Writing funeral death notices don’t need to be complicated. This guide walks you through the process with practical examples and templates to create a respectful announcement for your loved one.
What Are Funeral Death Notices?
A funeral death notice announces a person’s death and provides funeral service details to family, friends, and the community. Unlike an obituary, which tells the story of someone’s life, a death notice focuses on essential information about the death and funeral arrangements.
Basic Information to Include In a Funeral Death Notice
The foundation of any death notice starts with the basic details about the deceased. This information forms the opening of your notice, followed by funeral service details, wake or viewing information, and burial arrangements. Many families also add preferences about flowers or charitable donations.
- Full name of the deceased (including maiden name if applicable)
- Age at death
- Date of death
- Place of death (city and state)
- Funeral service details
- Wake or viewing information
- Burial details
- Where to send flowers or donations
Family Information Section
List immediate surviving family members:
- Spouse or partner
- Children and their spouses
- Grandchildren
- Parents
- Siblings
You can also mention predeceased family members, writing “preceded in death by [name and relationship].”
Service Details
Provide clear information about:
- Date and time of service
- Location name and address
- Reception details
- Burial location
- Special requests (like “family flowers only”)
Templates and Examples
Basic Template: [Full Name], aged [age], passed away on [date] in [location]. Beloved [relationship] of [family members]. Funeral service will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]. [Optional: donation preferences].
Example: “John Robert Smith, aged 75, passed away on January 5, 2024, in Sydney. Loving husband of Mary, father of James (Sarah) and Emma (Michael), grandfather of Tom, Lucy, and Kate. Funeral service at St Michael’s Church, 123 Church Street, Sydney, on January 10 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Council Australia appreciated.”
Publishing Funeral Death Notices
Newspaper Publication
- Contact local newspapers for submission guidelines
- Ask about word limits and costs
- Submit at least 3-4 days before the service
- Request a proof copy before publication
Online Publication
- Choose funeral home website options
- Use social media for wider reach
- Consider online memorial sites
- Share through community groups
Cost Considerations
Newspaper costs vary based on the length of notice, number of publication days, and newspaper circulation size. Additional features like photos or borders increase the price. Online publications generally cost less and sometimes offer free options. Factor these costs into your funeral planning budget.
Need Help With Your Funeral Notices?
We understand that grief can strike at any time. Our compassionate team is here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need support or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (02) 9954 6655.
Call our compassionate team for assistance with your funeral arrangements and death notice publication. Available 24/7, our experienced staff will guide you through each step of the process.