TL;DR SUMMARY
Learn how to save £300+ on funeral costs by creating a permanent digital memorial with unlimited photos, videos, and family contributions — completely free. No newspaper needed. Ready in 5 minutes.
When someone passes away in the UK, one of the first things families think about is placing an obituary. Traditionally, this meant phoning the local newspaper and paying hundreds of pounds for a few lines of text.
But today, there's a better way. An online obituary lets you create a beautiful, permanent tribute — with photos, videos, and contributions from family worldwide — completely free.
Why Online Obituaries are Replacing Traditional Newspapers
For decades, placing an obituary in a local newspaper was the standard way to announce a passing in the UK. But times have changed dramatically. Today, fewer than 15% of adults under 40 read a printed newspaper regularly.
A typical newspaper obituary costs between £200 and £500 — for a few lines of text and maybe one small black-and-white photo. It runs for a single day, then it's gone.
Online obituaries offer a modern, accessible, and far more affordable alternative. A digital obituary becomes a permanent tribute that can be visited, shared, and enriched by anyone, from anywhere in the world.
- ✓Reach family and friends globally — not just local readers
- ✓Include unlimited photos, videos, and voice recordings
- ✓Allow family members to contribute their own memories
- ✓Share instantly via WhatsApp, email, or social media
- ✓Available 24/7 — not limited to a single day's print run
- ✓Cost: Free — compared to £200–£500+ for a newspaper insertion
Comparison: Printed vs. Digital Obituaries
Still wondering whether a newspaper or online obituary is right for you? Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | 📰 Newspaper | 🌐 Vidalem |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £200–£500+ per insertion | Free (forever) |
| Photos | 1 (small, B&W) | Unlimited (HD, colour) |
| Videos | Not possible | Unlimited |
| Duration | 1 day publication | Permanent — never expires |
| Accessibility | Local readers only | Worldwide, 24/7 |
| Editable after publishing | No | Yes, anytime |
| Family contributions | No | Yes — invite anyone |
| QR code for gravestone | No | Yes — included |
| Shareable via WhatsApp | No | One-click sharing |
| Environmental impact | Paper & ink | Zero waste |
The choice is clear: a digital obituary gives you more reach, more features, and zero cost.
💡 Tip: Many families now do both — a brief newspaper notice with a link to the full online obituary and memorial.
Step-by-Step: Writing a Tribute That Lives Forever
Creating an online obituary on Vidalem takes just 5 minutes:
1Create your free account
Visit vidalem.com and click "Create Free Memorial". Sign up with your email or Google account — no credit card required.
2Add the essential details
Enter the full name, dates, upload a portrait photo, and choose a memorial theme — elegant, modern, or classic.
3Write the obituary and add media
Write a heartfelt obituary. Upload as many photos and videos as you like — there's no limit. Family can contribute later too.
Pro Tip
Don't just write text — embed a video message or a voice note. These personal touches make the tribute truly unforgettable.
Real Obituary Examples: Beyond the 4-Photo Limit
Traditional providers like Legacy.com limit you to just 4 photos. But a life story deserves more than four pictures. Here's what's possible with Vidalem:
Alistair — The Veteran
1938 – 2025 · Surrey
Focus: Military service & medals
- 42 photos of service years
- Video interview from 2019
- Medal collection gallery
- Stories from fellow veterans
Margaret — The Family Anchor
1945 – 2026 · Yorkshire
Focus: Recipes & gardening
- 87 family photos spanning 60 years
- Handwritten recipe scans
- Garden through the seasons
- Grandchildren's video tributes
James — The Young Adventurer
1998 – 2025 · London
Focus: Travel videos & friendships
- 120+ travel photos
- GoPro adventure compilation
- Friends' voice messages
- Interactive travel map
All of this is included free on Vidalem. No photo limits. No paywalls on memories.
Connecting the Digital to the Physical: QR Memorials
An online obituary serves the immediate need. But the memorial can evolve into something more: a permanent digital tribute linked to the physical gravestone via a QR code.
- ✓Your Vidalem memorial automatically generates a QR code
- ✓Order a weatherproof plaque — laser-engraved stainless steel
- ✓Attach the plaque to the headstone with adhesive or screws
- ✓Visitors scan the QR code to access the full memorial
Our QR plaques are laser-engraved on stainless steel, not printed on adhesive vinyl. They're built to survive the British weather — rain, frost, salt air, and UV — for 10+ years.
Frequently Asked Questions
By the Vidalem Editorial Team
Our team researches UK funeral practices, digital memorials, and bereavement support to help families preserve memories with dignity and care.