teal Bird Memorials Website. This Web Tribute can be seen by anyone visiting the webite, and will appear in search engine results. You have the option to decline posting this Web Tribute.

    Confirm your preference in the "Web Tribute Post" field on the Memorial Project Design Form.

  9. Once my Memorial Design Project (MDP) Form is submitted, can I make changes?

    We want to make sure that you receive your products by your desired delivery date. Once you select,
    "Yes, I would like to Submit my Memorial Design Project. I understand that design work WILL now begin and any changes made hereafter will NOT be incorporated into the design.", we begin the process of designing your products. Once complete, we will send the you an electronic proof of the design. If there is an error on our end (content that differs from what was submitted on the MDP), we will correct the error before emailing you the final Print-Ready digital files. We are unable to add content (another tribute, more photos, etc.) to the design project during this approval phase.

  10. How long do I have to complete the Memorial Design Project (MDP) Form?

    Our processing time is 2 days after you submit your MDP. If you are planning to have your digital MDP files printed (we do NOT offer printing services to direct clients), please account for your printer's processing time. For example, if the printer has a processing time of 3 days, you would need to place your MDP order at least 5 days (our 2 days plus the printer's 3 days) before your required delivery date.

  11. What's the difference between the "Full Bleed" vs "White Border" print files?

    The "Full Bleed" print files are designed to be printed and trimmed professionally. The program design is printed on larger sheets of paper, and trimmed down so that the design fully bleeds to the edges without a white border. This option may cost more and have longer delivery.

    The "White Border" print file is paper and printer friendly, ideal in situations where you cannot or prefer not to print on larger sheets of paper, or trim down to full bleed. This design will have a white border on all sides. This option may be more cost effective and have quicker delivery. *Printing results can varying depending on the printer's alignment.

  12. Where should I print my Memorial Design Project?

    13.

  13. What kind of paper should I use to print my Memorial Design Project?

    The recommended paper weight is 80 lb cover gloss stock for Programs and Other Products*.

    *Easel signs can be printed on glossy poster paper, either with foam backing (no frame needed) or without (to be personally framed).

    *Thank You Cards with Blank Back: 100 lb matte to allow writing on the back.

    Half-fold programs should be scored to avoid cracking along the fold.

    The "Full Bleed" Programs and Other Products should be printed full bleed.

    NOTE: The files have a .125 inch bleed on all sides. This allows the printer to print and trim to the size, in inches, listed at the end of the file name (ex: 8.5x11). The graphics will bleed all the way to the edges without a white border.

    The "White Border" Programs (including Program Cards) must be printed double-sided and at the original size, not scaled to fit the paper.

    The "White Border" Program Card prints 2 cards per sheet of paper and must be cut in half after printing.

    If you send your printer these specifications, and the quantity desired for each product, they will be able to give you a price quote for printing your project.