|
Composing ABC's Of A Funeral Notice
When someone dies, there is a lot of work to do in preparation for their burial rites. Once arrangements have been made, an announcement is generally made to let those who were associated with the individual know of their passing. This is made by issuing formal funeral notices that provide the necessary information.
This announcement is different from an obituary. The obit is a shortened biography that is usually written by a member of a newspaper's staff according to a template. A notice is paid for, and written by the family, and contains more personalized information about the deceased's life and planned services.
Such announcements are typically posted in local papers but it is not uncommon for them to be made via personal invitations or emails. There are two main ways for them to be done. The simple form states name, location and time only, while the other choice is filled with personal information, details on all services and sometimes a photograph of the deceased.
Certain information is considered standard for such announcements. The primary detail being the individual's full name, as well as commonly used nicknames and, if applicable, a maiden name. The piece may also include where they lived, the date they died, the family they leave behind and the when and where of all services to be held in their honor.
If the family chooses, additional details about the cause of death may be included as well. Listing the deceased's place of birth, schools attended, employment, religious affiliation, civic organizations, military service, special interests and hobbies help others to identify with the individual. Some even opt to acknowledge the pallbearers and officiant.
When the family wishes to have private services, it should be stated in the announcement. The same is true for those requesting that donations be made to a specific charity rather than having flowers sent. Funeral notices can simultaneously pay homage to the deceased and inform the masses of the loss.
|
|
