If I Go First, Please Don’t Use Comic Sans

Fonts might seem like a small detail, but they’re like the voice of your memorial. Are you going to be that loud, quirky friend who shows up in a neon t-shirt? Or the calm, steady presence that everyone leans on when times get tough? Your font says it all.

Comic Sans, with its bubbly, casual vibe, might be perfect for a kid’s birthday invite or an elementary school newsletter. But a digital memorial? It’s like wearing flip-flops to a black-tie event. It just doesn’t fit.

Choose Fonts That Speak From the Heart (no, don't use comic sans)

So what should you pick? Think classic and respectful, but also something that feels you. Fonts like Garamond, Georgia, or Helvetica carry warmth and clarity, while still honoring the seriousness of a memorial.

If you want a little personality, consider Raleway or Lora — they have character without screaming “look at me.” After all, this is a tribute, not a billboard.

Photos: Capturing Life’s Spirit

Fonts aside, photos are the soul of any digital memorial. Choose images that tell your story: a candid laugh, a sunset walk, a favorite hobby. These snapshots of life remind loved ones of joy, love, and memories shared.

Avoid pixelated or overly staged pictures — keep it real and heartfelt. And remember, it’s your story, so don’t shy away from photos that show all the sides of you — silly, serious, and everything in between.

Avoid Cliché and Distracting Design Choices

Just like fonts, other design elements can make or break the feel of your memorial. Glittery backgrounds, flashing animations, or loud colors might be fun on social media, but they can detract from the reverence your memorial deserves.

Think simple. Think elegant. Think timeless. Your digital memorial should be a quiet place to remember and celebrate, not a distraction.

A Little Humor Goes a Long Way

Life is serious, but memorials don’t have to be all doom and gloom. The title of this post — “If I go first, please don’t use Comic Sans” — is my way of injecting a little personality and humor into something tender.

If you’re planning ahead, that little instruction could save your family a lot of headaches and give them a smile when they visit your memorial. Because even in goodbye, laughter is healing.

Speak your truth...

Designing a digital memorial is an intimate way to preserve your legacy. Fonts, photos, and overall design work together to create a tribute that’s genuine, respectful, and uniquely you.

So, as you think about this important project, remember: skip the Comic Sans, choose fonts that speak your truth, pick photos that bring warmth, and keep the design simple and elegant.

Your family recipe deserves a QR code — and your digital memorial deserves a font that honors the story behind it.