How to write a death notice?

After a death, the relatives of the deceased write an announcement intended to announce the event to their entourage and that of the deceased. This document, which can also serve as an invitation to the funeral, can be sent to its recipients by post or computer or even published in the press. Be that as it may, its drafting is codified and requires a certain amount of mandatory information and, if relatives so wish, some personal elements. Let's take stock to better understand how and when to write an obituary.

How to write a death announcement?

What information should appear on a death announcement?

When the relatives of a deceased announce his death through a death announcement, you should know that this document must contain certain specific information.

A death announcement must imperatively mention:

• the name (marital name and birth name if applicable) and the given name(s) of the deceased,
• date of death,
• the date, time and place of the funeral.

Some information may be communicated through the notification, but it is not mandatory. They are:

• the cause of death,
• the type of ceremony (burial, cremation, religious or secular ceremony, etc.),
• time to lift the body,
• the place and possible dates for the visit of the remains,
• the possible existence of a register of condolences.

Finally, the family can use the death announcement to indicate the last wishes of the deceased regarding the funeral or their own wishes. This document can thus mention the wish not to receive flowers or wreaths, or on the contrary specify a color or a species, to specify a way of paying a last tribute or even to solicit a gesture in the form of a donation. to an association, etc.

What are the conventions for writing a death announcement?

The announcement of a death cannot be written just any old way. Indeed, a certain convention governs their formulation and provides that the information be preceded by the mention of family members, in the following order:

• the husband or wife of the deceased,
• the children of the deceased, as well as, where applicable, their spouse and children,
• the deceased's parents and siblings.

Then come the usual formulas announcing the disappearance of the loved one. This formulation can be personalized or more classic.

• … have the immense sadness to inform you of the death of…
• … have the great sorrow to announce the death of…
• … are part of the reminder to God of… (in case of religious formula),
• etc.

When should a death announcement be sent?

The deadline for sending the announcement after the death depends directly on its use.

• If the announcement consists solely of announcing the death of the deceased, it should be sent after the funeral, approximately two weeks after the date of death. On the other hand, it is customary to indicate the place where the past ceremony took place and the place where the body now rests to allow those who wish to pray to do so freely. If this were the case, relatives can specify on the death announcement that the funeral took place in the strictest family privacy, respecting the wishes of the deceased.
• If the announcement also serves as a funeral invitation, then it is best to send it as soon as possible after the death so that it is received a few days before the ceremony and the recipients can make their arrangements. Sending by email is often preferred in this case in order to meet the hasty deadlines.

It should be noted that the production of death announcements in paper format sent by post will be a paid service. It takes an average of 70 to 200 euros to make and send 50 invitations. Email submissions are free and faster.

What about publication in the local press?

After the death, the family of the deceased may decide to publish a notice in the local press. This practice makes it possible to pay tribute to the deceased, but also to warn certain relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues or acquaintances who could not have been notified by mail or email and who would like to attend the funeral.

To do this, simply contact the chosen local newspapers or delegate this task to the funeral company in charge of the funeral.

In the paid press, it takes an average of 300 euros for such a publication, at the rate of about 30 euros per line. In the free press, so is publication.