Getting Started
What is Candela?
Candela is a digital memorial for families. Each memorial has a page with photos, a guestbook, and candles, and a memorial card that people add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. You can begin with just their name, and there is no app to download.
How do I create a memorial?
Go to candela.memorial/begin and type the name they were known by. Add a photo of them if you have one. You can add more later.
Is it really free?
Yes. The memorial page, the memorial card, and the link you share are free, and you do not need a credit card. If you want more, there is one paid option, $99, paid once. If Candela ever closes, you get 90 days notice and a full export.
Do I need to download an app?
No. The memorial is a website that opens in the browser on any phone. The card is added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, which are already on the phone.
How long does it take?
A name is enough to start. You can add photos and the date, time, and place of the services when you have them.
The Memorial
Can multiple people add photos?
Yes. Invite family and friends. Coordinators can moderate photos before they appear.
What is the guestbook?
A place for friends and family to share written memories. Entries are moderated by the memorial coordinator.
What is candle lighting?
A simple gesture of remembrance. Visitors light a virtual candle on the memorial page.
Can I write an obituary?
Yes. Candela has an obituary writer that helps you write one. You can also paste in words you have already written.
The Card
What is a digital prayer card?
A digital prayer card is a memorial card that you add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on your phone. It shows a photo of them, their name, and the time and place of the services. On an iPhone, everyone who has it sees it on their lock screen on the day of the services. On an iPhone, when someone with the card is near a place that was theirs, the card appears on their lock screen.
How do people get the card?
Share the memorial link or a QR code. They tap Add to Apple Wallet or Add to Google Wallet, and the card is saved. They do not need an app or an account to add the card. Everyone at the service can add it. Text the link or share it on Facebook, and the people who could not come can add it too.
Does it work without internet?
Yes. Once the card is saved in Wallet, it stays on the phone and opens without an internet connection.
What prayers are available?
You can choose a prayer from several faith traditions or a secular reflection, or write your own words.
Privacy
Who can see the memorial?
You choose whether the memorial is public or private. A Wallet card is private to each person who saves it.
Will it last? What about in 20 years?
There is no monthly fee, the memorial is not taken down after 30 days, and you can ask us for a full export at any time. If we ever close, you get 90 days notice and a full export. We cannot promise that Candela will always be here, so we promise you a full export instead.
Can I export my data?
Yes. You can ask us for a full export at any time. If we close, you also get 90 days notice and a full export.
Do you show ads?
No. There are no ads on memorial pages.
Pricing
What do the plans include?
The free memorial includes their name, a photo, one card design, the time and place of the services, 1 place and 1 date of your own, up to 20 photos, and a simple guestbook. For $99, paid once, the memorial holds 200 photos, 10 places, 10 dates, and 3 card designs.
Is there a subscription?
No. There is no monthly fee for families. The $99 is paid once.
They died a while ago. Can I still create a memorial?
Yes. You can create a memorial at any time, whether they died last month or many years ago.
I’m pre-planning. Can I start now?
Yes. Start with a name, and add the rest when you are ready.