Ordering an engraving for an urn or memorial piece is an important and deeply personal decision. The words you choose become a lasting tribute, which is why it’s essential to make sure everything is exactly as you want it. Even small errors can be disappointing once the engraving is complete — but the good news is that they’re very easy to avoid with the right guidance.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes people make when ordering an engraving, and how to ensure your final design is perfect.

1. Not Double-Checking Spelling and Dates

One of the most frequent issues is simple human error: a name spelled incorrectly, a missing letter, or an incorrect date. Because engravings are permanent, it’s worth taking the extra moment to review every detail.

Tip:
Read your chosen text out loud and ask a trusted friend or family member to check it too.

2. Forgetting to Specify Capital Letters

Many customers assume the engraver will automatically format capital letters, but every workshop follows the customer’s exact instructions. If you want “Our Dad” instead of “Our dad” be sure to say so clearly.

Tip:
Write your engraving exactly as you want it to appear — including all capitalisation.

3. Choosing More Text Than the Space Allows

It’s natural to want to include as much as possible in a memorial message, but too many words can make the engraving look cramped or hard to read. Shorter messages often appear cleaner and more elegant.

Tip:
If you’re unsure, email us at infinitycaskets@outlook.com or call on 07732 338517 for guidance on character limits or layout suggestions.

4. Not Checking the Layout or Line Spacing

Even with perfect wording, spacing can change the overall appearance of your engraving. Centred text is usually the most balanced, but line breaks matter too.

Tip:
Confirm how many lines you want and how they should be arranged — for example, two lines instead of one long line.

5. Using Symbols or Characters That Can’t Be Engraved

Not all fonts or symbols are suitable for engraving tools, and some characters may not transfer cleanly onto metal or wood.

Tip:
If you’d like hearts, paw prints or special icons, check that they’re compatible with your chosen urn or plaque.

6. Not Considering the Tone or Meaning

Sometimes a phrase feels right in the moment but reads differently once engraved. A quick reflection can help you choose words that feel timeless and heartfelt.

Popular wording ideas:

  • Forever in Our Hearts

  • In Loving Memory

  • Always Loved, Never Forgotten

  • Our Beautiful Girl / Our Wonderful Dad

7. Forgetting to Ask for a Proof

At Infinity Urns we are happy to provide a layout proof before production, please email us at infinitycaskets@outlook.com or call on 07732 338517. This gives you the chance to approve the spacing, alignment and final appearance.

Tip:
Review the proof slowly — names, punctuation and placement matter.

8. Leaving the Order Until the Last Minute

Memorial services, ashes interments or family gatherings often have fixed dates. Leaving the engraving until the final moment can limit your options or cause unnecessary stress.

Tip:
Order your engraved item as soon as you can to allow time for careful production.

Final Thoughts

An engraved urn or memorial plaque is a meaningful tribute, and getting the wording just right ensures your loved one’s memory is honoured in the way they deserve. By avoiding these common mistakes and taking a few extra minutes to review your text, you can feel confident that your engraving will be a beautiful and lasting keepsake.

If you’re ever unsure, our team at Infinity Urns is always here to help with layout suggestions, wording ideas and careful checks before engraving. Please feel free to email us at infinitycaskets@outlook.com or call on 07732 338517