How to write a funeral notice

Writing a funeral notice is one of the many tasks that can fall to us after losing a loved one. While it may feel overwhelming, creating this important announcement can be a meaningful way to honour your loved one and inform the community of their passing. This guide will step you through the process.

What is a funeral notice?

A funeral notice is a brief, factual statement that serves two important purposes: it informs the community of a person's passing and provides important details about the upcoming funeral service. These notices will usually be around 200 words long and can appear in both printed publications, such as local newspapers, and online platforms.

A death notice is similar to a funeral notice but without the details of the funeral. This would typically only be needed if the funeral is yet to be planned, but you still want to notify the community of your loved one’s death.

 

What to write in a funeral notice

A funeral notice would typically contain these key pieces of information:

  • Your loved one's full name (and maiden name, if appropriate)
  • Their age at the time of passing
  • Life dates (birth and death dates)
  • Details of the funeral service
  • Time and date
  • Venue location
  • Any special instructions for attendee

     

How to write a funeral notice with a personal touch

While the notice needs to be factual, you can make it more meaningful by carefully choosing words that reflect your loved one's life and personality. Here are some thoughtful ways on how to write a funeral notice with that added warmth:

Affectionate terms

Consider using words that capture your feelings for your loved one, such as:

  • Adored
  • Beautiful
  • Beloved
  • Cherished
  • Treasured
  • Wonderful
  • Unforgettable

Expressions of love and loss

You might want to include phrases that express your ongoing connection:

  • "Forever loved, never forgotten"
  • "Forever in our hearts"
  • "Greatly missed" 
  • "Much loved and sadly missed"

For those of faith

If your loved one was religious, you might include phrases such as:

  • "At peace in God's care"
  • "In God's garden"
  • "May they rest in peace" 

Personal touches

To make the notice even more meaningful, consider including:

  • A favourite quote that meant something special to your loved one
  • Meaningful song lyrics that capture their spirit
  • Words that reflect their unique personality or outlook on life 
  • Special achievements or contributions they made to their community

Getting your notice published

Your funeral director can handle this task for you – simply provide them with your written notice, and they will arrange for its publication in the appropriate places.

Make it your own

Remember that while there are traditional formats to follow, your death and funeral notice can be as unique as the person it honours. Take the time you need to create a notice that feels right for your loved one and your family. If you're feeling uncertain about the wording, ask your funeral director for guidance.

There’s comfort in simplicity

Our experienced team understand that keeping things simple is the best approach — especially during difficult times. If you need to plan a funeral, we can help.

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