Writing a funeral notice is one of the tasks that can arise after losing someone close to you. While it may feel unfamiliar at first, it can also be a meaningful way to share the news of their passing and invite others to honour their life.
A funeral notice doesn’t need to be complicated. In most cases, it simply provides the key details of the funeral along with a few thoughtful words about the person who has died.
This guide will walk you through what to include and how to write a funeral notice in a way that feels right for you and your family.
A funeral notice is a short announcement that lets people know someone has passed away and provides details about the funeral or memorial service. A funeral notice is usually brief and factual, typically around 100–200 words.
These notices are often published in:
You may also hear the term death notice. A death notice simply announces the passing of someone but does not include funeral details. Families sometimes publish a death notice first if funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised.
Most funeral notices include a few key pieces of information. These usually include:
You may also choose to include a short sentence that reflects the person’s life or the role they played in your family or community.
While a funeral notice is primarily factual, many families choose to include a few words that capture their feelings or honour the person who has died.
Here are a few ways people often add warmth and meaning.
Some families use gentle words that reflect how their loved one was known. Examples include:
You may wish to include a simple phrase that expresses ongoing love or remembrance. For example:
If your loved one was religious, you might include a phrase that reflects their faith. Examples include:
Some families also include a small personal touch, such as:
Even a single sentence can help make the notice feel more personal.
If you’re unsure where to start, looking at examples can be helpful. Here are two simple funeral notice formats many families use.
[Their name]
Passed away peacefully on [Date], aged [X] years.
Beloved wife/husband of [spouse’s name]. Much-loved mother/father of [children’s names].
Cherished grandmother/grandfather to [X] grandchildren.
A funeral service to celebrate [Their name]’s life will be held at:
[Location], [Address]
on [Date] at [Time].
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.
Forever loved and always remembered.
[Their name]
[Date of birth] – [Date of passing]
[Name] will be sadly missed by all who knew them.
A celebration of [name]’s life will be held at:
[Location], [Address]
on [Date] at [Time].
In lieu of flowers, donations to the [specified charity] are welcome.
Forever in our hearts.
Your funeral director can arrange for the funeral notice to be published for you. Once you have written the notice, they can organise:
This can help ensure the information reaches friends, family and community members who may wish to attend.
There is no single “right” way to write a funeral notice. While there are traditional formats, the most important thing is that the notice feels appropriate for the person it honours.
If you’re unsure about wording, your funeral director can guide you through the process and help make sure the details are clear.
Most funeral notices are 100–200 words. They usually include the person’s name, life dates, family information, and funeral service details.
Funeral notices are often published in local newspapers, funeral home websites, and online memorial pages so friends and community members can attend the service.
No. Including the cause of death is completely optional. Many families choose not to include this information and simply focus on the person’s life and the details of the service.
In most cases, a close family member writes the funeral notice. However, your funeral director can help guide you through the wording or prepare the notice on your behalf if needed.
Writing a funeral notice is just one part of arranging a farewell for someone you love. If you would like guidance with planning a funeral or publishing a notice, the team at Simplicity Funerals is here to help whenever you’re ready.
