As one of the earliest major holidays on the calendar, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer and presents a valuable opportunity for marketers to connect with seasonal shoppers. With shoppers ready to spend and inboxes filling up fast, it’s the perfect moment to capture attention, drive holiday sales, and build loyalty with well-timed campaigns that honor fallen heroes.
To make sure your holiday campaign doesn’t get lost in the inbox, it’s important to strike the right tone, email design, and offer. Below, we’ve compiled best practices and real ideas you can use for your 2025 campaign, including ready-to-use email template options.
Best Practices for Memorial Day Email Marketing
Before you build out your holiday campaign, it’s worth focusing on the basics. These best practices help ensure that your holiday emails not only look good but also reach the right people at the right time with the right message while showing respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. If you’re new to email marketing, avoid common mistakes that beginner digital marketers make and learn the fundamentals of what email marketing is and how it works.
#1. Embrace a Patriotic Email Design
Memorial Day holds strong cultural significance in the U.S., and incorporating patriotic email design elements can quickly signal that your message is timely and connected to the holiday. Red, white, and blue color schemes, star patterns, and summer-themed imagery, like BBQs, beach scenes, or picnic setups, signal that your message is timely and tied to the occasion. It’s an easy way to grab attention and show that your brand is part of the seasonal conversation while we honor fallen service members.
Example: A home décor brand launches a holiday campaign featuring red and navy design accents with a background image of a family picnic. The headline reads, “Celebrate Summer! Our Memorial Day Sale Starts Now.”
Tip: Keep the tone respectful. Avoid overusing military symbols unless they directly connect with your brand mission or customer base. Remember to honor fallen heroes appropriately in your messaging.
#2. Create a Sense of Urgency
Urgency gives your limited-time holiday offer a reason to be opened and acted on now, not later. Time-sensitive messaging encourages quicker decision-making, especially around short holiday weekends when people know deals won’t last. Countdown timers, expiration dates, and phrases like “Ends Soon” or “48-Hour Sale” add pressure in a way that feels motivating rather than pushy.
Example: An outdoor gear retailer sends a timely campaign with the subject line “48 Hours Only! Memorial Day Mega Sale” and a timer at the top of the message counting down to the end of the promotion.
Tip: Be sure to include the deadline in both your subject line and the main content. Keep the language bold and concise so it’s easy for readers to understand right away.
#3. Segment Your Audience
Sending your Memorial Day email campaign to the right audience is just as important as crafting the message. Since this is a U.S. holiday, targeting American subscribers ensures your campaign stays relevant. You can also segment by location, past purchases, or engagement level to send Memorial Day savings offers that feel more tailored and timelier. Discover more about email segmentation and why it’s key to higher open rates in our comprehensive guide.
Example: A fashion brand sends a seasonal promotion with swimwear deals only to U.S. subscribers who browsed summer styles in the last 30 days.
Tip: Use basic filters in your email platform to segment by country or state. If you don’t already track this data, consider asking for location info during signup.
#4. Optimize for Mobile Devices
More than half of all holiday campaign opens happen on mobile, which means your email design needs to load quickly, look clean, and function smoothly on smaller screens. If your layout isn’t mobile-friendly, think hard-to-read fonts, slow-loading images, or crowded designs, you risk losing the reader before they even get to your message.
Example: A travel agency sends a Memorial Day sale email with a single-column layout, large CTA buttons, and high-contrast text, making it easy to read and navigate on any screen.
Tip: Preview your Memorial Day email on mobile before sending. Use tools within your email platform to test for responsiveness and prioritize fast-loading visuals.
#5. Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Every Memorial Day message should have one clear action you want the reader to take. Whether that’s shopping a sale, reserving a spot, or exploring a collection, the CTA should stand out visually and be impossible to miss. A strong CTA gives your email direction and turns attention into clicks. For detailed strategies on creating effective CTAs, check out our guide on crafting high-converting CTAs tailored for different business types.
Example: A fitness brand sends a Memorial Day email with the headline “Summer Starts Here” and a bold button that says “Shop Workout Gear.” The CTA appears both at the top and bottom of the email for visibility.
Tip: Stick to one primary CTA per email. Make the button color contrast with the rest of your email design, and keep the wording simple and actionable.
#6. Personalize with AI
Adding personalized elements to your holiday emails can significantly increase engagement. This can include using the recipient’s name, showcasing products based on their past purchases, or sending location-based offers. AI tools built into most email platforms make this kind of customization fast and scalable. Learn more about the power of personalization in email marketing and how it can transform your campaigns.
Example: An e-commerce site sends a personalized message that opens with ‘Sarah, ready to upgrade your backyard?” and highlights outdoor furniture similar to what she previously viewed.
Tip: Take advantage of your email platform’s personalization tools to insert details like first names, browsing behavior, or location. You don’t have to do everything at once. For example, just starting with a personalized subject line can go a long way.
#7. Integrate with Social Media
Memorial Day email marketing doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Pairing your Memorial Day campaign with social media activity can increase visibility and give your offer more traction. Sharing user-generated content, running contests, or posting behind-the-scenes content related to your campaign helps build excitement beyond the inbox while sharing happy Memorial Day wishes.
Example: A skincare brand promotes its Memorial Day savings in an email and invites subscribers to share their summer skincare routine on Instagram using a campaign hashtag.
Tip: Add social media icons to your email footer and mention your campaign hashtag directly in the Memorial Day email copy. Consider using social proof or customer reviews to strengthen the message.
Memorial Day Email Template Options
To help you get started quickly, here are three proven email template designs you can customize for your memorial day email campaigns:
Email Template 1: Memorial Day Sale Email
Subject: “Happy Memorial Day! 30% Off Everything This Weekend”
Header: Patriotic banner with red, white, and blue email design
Body: Featured products with holiday savings callouts
CTA: “Shop Memorial Day Sale Now”
Footer: Social links and thoughtful messages honoring the holiday
Email Template 2: Memorial Day Messages for Restaurants
Subject: “Memorial Day Weekend Specials – Reserve Your Table”
Header: BBQ and summer dining imagery
Body: Special menu items and Memorial Day hours
CTA: “Make Your Reservation” Footer: Happy memorial day wishes to customers.
Email Template 3: Service Business Memorial Day Email
Subject: “Memorial Day Hours & Exclusive Offers Inside”
Header: Simple patriotic email design elements
Body: Holiday schedule and special seasonal offers
CTA: “Book Your Appointment”
Footer: Thoughtful notes honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
9 Ideas for Memorial Day Email Campaigns
Once you’ve nailed the best practices, it’s time to decide what kind of campaign you want to run. These nine ideas are flexible, proven, and easy to tailor to your brand, whether you’re promoting products, sharing values, or building long-term loyalty with a campaign that honor fallen service members.
1. Early Summer Sale
Memorial Day is a great time to launch your summer marketing. It’s especially effective for businesses selling seasonal items like clothing, patio accessories, or travel gear, since shoppers are already looking ahead to the warmer months.
Example: A clothing brand launches a summer kickoff campaign featuring warm-weather essentials with a headline like “Catch summer early! Enjoy 20% off everything until May 31.”
Tip: Use bright, summer-themed visuals in your email design and keep your promotion running through the weekend to maximize reach. Include seasonal offers messaging to capitalize on holiday shopping while including thoughtful notes that honor the holiday.
2. Family & Friends Collection
Memorial Day weekend is all about spending time with loved ones. Position your products as part of those gatherings, from shared meals to backyard celebrations, while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Emotional connections drive purchasing decisions – learn more about how emotions influence marketing and how to leverage them effectively.
Example: A kitchenware company promotes a “Family & Friends” bundle in their message that includes their bestselling grill tools and picnic sets.
Tip: Focus on storytelling in your promotion copy. Help your audience picture how your product fits into their weekend plans while including respectful Memorial Day messages that honor fallen heroes.
3. Backyard BBQ Essentials
Whether it’s food, furniture, or décor, anything tied to grilling or outdoor dining can be featured in a BBQ-themed holiday campaign. This works especially well for home and lifestyle brands during Memorial Day weekend.
Example: An outdoor furniture store sends a campaign titled “Everything You Need for the Perfect Backyard BBQ,” showcasing chairs, lights, and grilling accessories.
Tip: Group products into bundles to increase order value and use lifestyle photos in your email design to inspire customers. Include holiday-themed offers to drive urgency while sharing happy Memorial Day wishes.
4. Summer Travel Kit
If you sell anything travel-related, such as luggage, skincare, or accessories, this is a great time to promote it in your messages. People often take trips during the long weekend or plan vacations shortly after Memorial Day.
Example: A beauty brand sends a holiday email offering a curated “Summer Travel Kit,” featuring TSA-sized skincare, sunscreen, and travel pouches.
Tip: Make packing easier by offering kits or limited bundles in your email template. Highlight convenience and portability in your messaging, and wish customers happy Memorial Day travels.
5. Free Gift with Purchase
Free gifts are a classic promotional tactic that still works, especially during holiday weekends. A small, themed gift can increase average order value and build goodwill while celebrating Memorial Day.
Example: An accessories brand promotes in their promotional email, “Spend $75 and receive a free Memorial Day tote with your order.”
Tip: Make sure the gift is relevant and actually useful. Mention the value of the gift to increase perceived holiday value.
6. Flash Sale + Countdown Timer
Flash sales work best when there’s a sense of urgency. Pair your limited-time holiday sale email with a countdown timer to give your audience a clear deadline.
Example: An electronics retailer sends a “48-Hour Memorial Day Flash Sale” email with a live countdown and big savings on featured items.
Tip: Keep the email copy short and focused. The headline, discount, and deadline should be front and center in your email design.
7. Charitable Offer
This holiday is meant to honor fallen service members and reflect on their ultimate sacrifice. When your Memorial Day email campaign supports a charitable cause, it can help build a stronger emotional connection and show that your brand understands the deeper meaning of the day.
Example: A coffee company shares in their campaign, “In honor of Memorial Day and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we’re donating $1 for every order to a veteran support nonprofit.”
Tip: Be transparent about the cause you’re supporting in your email template. If possible, link to the organization and explain why it matters to your brand. Include a note that honors fallen service members.
8. User-Generated Content Email
Featuring your customers in your Memorial Day email campaign helps build trust and engagement. Use real photos or quotes from customers enjoying your product during the holiday.
Example: A swimwear brand sends out an email titled, “Here’s How Our Customers Are Celebrating,” and includes Instagram photos from real buyers with happy memorial day captions.
Tip: Ask for permission before sharing user content and tag contributors where appropriate. Include a CTA inviting others to share their own Memorial Day photos in future holiday campaigns.
9. Post-Purchase Thank You Email
Your follow-up matters. A post-purchase thank-you email is a great way to express appreciation and offer a small incentive to drive repeat business after Memorial Day purchases.
Example: A candle brand sends a thank-you message after a Memorial Day order with the subject line, “Thanks for shopping with us! Enjoy 10% off your next purchase.”
Tip: Keep this message simple and genuine. Include a short message of appreciation and a small promo code for next time, along with happy Memorial Day wishes.
Design Best Practices for Memorial Day Campaigns
When designing your Memorial Day campaign, keep these key principles in mind:
- Patriotic color schemes: Red, white, and blue naturally signal the season. Use them thoughtfully to evoke the spirit of the holiday without overwhelming your message.
- Respectful imagery: Balance promotional content with visuals that honor fallen service members. Avoid generic military symbols; instead, opt for dignified, meaningful representations of remembrance.
- Mobile optimization: Over half of all emails are opened on mobile devices. Ensure your design loads quickly, displays clearly, and features tappable buttons on all screen sizes.
- Clear visual hierarchy: Highlight seasonal offers prominently but keep the layout clean and focused; clutter dilutes both your message and the solemnity of the occasion.
Above all, remember: Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. Your design should reflect that respect while still delivering a clear, valuable offer to your audience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Memorial Day offers a unique chance to connect with your audience, increase engagement, and drive seasonal sales, all while staying aligned with the spirit of the holiday and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Whether you’re running a summer-themed flash sale or highlighting customer stories, the key is to keep your messages timely, relevant, and easy to act on.
So remember, start with a clear strategy, follow best practices, choose the right email template, and select a campaign idea that makes sense for your audience. With the right approach and thoughtful messaging that honors the holiday’s meaning, your Memorial Day marketing in 2025 can deliver results that last well beyond the weekend while we honor fallen heroes.
Kick Off Summer with Winning Memorial Day Emails
Memorial Day is your chance to spark sales and build loyalty with standout holiday campaigns. Create timely, engaging campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive results while honoring our fallen service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Explore effective types of email marketing strategies to enhance your overall marketing approach.
With Nova Express, you can craft, automate, and optimize Memorial Day email campaigns effortlessly using professional email template options and advanced email design tools. Start now and make this holiday count while sharing happy Memorial Day wishes with your customers!
Nova Express Resources
- What Is Nova Express?
- Email Marketing Pricing Models: Contacts-Based vs. Send-Based
- Subaccounts Made for Marketers Who Manage Multiple Clients
- How to Start Email Marketing
- How to Start Your First Email Campaign
- Amazon SES Integration Guide
- Mailgun Integration Guide
- Email Warm-Up Guide
- NotebookLM for Marketers
- AI Tools for Marketers
- Nano Banana Pro: The Complete Guide for Marketers 2026
Start now: Nova Express
Updated in 2026 to reflect the latest strategies and data.
About the author
Serafima Osovitny is a marketing manager at Nova Express. Passionate about turning complex marketing tactics into simple, actionable guides, she shares insights about email marketing and e-commerce. Follow her on Twitter: @OSerafimaA.
I always struggled with the tone for Memorial Day, didn’t want to sound too commercial on a solemn holiday. The tip about ‘Charitable Offers’ was perfect. We donated a % of sales to a vet nonprofit, and our customers loved it. Felt good to sell while doing something meaningful.