Instant
Download
Customization Services
Photo
Retouching Services
Live
Support
Planning a funeral is never easy. In the midst of grief and urgent decisions, one of the most important—and often overlooked—tasks is notifying others of the passing. A thoughtfully written funeral announcement can serve as both a practical message and a tribute to the life that was lived.
Whether you’re planning to mail cards, share the news online, or print announcements for the service, this guide will walk you through the essentials. You’ll learn what to include, how to phrase it with sensitivity, and where to find printable funeral announcement templates that reflect your loved one’s memory.
What Is a Funeral Announcement?
A funeral announcement is a concise message shared to inform family, friends, and the broader community about the passing of a loved one, along with the details of their service. Unlike obituaries, which often tell a life story, or eulogies, which are spoken tributes, funeral announcements are short, informative, and typically centered on logistics.
These notices may be printed and mailed, shared as digital cards via email, or posted on social media. Some families also include funeral announcements in their printed memorial programs to hand out during the service.
Funeral Announcement vs. Obituary vs. Invitation
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they each serve a different purpose:
| Type | Purpose | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Announcement | Notifies people of the death and provides service details | Printed or digital notice |
| Obituary | Summarizes the deceased’s life, accomplishments, and survivors | Published in newspapers or online |
| Funeral Invitation | Personally invites specific guests to attend (often RSVP required) | Mailed or emailed invitation |
💡 Some families choose to combine elements from all three into one printed announcement or digital card.
When to Send a Funeral Announcement
Funeral announcements should be sent out as soon as the service details are confirmed—ideally within 24–72 hours after arrangements are made. This gives guests enough time to plan travel, take off work, or prepare to attend virtually.
How to Share a Funeral Announcement
There is no single “correct” method for distributing a funeral announcement. Your choice will depend on your audience, timeline, and preferences.
📬 Mailing Printed Cards
Mail is a traditional and respectful method, especially for older recipients. It offers a tactile, keepsake-like quality and can be customized with elegant designs and photos. Use a printable funeral announcement template to save time while still creating a professional result.
📧 Sending by Email
Email is fast and efficient. You can attach a digital announcement, include a Zoom or livestream link, and even request RSVPs using platforms like Google Forms.
🌐 Posting on Social Media
For larger communities, social media posts can ensure the news reaches everyone in a timely way. While informal, these announcements can still be written with care and include links to service info or memorial pages.
🖨 Including in the Funeral Program
If timing doesn’t allow for pre-service notification, you can include the announcement as the opening page of your funeral program, giving attendees a formal way to honor the deceased.
What to Include in a Funeral Announcement
Here’s a checklist of what to include in any funeral announcement—whether printed, emailed, or shared online:
✅ Basic Information
- Full name of the deceased
- Birth and death dates
- Date and time of the service
- Location and address of the service
- Type of service (funeral, memorial, celebration of life)
- Reception details (if applicable)
- Dress code (e.g., formal, white attire, military uniform)
💻 Optional but Recommended
- Livestream or Zoom link
- RSVP contact or form
- Favorite quote, prayer, or verse
Sample Wording for Funeral Announcements
Below are real-world examples to help guide your tone and structure, depending on how formal or informal you wish to be:
🕊 Formal Example
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Elizabeth Thompson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 2031 Willow Rd, Madison, WI.
All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.
🙏 Religious Example
In God’s loving care, John David Michaels has returned to his heavenly home.
Services will be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral on Monday, July 8th at 10:30 AM.
💬 Short & Informal Example
Please join us in remembering Kevin R. Allen on Friday, March 22nd at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Cemetery Chapel.
💻 With Livestream Example
A virtual memorial will be held for Isabella Martinez on Sunday, April 10th at 3 PM.
Stream it live at zoom.com/memorial/Isabella
Recommended Printable Funeral Announcement Templates
If you’re short on time, you can use ready-made designs that allow you to simply insert your details, print, and share. All of our templates are editable in Microsoft Word and compatible with standard home or office printers.
🌸 Floral Funeral Announcement Template
This soft and elegant template features subtle floral elements and a clean layout—ideal for a classic and respectful announcement.
⚫ Elegant Black & White Obituary Card
A timeless black and white layout that adds a dignified and traditional touch to any memorial.
🌊 Sea Shells Beach Theme
Perfect for honoring someone who loved the ocean or lived near the water. Includes gentle waves, shells, and blue hues.
🕯 Lighthouse Memorial Program
Symbolizing guidance, peace, and light—this program doubles as an announcement for those who want a spiritual theme.
All templates are available for instant download and can be customized with your loved one’s photo, favorite verse, or poem.
How to Announce a Private Funeral
In some cases, families choose to hold a private funeral—often due to space limitations, religious customs, or the personal wishes of the deceased. In these situations, funeral announcements should still be sent, but with a different tone and structure.
Here’s an example of sensitive wording:
With love and remembrance, we share the passing of James Allen Brooks.
A private family ceremony will be held. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this time.
You may also use announcements to explain a celebration of life will be held at a later date, or to invite friends to share messages on a memorial page rather than attend in person.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Funeral Announcement
Even with the best intentions, small oversights can lead to confusion or hurt feelings. Here are key mistakes to avoid:
❌ Waiting Too Long
Delaying announcements can lead to missed services. Send them as soon as details are confirmed.
❌ Leaving Out Service Details
Include exact time, date, and location. If the service is virtual, provide the full link and access instructions.
❌ Using Overly Complex Language
Keep your message simple, clear, and heartfelt. Avoid long-winded sentences or hard-to-read fonts.
❌ Forgetting to Proofread
Misspellings—especially of names—can come across as careless. Double-check everything before printing or sending.
Printed vs. Digital Funeral Announcements: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between printed and digital announcements depends on your audience, timing, and budget.
| Format | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Printed Cards | Tangible, keepsake-quality, personal touch | Older relatives, mailed invites, funeral handouts |
| Digital Announcements | Fast, easy to share, cost-effective | Quick distribution, virtual services, wide reach |
| Social Media Posts | Public reach, allows sharing memories | Larger communities, younger friends/family |
For many families, using a printable Word template allows for both—design once, print some, and email others.
Explore our range of funeral card templates for flexible formats that suit both options.
Thoughtful Ways to Personalize a Funeral Announcement
To make your announcement feel truly meaningful, consider these personalization ideas:
- 💬 Add a favorite quote or scripture “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” – Psalm 34:18
- 🖼 Include a photo of the deceased, preferably one where they’re smiling or doing what they loved.
- ✍️ Include a short poem (especially helpful if you’re not ready to write something personal)
- 🎗 Honor military or civic service with symbols or notes like “A proud U.S. Army veteran”
- 💻 Invite guests to share stories on a memorial page or in person at the service
With our editable templates, you can easily add personal touches to every design.
Final Thoughts: Honoring a Life Through a Simple, Loving Message
Creating a funeral announcement isn’t just about sharing the time and place of a service—it’s about honoring a life, starting the healing process, and inviting loved ones to say goodbye.
Whether you choose a traditional mailed card, a virtual invitation, or a printed program for the service, a well-crafted announcement can set the tone for a beautiful memorial.
👉 Ready to Begin?
Browse our full collection of funeral announcement templates to find a design that suits your loved one’s memory. All templates are editable in Microsoft Word, print-ready, and easy to personalize with your message, dates, and photos.
Need help? Contact our support team for assistance choosing or customizing a template.
