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What To Know When Writing Funeral Notices
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 key bits of information should always be included in this announcement. This is usually the complete name of the deceased, including any common nicknames, as well as the maiden name if the deceased was a married female. Their place of residence, surviving family members, date of passing and all details of the services are also among the basic facts to be listed.
Further details of their passing may be included if desired. Adding personal information such as the person's hometown, where they were educated, places they've worked, whether they were military, their religious preferences, civic activities, hobbies and interests may be appreciated by others. It may also be prudent to identify the service officiant and chosen pallbearers.
If services are to be for family only, this should be clearly noted in the announcement. When charitable donations are requested in lieu of flowers, that stipulation can be stated in this piece. Funeral notices are more than just a formal way to let others know of a passing, they are a way to honor the dead.
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