A funeral announcement shares the news of a death, providing information regarding funeral service arrangements for the deceased. Using the right funeral announcement wording is crucial for ensuring that all of the details are effectively communicated to the right people.
What Information to Include in a Funeral Announcement
A funeral announcement should include specific details so as to communicate accurate information. Sometimes, people think that a funeral invitation is the same as an obituary, but there are distinct differences. An obituary is usually published in a newspaper or online, and tends to include a public notice of death, a short biography of the deceased person, and miscellaneous information about the funeral arrangements. Obituaries may also list the names of the surviving family members.
Unlike an obituary, a funeral announcement does not need to be published and generally doesn’t include the deceased’s biographical details. Funeral invitation wording tends to include the particulars regarding the funeral service, and is only shared with family, close friends, and acquaintances (rather than the general public).
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However, each funeral announcement is personal and doesn’t fit a “one size fits all” scenario. You can include as much (or as little) information about your loved one, and make it public or private, based on your family’s wishes. When writing a funeral notice, consider your audience and include the details people will need to either attend the funeral service or send their condolences.
A standard summary of a funeral announcement might include:
- The full name of the deceased – Add titles, nicknames, or maiden names (if applicable).
- Place of residence – This can be where they were born and raised, or where they lived at the time of death.
- Date of death
- Place of employment (if applicable)
- Funeral arrangements – Be sure to include the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service. State whether the service is private or open to the public.
- Names of surviving family members
- Donations – Note how/where people can send flowers, donations, or other contributions.
- Picture – If possible, always include an individual picture of the deceased.
Funeral Announcement Wording Samples
Here are 9 funeral announcement wording samples to guide you towards crafting the perfect, personalized notice for your loved one. Feel free to combine some of these examples to create something that works for you and your family.
Wording Sample #1
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of [name], which occurred on [date of death]. Beloved wife of [spouse], mother of [children], and grandmother of [grandchildren]. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on [date] at [time], at [location and address].
Wording Sample #2
[Name] died peacefully at home on [date of death] at the age of [years]. Dearly beloved son and brother of [parents and siblings]. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral to be held at [location and address], on [date] at [time].
[Name] will remain in our hearts forever.
Wording Sample #3
With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of [name] on [date of death]. She was the beloved daughter of [parents], sister of [siblings], and aunt of [niece/nephew]. The funeral service will be held at [location and address], on [date] at [time]. Graveside service and reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to [organization name].
Wording Sample #4
In loving memory of [name] who passed away on [date of death]. Beloved husband of [spouse], father of [children], and grandfather of [grandchildren]. Please join us for a memorial service honoring [name’s] life on [date] at [time], to be held at [location and address].
Wording Sample #5
With great sadness, we announce the passing of [name] on [date of death]. [Name] was our dearly loved mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, and niece, and she will be greatly missed by her loving family and close friends. A funeral service will be held at [location and address] on [date] at [time], followed by interment at [cemetery location].
No flowers by request – please send donations to [organization name].
Wording Sample #6
Family and friends of [immediate family of deceased] are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service for [name], which will be held at [location and address] on [date], beginning at [time]. A graveside service will be held immediately after at [cemetery location].
Wording Sample #7
[Name] passed away after a long illness surrounded by loving family on [date of death]. Beloved husband of [spouse] and cherished father and father in law of [children names], [name] will be sadly missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held at [location and address] on [date] at [time]. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.
Wording Sample #8
We are saddened by the passing of [name], wife of [spouse], mother of [children names], and friend to many. The funeral will be held on [date and time] at [location and address]. Burial will follow at [cemetery location].
Wording Sample #9
Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of [name]. We will gather together on [date and time] at [location and address] to remember our wonderful friend who will be greatly missed. Please bring your fondest memories of [name] to share with family and friends.
Additional Ideas
Including a special quote, phrase, or scripture message at the end of a funeral announcement helps to personalize the notice. Here are 10 funeral readings that can inspire you and help add a touch of inspiration to a funeral invitation.
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