How To Write a Memorable Funeral Service Invitation
How To Write a Memorable Funeral Service Invitation. Writing a funeral invitation is one of the most challenging things you have to do following the death of a loved one. Although you are still dealing with the pain of your loss, the right people must be informed of the funeral service.
But a funeral invitation is not like inviting someone over for a birthday party; this is not something you do every day. To help you with this task, Funeral Home Media shares a few things you should know before writing a funeral service invitation:
- Although you are not required to send out funeral invitations, it is a great way to let friends and family know that a loved one has passed. Sending invitations to each person relieves you of the burden of calling everyone to inform them personally.
- The process of setting down the words of the funeral invitation on paper will bring the full force of the loss home to you. But that is fine; funeral invitations are emotional – people know you are grieving.
- It is not essential to be creative as it is to be authentic. There are no hard and fast rules for writing funeral service invitations. What counts is that the invitation carries the right information about the person and the funeral service.
How To Write a Memorable Funeral Service Invitation : What details should you include in a funeral service invitation?
No two funeral services are going to be alike. Although funeral services have a few things in common, location, people, and ceremony vary greatly. What you include in the funeral service invitation will depend on what you want to include in the ceremony Usually, you have a choice between a simple funeral service (graveside or scattering ashes) and a funeral service with a funeral reception afterward. If you do not plan to have a funeral reception service, there are fewer details to include in the invitation.
But if you want a funeral reception service, you must add more details. Holding a reception allows you to gather with your loved ones after the funeral. Here are some points that you will need to include in the invitation if you plan on having a funeral reception:
- The date, time, and place of the reception.
- Who is invited to the reception, and can they bring guests?
- What kind of reception is this; meal, graveside, scattering ashes, etc.?
- Will you serve food and drinks during the reception?
- RSVP: are guests required to let you know if they will be at the reception or not?
- Are guests expected to bring something along or share a few words?
How To Write a Memorable Funeral Service Invitation : How do you word the funeral service invitation?
Most funeral service invitations use one of two headings: “In Loving Memory of” or “Celebrating the Life of…” Likewise, the words you choose often depend on the deceased’s age and the circumstances of their death. Using “A Celebration of Life” is less somber and more celebratory.
After your opening words, other things you will need to include are:
- A picture of the deceased person.
- Also Something to reflect their lifestyle: a hobby, floral motif, or religious symbol.
- The person’s name, dates of birth, and date of death.
- A line from their favorite quote, poem, or song.
- Surviving family members.
- Date, time, and place of the funeral.
- Requests or thanks for flowers, donations, or kind gestures.
- Your contact information for queries and RSVP.
Funeral service invitation wording examples:
Example one: The tone of this invitation is formal.
In loving memory of James Darnley, who sadly passed away on the 22nd of November after a short illness. Loving husband to Aubrey, a dedicated Dad to Michelle and Stephan, a much-loved granddad to Oliver, and a faithful brother to Allen.
The funeral will take place at Birch-tree Crematorium on Oakland Boulevard at 11 am, Friday, 9 December, with a reception to follow at the Lloyd’s Hotel Garden Room.
Flowers may be sent to Birch-tree Crematorium Funeral Directors, or if you would like to donate in memory of Jim, a collection will be made in aid of the Charlton Home for Troubled Boys.
You may modify this invitation as you wish and add the other details listed above.
Example two: The tone of this invitation is informal.
I wanted to let you know the sad news that my husband of 47 years, Jim (James Darnley), died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of November 22 at the Dorchester Hospital.
Jim’s funeral will be held at Birch-tree Crematorium on Oakland Boulevard at 11 am, Friday, 9 December, and afterward, there will be a reception at the Lloyd’s Hotel Garden Room. Please join us at this celebration of life.
Your kind thoughts, visits, and messages were a comfort throughout his final illness. I would be grateful if you could pass this message on to anyone who knew Jim.
You may modify this invitation as you wish and add the other details listed above.
If someone close to you passes, you may need to write a letter inviting your family, friends, or coworkers to the funeral.
We hope the information above will help you write a letter to the right people. If you need help with the invitation or anything else for the funeral reception, you can contact Fig & Laurel.
Or check out our creative thank you card wording here: How to Write a Funeral Thank you Note