đ TL;DR: A tribute book is a personalized collection of stories, photos, and memories created to honor someone specialâwhether for a memorial, milestone celebration, or retirement. This guide walks you through planning, gathering contributions from family and friends, organizing content, designing layouts, and choosing the best platform (like Shutterfly, Blurb, or MyStoryFlow) to create a meaningful keepsake that preserves your loved one's legacy forever.
Key Takeaways
- Tribute books preserve legacy through curated stories, photos, and memories from multiple contributors
- Planning is essential: Define your purpose, timeline, contributor list, and content themes before starting
- Effective prompts help contributors share meaningful storiesâprovide specific questions and examples
- Organization matters: Group content by themes, chronology, or contributor type for maximum impact
- Choose the right platform: Consider Shutterfly for ease, Blurb for quality, Mixbook for customization, or MyStoryFlow for comprehensive family storytelling
- Personal touches elevate the book: Include handwritten notes, favorite quotes, recipes, and memorabilia scans
- Digital options like flipbooks and family websites make sharing easier with distant relatives
Creating a tribute book is one of the most meaningful gifts you can giveâor one of the most healing projects you can undertake during a difficult time. Whether you're honoring a loved one who has passed, celebrating a milestone birthday, commemorating a retirement, or marking any significant life moment, a tribute book becomes a treasured keepsake that preserves precious memories for generations.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating a tribute book, from initial planning to final presentation, ensuring you create something truly special that captures the essence of someone extraordinary.
What is a Tribute Book and When to Create One
A tribute book is a carefully curated collection of stories, photographs, letters, and memories that celebrate and honor an individual's life, achievements, and impact on others. Unlike a traditional biography or autobiography, a tribute book typically includes contributions from multiple peopleâfamily members, friends, colleagues, and community membersâeach adding their unique perspective and cherished memories.
When to Create a Tribute Book
Tribute books serve various purposes and occasions:
Memorial and Celebration of Life Services
Following the loss of a loved one, a tribute book provides comfort to grieving family members and creates a lasting record of the person's impact. These books can be displayed at memorial services and become cherished family heirlooms.
Milestone Birthdays
Celebrate significant birthdays (50th, 60th, 75th, 90th) by gathering stories and well-wishes from everyone whose life they've touched. The birthday honoree receives a tangible reminder of how loved and appreciated they are.
Retirement Celebrations
Honor decades of professional dedication with contributions from colleagues, clients, and mentees. Retirement tribute books capture career highlights, workplace memories, and the lasting influence of the retiree's work.
Wedding Anniversaries
Major anniversaries (25th, 50th, 60th) deserve special recognition. Create a book featuring relationship advice, favorite memories of the couple, and family photos spanning the years.
Family Reunions
Document family history and connections with a tribute book honoring family matriarchs, patriarchs, or the family unit as a whole. Include genealogical information alongside personal stories.
Living Tributes
Don't wait for a special occasion or lossâcreate a tribute book for someone while they can still enjoy it and perhaps even contribute their own reflections on the memories shared.
Planning Your Tribute Book Project
Successful tribute books require thoughtful planning before you begin collecting content. Here's how to set yourself up for success:
Define Your Purpose and Audience
Clarify why you're creating this book and who will receive copies. Is it primarily for immediate family? Will it be shared with a broader community? Understanding your audience shapes content decisions, tone, and design choices.
Establish a Timeline
Create a realistic project timeline working backward from your target completion date:
- Week 1-2: Planning and preparation
- Week 3-6: Outreach to contributors and content collection
- Week 7-8: Follow-up with contributors who haven't responded
- Week 9-10: Content organization and editing
- Week 11-12: Design and layout
- Week 13-14: Review, revisions, and finalization
- Week 15-16: Printing and delivery
For memorial books, you may need to work on a compressed timeline, while milestone celebrations allow more planning time.
Assemble Your Team
While one person typically leads the project, involving others helps:
- Co-organizer: Someone to share workload and decision-making
- Content editor: Reviews submissions for clarity and appropriateness
- Photo collector: Gathers and scans photographs from various sources
- Design consultant: Provides input on layout and visual elements (if you're not using a professional designer)
Set a Budget
Determine how much you can spend on:
- Professional printing services
- Design software or online platform fees
- Photo scanning and restoration services
- Shipping costs for collecting materials and distributing finished books
- Additional copies for contributors
Budgets can range from $100 for a small DIY digital book to $1,000+ for professionally designed and printed luxury editions.
Choose Your Format
Decide between:
- Physical printed book: Traditional, tangible keepsake (hardcover or softcover)
- Digital flipbook: Online version that can be easily shared
- Hybrid approach: Both printed and digital versions
- Photo book vs. full-bleed book: Different binding and layout options
Gathering Contributions from Family and Friends
The heart of your tribute book lies in the stories and memories contributed by others. Here's how to collect meaningful content:
Creating Your Contributor List
Brainstorm everyone who should contribute:
- Immediate and extended family members
- Close friends from different life stages
- Colleagues and professional connections
- Neighbors and community members
- Members of clubs, organizations, or faith communities
- Former students, mentees, or those they've helped
Cast a wide netâyou may be surprised by who has touching stories to share.
Crafting Your Outreach Message
Your initial request should include:
- Clear explanation of the project and its purpose
- Specific deadline for submissions (with some buffer built in)
- Submission guidelines regarding length, format, and content types
- Writing prompts to inspire contributors (see next section)
- Technical instructions for submitting (email, online form, physical mail)
- Your contact information for questions
- Expression of gratitude for their participation
Sample Outreach Message:
Subject: Help Create a Special Tribute Book for [Name] Dear [Contributor Name], I'm creating a tribute book to honor [Name]'s [occasion/memory], and your contribution would mean the world to our family. This book will include stories, memories, photos, and messages from everyone whose life [he/she/they] has touched. We'd love for you to contribute:
- A favorite memory or story (250-500 words)
- Photos you'd like to include
- A short message or well-wishes Please see the attached writing prompts for inspiration. Submissions are due by [date], and you can send everything to [email/link]. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for helping create this meaningful keepsake! With gratitude, [Your Name]
Follow-Up Strategy
Many contributors need gentle reminders:
- Two weeks before deadline: Send a friendly reminder to everyone
- One week before deadline: Follow up individually with those who haven't responded
- At deadline: Reach out personally to key contributors you really want to include
- Post-deadline: Give a one-week extension for stragglers
Be understandingâpeople are busy, and some may struggle with what to write or find the topic emotionally challenging.
Types of Content to Include
A rich tribute book weaves together various content types to create a complete portrait:
Written Contributions
Personal Stories and Anecdotes
Specific memories that capture personality, values, or memorable moments. These narratives bring your loved one to life on the page.
Letters and Messages
Heartfelt notes expressing gratitude, love, admiration, or what the person has meant to the writer. These can be more emotional and less structured than stories.
Quotes and Sayings
Favorite expressions, life advice, or memorable things the person said. These snippets capture their voice and wisdom.
Poems and Creative Writing
Original poetry or meaningful published poems that remind contributors of the honoree.
Timeline of Life Events
Chronological overview of significant milestones, achievements, and experiences.
Visual Elements
Photographs
- Childhood and family photos
- Photos from different life stages
- Pictures with various people and at events
- Candid shots that capture personality
- Professional portraits
Scanned Memorabilia
- Handwritten letters or notes
- Awards and certificates
- Newspaper clippings
- Programs from significant events
- Recipes in their handwriting
- Artwork or creative projects
Documents
- Birth announcements
- Wedding invitations
- Graduation programs
- Military service records
- Career highlights
Special Additions
Family Trees
Visual genealogy showing family connections and relationships.
Maps
Places that were significantâhometowns, favorite vacation spots, places lived.
Lists
Favorite things, life achievements, impact on community, books read, places traveled.
Recipes
Signature dishes with stories about when and why they were made.
Creating Writing Prompts for Contributors
Many people struggle with blank-page syndrome. Specific prompts help contributors share meaningful memories:
General Memory Prompts
- What is your favorite memory with [Name]?
- Describe a time when [Name] made you laugh.
- What is something [Name] taught you?
- Share a story that captures [Name]'s personality.
- What will you always remember about [Name]?
- How did [Name] influence your life?
- What was [Name] most passionate about?
- Describe [Name] in three words and explain why you chose them.
Relationship-Specific Prompts
For Family Members:
- What family tradition involving [Name] do you cherish most?
- Share a piece of wisdom or advice [Name] gave you.
- What qualities did you inherit from [Name]?
- Describe a holiday or celebration you spent with [Name].
For Friends:
- How did you and [Name] meet?
- What adventures did you share with [Name]?
- What made your friendship special?
- Share an inside joke or funny moment.
For Colleagues:
- What professional qualities did [Name] exemplify?
- Share a work accomplishment or project you did together.
- How did [Name] contribute to workplace culture?
- What will you miss most about working with [Name]?
Characteristic-Focused Prompts
- Describe a time when [Name] showed courage/kindness/humor/generosity.
- What was [Name]'s greatest strength?
- How did [Name] handle challenges?
- What brought [Name] the most joy?
Sensory Prompts
- What scent reminds you of [Name]?
- What song makes you think of [Name]?
- What phrase or saying did [Name] use often?
- What was [Name]'s signature dish or favorite food?
đĄ Pro Tip: Include 2-3 example responses to your prompts. Seeing what others have written helps contributors understand the tone and length you're looking for, and it often sparks their own memories.
Organizing and Structuring the Book
Once you've gathered content, thoughtful organization creates a cohesive, readable tribute book:
Organizational Approaches
Chronological Structure
Arrange content following the person's life timeline from childhood through adulthood. This works well when you have good coverage of different life stages.
Thematic Organization
Group content by themes such as:
- Family life
- Career and professional achievements
- Hobbies and passions
- Community involvement
- Travels and adventures
- Faith and values
- Friendships
Contributor-Based Organization
Dedicate sections to different groups:
- Family members
- Childhood friends
- School/college friends
- Work colleagues
- Community connections
Hybrid Approach
Combine methodsâperhaps a chronological framework with thematic subsections within each life stage.
Essential Sections to Include
Opening Pages
- Dedication or title page
- Table of contents
- Introduction explaining the book's purpose
- Timeline or life overview
Main Content
- Organized stories, photos, and memories
- Clear section divisions with headers
- Visual variety throughout
Closing Pages
- Final reflections or summary
- Acknowledgments thanking contributors
- Contributor list
- Photo credits
- Additional blank pages for future notes or signatures
Creating Flow and Balance
- Vary content types: Alternate between longer stories and shorter messages
- Mix emotions: Balance tearful moments with joyful, funny anecdotes
- Distribute photos evenly: Don't cluster all images in one section
- Consider pacing: Place powerful content strategically rather than all at the beginning or end
- Use white space: Avoid cramming too much on each page
Design and Layout Tips
Thoughtful design enhances your content and creates a professional-looking tribute book:
Design Principles
Consistency
Maintain consistent fonts, colors, and layout styles throughout. Choose 2-3 complementary fonts maximumâtypically one for headings, one for body text, and possibly one for captions.
Readability
- Use sufficient font size (minimum 10-11pt for body text)
- Ensure adequate contrast between text and background
- Maintain comfortable line spacing
- Keep line length readable (not too wide)
Visual Hierarchy
Make it clear what's most important through:
- Larger, bolder headings
- Strategic use of color
- White space around key elements
- Pull quotes or highlighted text
Layout Considerations
Margins and Bleed
Leave adequate margins (especially in the gutter/binding area). If your printer requires bleed, extend background colors and images beyond the page edge.
Photo Placement
- Use high-resolution images (300 DPI for printing)
- Consider full-page photos for impact
- Create photo collages for multiple images
- Add captions identifying people, places, and dates
- Maintain aspect ratiosâdon't stretch or distort photos
Page Design Variety
Create visual interest with different page layouts:
- Text-only pages
- Text with single photo
- Text wrapped around images
- Photo collages with captions
- Full-page photo spreads
- Mixed media pages
Color Schemes
For Memorial Books:
- Soft, muted tones (sepia, sage, dusty blue, lavender)
- Classic black and white with accent color
- Nature-inspired palettes
For Celebration Books:
- Brighter, more vibrant colors
- Colors meaningful to the honoree
- Seasonal or theme-appropriate palettes
Design Elements
Borders and Frames
Use decorative elements sparingly to enhance without overwhelming content.
Background Patterns
Subtle textures or patterns can add visual interest, but ensure they don't interfere with readability.
Icons and Graphics
Small decorative elements (hearts, stars, flowers) can mark section breaks or highlight special content.
Pull Quotes
Extract meaningful phrases and display them prominently in larger, decorative text.
đ¨ Design Tip: Create a master page template with your chosen fonts, colors, and basic layout. This ensures consistency and speeds up the design process significantly.
Best Platforms for Creating Tribute Books
Choosing the right platform depends on your design skills, budget, timeline, and desired final product:
Online Photo Book Services
Shutterfly
Best for: Ease of use, quick turnaround, frequent sales/discounts
Pros: User-friendly templates, automatic photo enhancement, integration with social media and phone photos, frequent promotions
Cons: Less customization than some competitors, templates can feel formulaic
Price Range: $20-$100+ depending on size and page count
Mixbook
Best for: Customization and creative control
Pros: Highly customizable templates, layering capabilities, extensive design options, good quality printing
Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners, takes more time
Price Range: $25-$120+
Blurb
Best for: Professional quality and advanced design
Pros: Professional-grade printing, Adobe InDesign plugin, various paper and binding options, bookstore-quality results
Cons: Higher price point, steeper learning curve
Price Range: $30-$200+
Artifact Uprising
Best for: Premium, heirloom-quality books
Pros: Beautiful, minimalist designs, high-quality materials, eco-friendly, excellent customer service
Cons: Limited design flexibility, premium pricing
Price Range: $40-$150+
Snapfish
Best for: Budget-friendly options
Pros: Competitive pricing, frequent discounts, simple interface
Cons: Lower print quality than premium competitors, fewer customization options
Price Range: $15-$80+
Professional Design Software
Adobe InDesign
Best for: Professional designers or those with design experience
Pros: Complete creative control, professional results, export to any printer
Cons: Expensive subscription, significant learning curve
Price: $20.99/month (Creative Cloud subscription)
Canva
Best for: Design flexibility with user-friendly interface
Pros: Intuitive drag-and-drop, templates specifically for books, free and paid options, can design for any printer
Cons: Some limitations compared to professional software
Price: Free or Canva Pro at $12.99/month
Apple Pages or Microsoft Publisher
Best for: Those already familiar with these programs
Pros: May already have access, basic book layout capabilities
Cons: Limited compared to specialized book design software
Price: Free with Mac or included with Microsoft Office
Comprehensive Storytelling Platforms
MyStoryFlow
Best for: Comprehensive family storytelling and tribute book creation
Pros: Designed specifically for family stories and tributes, AI-assisted story prompts, collaborative features for multiple contributors, both digital flipbooks and print options, story preservation beyond single book project
Cons: Newer platform still building features
Price: Various plans available
MyStoryFlow stands out for tribute book projects because it's built specifically for capturing and preserving family stories. The platform helps you prompt contributors, organize submissions, and create both digital and printed versions of your tribute book.
Making Your Choice
Consider these factors:
- Your design skill level: Beginner-friendly platforms vs. professional software
- Budget: From budget services to premium options
- Timeline: Some platforms offer rush shipping, others take longer
- Final quality desired: Photo book quality vs. professional printing
- Number of copies needed: Bulk pricing vs. single copies
- Digital vs. physical: Some platforms excel at one or offer both
Adding Personal Touches and Special Elements
These creative additions transform a good tribute book into an extraordinary one:
Handwritten Elements
- Scan actual handwritten letters or notes from the honoree
- Include contributors' handwritten submissions alongside typed versions
- Add handwritten captions or annotations to photos
- Feature the person's signature or handwriting samples
Interactive Elements
QR Codes
Link to:
- Video messages from contributors
- Audio recordings of the person's voice
- Online photo galleries
- Favorite songs or music
- Digital family tree
Pockets and Envelopes
Attach small envelopes containing:
- Replica documents or letters
- Recipe cards
- Bookmarks with quotes
- Small keepsakes
Meaningful Additions
Favorite Quotes and Wisdom
Dedicate pages to memorable sayings, life advice, or philosophy.
Life Lessons Section
"What [Name] Taught Me" contributions from various people.
Bucket List or Dreams
Things accomplished or aspirations held.
Collections
If they collected something, include photos or discussion of meaningful pieces.
Faith and Values
Meaningful scripture, prayers, or philosophical beliefs.
Special Pages
Tribute Page
In memorial books, include service details, charitable donation information, or ways to honor their memory.
Legacy Page
How their influence continues through family, community, profession, or causes they supported.
Message to Future Generations
If available, include the person's own words about what they want future family members to know.
Contributor Signatures
Include blank pages where contributors can sign when receiving their copy, similar to a yearbook.
â¤ď¸ Personal Touch Idea: Create a "By the Numbers" page featuring meaningful statisticsâyears married, children/grandchildren, miles traveled, books read, gardens planted, students taught, etc. This snapshot provides unique insight into a life well-lived.
Printing and Presentation Options
The final presentation makes a lasting impression:
Printing Specifications
Cover Options
- Hardcover: Most durable and premium-feeling, ideal for heirloom books
- Softcover: More affordable, lighter for shipping, still professional
- Leather or linen: Luxury options for special occasions
- Dust jacket: Adds elegance and protection to hardcovers
Binding Types
- Lay-flat binding: Pages lie completely flat when openâideal for photo spreads
- Standard binding: Traditional book binding, more affordable
- Spiral or wire binding: Casual feel, pages turn easily
- Saddle-stitch: For smaller books, pages are folded and stapled
Paper Quality
- Standard: 100# text weight for basic books
- Premium: 120# or higher for enhanced quality
- Matte finish: Reduces glare, good for text-heavy pages
- Glossy finish: Makes photos pop with vibrant colors
- Satin/luster: Middle ground between matte and glossy
Size Options
- 8x10 inches: Compact, manageable size
- 10x10 inches: Popular square format
- 11x8.5 inches: Landscape orientation
- 12x12 inches: Large square format for photo-heavy books
- 8.5x11 inches: Standard letter size, familiar format
Quantity Considerations
Order extras for:
- Contributors who participated
- Close family members who weren't contributors
- Backup copies (accidents happen)
- Future family members
- Archive/preservation copy
Many printing services offer volume discounts, making additional copies cost-effective.
Packaging and Presentation
For Gift Giving:
- Present in a custom box or wrapped elegantly
- Include a personalized note explaining the book's significance
- Add a bookmark with a meaningful quote
- Consider a reveal event where you present books to family together
For Memorial Services:
- Display a copy at the service for attendees to view
- Have sign-in sheets where guests can leave contact info to receive a copy
- Create a smaller version or excerpt as a service program
For Milestone Celebrations:
- Make the book reveal a highlight of the celebration
- Display sample pages at the event
- Have guests sign a copy during the celebration
Preservation Tips
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use acid-free boxes for long-term storage
- Handle with clean hands
- Consider digitizing as backup
- Create multiple copies for different family branches
Digital Tribute Book Alternatives
Digital formats offer unique advantages:
Online Flipbooks
Advantages:
- Easy sharing with distant family and friends
- No printing or shipping costs
- Can be updated or corrected after "publication"
- Interactive elements (clickable links, embedded videos)
- Environmentally friendly
- Always accessible from any device
Platforms:
- Flipsnack: Professional flipbook creator with realistic page-turning
- FlippingBook: High-quality digital publications
- Issuu: Popular platform for digital publications
- MyStoryFlow: Digital flipbook options designed for family stories
Memorial Websites
Create a dedicated website featuring:
- Digital version of the tribute book
- Extended photo galleries
- Video tributes
- Guestbook for ongoing messages
- Information about celebrations or memorials
- Opportunities for charitable donations
Platforms:
- Keeper: Memorial websites and tribute pages
- ForeverMissed: Online memorials with tribute features
- MyStoryFlow: Family storytelling sites that include tribute capabilities
Private Family Social Networks
- FamilySearch Memories: Free platform for family history and tributes
- MyHeritage: Genealogy platform with story sharing
- Ancestry: Family tree integration with stories and photos
- Private Facebook Groups: Simple option for sharing memories and photos
Video Tributes
Complement or replace traditional books with:
- Compilation of video messages from contributors
- Slideshow set to meaningful music
- Professional video biography
- Video interviews with family members sharing stories
Hybrid Approach
Many families create both physical and digital versions:
- Print limited copies for immediate family
- Share digital version with extended family and friends
- Update digital version with additional content over time
- Use digital version to collect initial content before committing to print
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to create a tribute book?
Plan for 3-4 months for a comprehensive tribute book when working around busy schedules. This includes time for planning (2 weeks), collecting contributions (4-6 weeks), organizing and editing (2-3 weeks), designing (2-3 weeks), and printing/shipping (2-3 weeks). For memorial situations, you may need to condense this timeline to 4-6 weeks, focusing on immediate family and close friends for contributions.
How many pages should a tribute book be?
Most tribute books range from 40-100 pages, though there's no strict rule. A small intimate book might be 20-30 pages, while comprehensive memorial books can exceed 150 pages. Consider your content volume, number of contributors, and budget. Remember that many printing services have minimum page counts (often 20 pages) and charge per page, so balance thoroughness with practicality.
Should I edit contributors' submissions?
Light editing for spelling, grammar, and clarity is appropriate and expected. However, preserve the contributor's voice and meaning. For sensitive content, consult with immediate family before including. If a submission is too long, consider excerpting the most meaningful portions rather than excluding it entirely. Always maintain the authentic emotion and personal nature of contributionsâover-editing can make them feel sterile.
What if I don't get enough contributions?
If responses are limited, supplement with: your own research and writing about the person's life, newspaper clippings or public records, transcribed portions of interviews you conduct, favorite quotes or passages that were meaningful to them, and comprehensive photo sections with detailed captions. Quality matters more than quantityâa smaller book with heartfelt content is better than a large book filled with filler. You can also extend your deadline or reach out to additional people you might have initially overlooked.
Can I create a tribute book for someone who is still living?
Absolutely! "Living tributes" are wonderful gifts for milestone occasions. The honoree can enjoy reading how they've impacted others, which is often deeply meaningful. Living tribute books work beautifully for retirements, significant birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to show appreciation. The recipient might even contribute their own reflections on the memories shared, adding another dimension to the book. Many people wish they had created tribute books before a loved one passedâdon't wait for loss to celebrate someone special.
Create Your Tribute Book with MyStoryFlow
Creating a tribute book is a labor of love that results in a priceless keepsake. Whether you're honoring someone who has passed, celebrating a milestone, or simply preserving precious memories, the process brings families and communities together while ensuring that important stories are never forgotten.
MyStoryFlow makes the tribute book creation process easier and more meaningful by:
Simplifying Contribution Collection
Send personalized prompts to family and friends, making it easy for them to share stories through guided questions designed specifically for tribute books.
Organizing Submissions Automatically
All contributions are collected in one place, properly attributed, and easy to review and organizeâno more tracking down emails or managing multiple document versions.
Offering Both Digital and Print Options
Create beautiful digital flipbooks that can be instantly shared with distant family, plus order professional printed versions when you're ready.
Preserving Beyond a Single Project
Your tribute book becomes part of a larger family story archive that can grow over time, with the ability to add more memories and create additional books in the future.
Providing Professional Design Support
Access templates and design tools specifically created for tribute books, or work with design assistance to ensure your book looks polished and professional.
Start creating your tribute book today and ensure that the stories, memories, and legacy of your loved one are preserved for generations to come. Visit MyStoryFlow to begin your tribute book project.
Related Articles
Learn more about preserving family stories and creating meaningful memory books:
- Family History Book Guide - Comprehensive guide to documenting your family's story
- Grandparent Memory Books - Create lasting tributes to your grandparents' lives and wisdom
- How to Interview Elderly Relatives - Techniques for gathering meaningful stories from older family members
- Preserving Family Photos - Best practices for organizing and protecting precious family photographs
- Writing Your Family Story - Tips and techniques for crafting compelling family narratives
Each person's life is a story worth telling. A tribute book ensures that story lives on, bringing comfort to those who loved them and providing a precious connection for future generations who never had the chance to meet them. The time and effort you invest in creating this tribute will be rewarded many times over as family members return to these pages again and again, remembering, celebrating, and keeping precious memories alive.
