Obituary writing is a sensitive project that honors your loved ones while informing others of their passing. To simplify the procedure, you should comply with essential dos and don’ts. Include details like the deceased’s name, age, and family connections. Highlight their achievements and personality while keeping the tone respectful and uplifting. Avoid too many personal details and complex language; ensure it’s not too long. Always proofread and follow publication guidelines.
Dos of Obituary Writing
Do Start with the Basic Information
Beginning an obituary with essential info is vital. Always include the deceased’s complete name, age, date of birth, and date of passing. It’s useful to add where they lived and any significant areas tied to their existence. Presenting those key records first offers readers a clear image of who the individual became.
Example:
John Robert Smith, seventy-five, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024.
Do Highlight Key Life Achievements
An obituary writing is more than a notification of death. It serves as part of the person’s life. Include their education, career milestones, public accomplishments, pastimes, and network involvement. If they received awards or made huge contributions to their network, mention them.
Do Include Family Members
List surviving family individuals like spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings. It’s also best to mention any family members who passed away earlier than them. This gives readers a notion of the man or woman’s family connections and legacy.
Example:
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Sarah (James) and Michael (Laura); and his three grandchildren, Emma, Noah, and Olivia.
Do Express Their Personality
All individuals have unique characteristics that make them who they are. Attempt to summarize the individual in a couple of sentences. For example, were they famous for being kind or having a sense of humor? Including these details adds a personal touch to the obituary and helps readers remember the person fondly.
Example:
John was a gardening enthusiast who could often be spotted caring for his roses. His wistfulness made people around him shine a little bit brighter.
Do Provide Funeral or Memorial Service Details
It’s important to include details about the funeral or memorial service. Clearly state the service’s date, time, region, and any unique requests from the family. This enables friends and relatives to realize how and when to pay their respects.
Example:
A memorial service could be held on March 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Mark’s Church in Oklahoma City.
Do Consider Adding a Special Message
Obituaries can also include an important quote, a brief poem, or a nonsecular verse that is meaningful to the deceased. This can be a touching ending to the obituary writing and speaks to the individuals who read it.
Example:
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell.
Do Keep It Respectful and Uplifting
Whereas an obituary is a mournful event, it has to highlight the subject’s lifestyle rather than focusing more on their death. Maintain a warm, respectful, and positive tone so readers can take consolation in commonplace reminiscences.
Don’ts of Obituary Writing
Don’t Include Too Many Personal Details
Avoid too much personal detail. Do not mention anything that might violate privacy, such as home addresses, specific delivery dates, or personal ID numbers. It is key to keep the privacy of one’s family members intact.
Don’t Make It Too Long or Too Short
Keep a balanced length. An obituary writing should be long enough to contain meaningful information but not so long that it overwhelms readers. Two to five hundred words are most commonly adequate unless the publication house or platform has word restrictions.
Don’t Use Overly Complex Language
Use plain language by avoiding jargon and complex words that could confuse readers. The language should be simple and allow anyone to connect with the message easily.
Don’t Forget to Proofread
Errors can make an obituary look amateur and overshadow the heartfelt message. Take time to proofread the obituaries before submitting them, and don’t forget to ask a family member or friend to read them.
Don’t Focus Only on the Sadness
While it is natural to express grief, never let the entire obituary appear excessively melancholy. Rather, highlight the joy and influence that the deceased left in other people’s lives, which would comfort mourners.
Don’t Add Unnecessary Details
Do not point out controversial subjects or terrible components of the person’s lifestyle. Instead, focus on growing a tribute that honors them and respects the feelings of their family and friends.
Don’t Forget to Check Publication Guidelines
If you submit the obituary to a newspaper or online service, check their guidelines regarding length, format, and deadlines. This will help ensure that your tribute is published correctly and on time.
Conclusion
Obituaries require careful thought and sensitivity. Focus on the person’s basic information, achievements, and personality while keeping the tone uplifting. Avoid sharing too many personal details or negative aspects. Remember to proofread and follow publication guidelines. This will help create a respectful tribute that honors their life and comforts family and friends.
