Determining how to write a memorial announcement can be difficult when trying to tell a close friend or loved one. Memorial announcements are not only used to announce the sad news, but they also serve as a reminder for family members and friends who attend the memorial. Memorial announcements are often a summary of someone’s life. With thoughtful messages, they can be used to remember the legacy of those who have passed on.
Keep reading to learn more tips on how to write a memorial announcement.
Memorial Announcements vs. Obituaries
Let’s first discuss the differences between an obituary and a memorial announcement. Although many people believe they can be interchanged, the truth is that they are quite different. An obituary is a notice of death, and these notices are published in newspapers and usually include a short biography about the deceased.
On the other hand, a memorial announcement is a way to let your family and friends know about the passing of a loved one. It also includes details regarding any memorial arrangements that the family made. Memorial announcements are not often published and are usually sent by email or postal mail.
How to write a memorial announcement
When you’re ready to begin writing your memorial announcement, you need to ensure that you include the correct information. These are some tips to remember:
- Include the names of the family members, their hometown, when they died, and the plans for commemorating them.
- Some people include a photograph of the deceased in the announcement.
- Include a poem, script, or prayer meaningful to your family.
- You can include a family flag or coat of arms if you have one.
Family members are allowed to share as much or as little information about the death of their loved ones as they wish. However, it is important that you feel comfortable sharing this information.
Memorial announcements should not be viewed as invitations for funerals, wakes, or memorial services. Memorial announcements are intimate and personal, and it is important to take time to write one.
If you have difficulty writing a memorial announcement, please ask for assistance. Maybe a family member is willing to write such an announcement. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to ask the Funeral Director or a Grief Counselor for help.
How to write a memorial announcement on Facebook
Many families today are opting to live-stream the memorial service of a loved one. Here are some guidelines for creating a Facebook memorial announcement.
- A brief description of the passing of your loved ones.
- Short message remembering him/her.
- The memorial date, time, and place.
All Facebook friends and perhaps their friends can see your memorial announcement. If you don’t want everyone, you should specify whether the memorial will be a private event reserved for family members and close friends.
If you have set up a donation to a cause for your loved one, you should include this information. People will be interested in knowing how they can provide support during these difficult times.
How to send a memorial announcement
After you have completed the memorial announcement and decided on the card’s design, you should think about the following things before you send it.
- Should we have an obituary? Not everyone will get the memorial announcement, but obituaries have also become the source of scams.
- Be considerate of everyone – You should also consider the needs of your family members and friends who are visiting from far away. Include directions, contact information, and other information for guests from out of town.
- Be careful – Do not offend anyone simply by posting about it on social media. To let family and friends know about memorial arrangements, make sure to use a visible medium like an email or postcard.
- Do not send memorial notices until you are ready. This is an emotional time, and you should not hesitate to ask for help when you are in need.
In general, these are the four main points to follow when writing a memorial announcement to let loved ones know of the death.
Things you might include
Include the full name of the person and any nicknames, titles, or other information they may have used. It is wise to include a woman’s maiden name. Mention the city where they lived and their surviving relatives. If it is a public memorial, mention this, announcing the location and time of the memorial.
Other things you can add
You can also mention where the person was born, where they grew up, and where they worked. This section can also include names of relatives beyond their immediate family, such as their aunts and uncles, cousins, or aunts. A picture of the deceased is also a nice touch, allowing people to confirm it is the person they think it may be.
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Understanding the different types of memorial announcements
You’ll likely have limited words, space, and length you can use for an obituary you intend to publish at a news outlet. This allows you to write the announcement more formally, and keep it short and simple for news outlets.
You should also consider the journalistic aspect of writing an obituary announcement, asking questions such as “Who, What, When, Where, Why?” Which family members were left behind when the death occurred? What year did they die? When is the memorial? The memorial will be held where? The “why?” question can answer how they died or describe whether their death was sudden or peaceful. The “Why” question is not an obligatory piece of an obituary.
You can use more descriptive words for a casual memorial announcement, such as a card to their loved ones and friends. We describe personality traits, work history, hobbies, interests, etc.
How to write a memorial announcement for the news
Use the templates to create a thoughtful message that honors the life and legacy of your loved one.
Option 1:
In loving memory of [name]. [date of your birth and death] Loved by [husband], spouse, father, grandfather, etc. We will always remember you. To remember their/her lives, please join us [time, place, date]
Option 2:
It is with deep sorrow we inform you of the passing of our beloved [husband/father, grandfather, etc.]. [name] on [date]. A private memorial service will be held at [date, time, location] for the family.
Option 3:
We are deeply sorry to inform you about the loss of our beloved [wife, mother, grandmother, etc.] [Name] on [date]. We would like to extend an invitation for you to come join us in celebrating our loved one’s life at [date, time, and location]. We ask that you bring your best memories, thoughts, and prayers to [name and location].
How to write a memorial announcement for email
Most memorial announcements are not sent via email. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule. Perhaps the deceased was still working and had many business associates.
In this case, the survivors may want to send an email directly to the email contacts of the deceased. These are some examples of text that you might consider including.
Option 1:
We are deeply sorry to announce the passing of Henry Jones (1953 to 2022). The visitation will take place on [DAY, DATE] @ [TIME] AT [LOCATION and ADDRESS]. The memorial service will take place on [DAY, DATE] @ [TIME] AT [LOCATION and ADDRESS. A graveside service will follow the memorial service.
Option 2:
We will hold a memorial for Sue Smith on [DAY, DATE] @ [TIME] AT [LOCATION and ADDRESS]. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable person. In the church hall, there will be a reception.
Option 3:
The Frank family announces Michael’s (1943-2022) death with deep sadness. A public visitation will take place on [DAY, DATE] @ [TIME] at [LOCATION AND ADDRESS.]
How to write a memorial announcement for social media
The main advantage of using social platforms to send a message is that the family doesn’t need to identify every person interested in learning about the death of their loved one. The loved ones’ connections will be notified if the family tags the deceased in a funeral announcement.
Facebook and other social media platforms allow families to share more personal messages of condolences. Here are some suggestions:
Option 1:
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Blake Monroe, our mother, sister, daughter, and wife. We invite you to join us in celebrating her life on [DAY DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION AND ADDRESS]. Following the burial service, a luncheon will occur in the church hall.
Option 2:
Sharon Alister is a person we will always remember. We will host a celebration at [LOCATION and ADDRESS] on [DAY, DATE] at [TIME]. The family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society in place of flowers.
Option 3:
We are deeply sorry for him, but we celebrate Henry Jone’s triumphant return home to his Heavenly Father. We invite you to join us in celebrating Henry’s life at [DAY, DATE] at [TIME] at [LOCATION AND ADDRESS].
How to write a memorial announcement summary
Memorial announcements are usually short pieces of text that announce the death and the time and place for services. Memorial announcements typically contain 120 words.
These announcements can be difficult to write, so you might give them to someone not as close to the deceased. The funeral director or the leader of the service may be able to provide the memorial announcement’s text.
Make sure you double-check the information before the memorial service information is published. It would be shameful if the wrong date was published, and mourners arrived at a service to discover it had been changed.
After losing a loved person, it is difficult to write a memorial notice after losing a loved person. Don’t forget the details. Everyone should have the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one or family member.
