How to Announce Funeral Services: Five Tried and True Suggestions

Funeral announcements serve as loving tributes to those who are no longer with us. Most people are unsure of what to include in these communications, so we have compiled some helpful information and guidance.

Please read on for five tips to assist you in creating a meaningful, fitting funeral announcement for your departed loved one.

Funeral announcements are not the same as obituaries.

While many people use these terms interchangeably, they serve different purposes and should be crafted differently, too.  An obituary is a notice of death. It is usually published in the newspaper and often includes a biography of the deceased and information about surviving family members. A funeral announcement serves to let friends and family know of the passing of a loved one, and to share details regarding the funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life event. Funeral announcements are usually not published in the paper; they are most often sent by mail or digital means.

Provide the necessary information but keep it simple.

Because the funeral announcement is an invitation of sorts, some details are mandatory. You should include the name of the departed, their dates of birth and death, and the city and state in which they lived. Be sure to include all relevant information regarding the funeral or memorial services, such as the date, time, and address. Some people choose to add a line from a favorite Bible verse or poem to make it more personal, but this is not required. You may wish to include a photograph of the departed, too, but it’s entirely up to you. Keep in mind that a funeral announcement is not an obituary, so do not add biographical information.

Customary wording is a smart choice.

Because the announcement may ultimately reach people you do not know, it is best to rely on time-tested traditional phrasing, such as:

• It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved husband and father (insert name).
• With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved mother, (insert name).
• In loving memory of (insert name), we are saddened to announce their passing on (insert date).

Will the service be public or private?

If the service will be private, you should send the funeral announcement directly to those individuals who are invited to attend. In this case, the tone of the announcement can be more casual. If the service is going to be public, it is best to create a formal published notice that announces the death and details regarding the funeral services.

Ask others to review the draft.

Unless you have written the notice ahead of time, it can be difficult to compose your thoughts while you are grieving. Fortunately, many online templates and examples exist to assist you in creating a funeral announcement for your loved one. Before the notice is printed or published, ask a few close friends or family members to carefully review it for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and accuracy of information. 

Funeral announcements should be personal, intimate, and special, so take your time and do not rush the process. If you have questions or require assistance, our experienced professionals are here to help. Please contact us anytime. 

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, and repast services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.