Funeral Notices HJ - Herald Journal Publishing (2024)

FAQs

Who normally reads the obituary at a funeral? ›

It serves as a way to inform the community about the individual's passing and to honor their memory. During a funeral or memorial service, it is common for someone to stand up and read the obituary to the attendees. This reading may be performed by a family member, a close friend, or a designated individual.

An obituary is written to tell the story of your loved one. These will often be in the funeral program. There will even be a part of the funeral where the obituary will be silently read by everyone in attendance at the funeral. It is something you and your family should be patient with when you are writing it.

A register book goes by many names, including a funeral guest book or a funeral memorial book. Whatever you call it, it's a book where funeral attendees can write their names and contact information, as well as stories about the decedent and well wishes for their loved ones.

An obituary is a written public announcement that someone has died, published in a newspaper or online, often providing an account of their life and details about the forthcoming funeral. An obituary does not have to be sombre; it can be uplifting or even funny if you wish.

A eulogy is not the time to settle scores or air personal grievances, no matter how relevant they might seem to the speaker. Mentioning past conflicts, disappointments, or the deceased's shortcomings can create discomfort and is considered disrespectful during a time meant for mourning and reflection.

You could start with something simple like: “My name is __________ , the wife/husband/son/daughter/friend of ___________.” Another idea is to explain how you knew the deceased, or how you first met. However, you should take care to avoid focusing the eulogy on you.

There may be personal details which will only be told to the immediate family and friends. You should also not say hurtful or damaging things about the person that died, even though they are gone. These words could prove to be hurtful to other family members.

A death notice is a brief, factual statement that announces someone's death to the public. An obituary also includes facts surrounding a person's death, but also includes biographical information, stories, and anecdotes to help honor that person's memory.

What is an appropriate donation at a funeral? If you are giving a donation in lieu of flowers, then donate the amount you would have spent on flowers. Typically, this means $50 to $100. However, the amount is ultimately up to you because it is the thought that counts and not the amount you donate.

What is the little paper you get at a funeral? ›

A funeral program is a treasured printed memorial for a loved one and can be referred to as an obituary program, funeral pamphlet, or funeral bulletin. Funeral programs are printed keepsakes that highlight a loved one's memory by including information and photos within its contents.

Often called prayer cards, remembrance cards, or memorial cards, these keepsakes give you a place to share with everyone about the unique life of your loved one. If you'd like to add an order of service or list the pallbearers, it's up to you and your family.

While there are many benefits to writing an obituary, there are also reasons why a family might not want to. Some may feel that it is too personal or private to share with the public, while others may not have the financial means to pay for its publication.

Why does it cost so much to post an obituary? Publishing an obituary in the newspaper is expensive because of the limited space papers have. Newspapers value every inch of each page, so they must charge to use that limited space for an obituary.

Also called memorial folders or bulletins, the funeral program is a folded pamphlet. Funeral programs usually include the order of service, which are the details of what will take place during the funeral or memorial service. Funeral programs are often printed on a decorative piece of paper folded in half.

There are two audiences for an obituary: those who knew the person, and those who didn't. The information in an obituary should make both sets of people feel like they knew the person you're writing about. You might want to include: The person's full and complete name.

Another family member, a lifelong friend or a trusted co-worker might have the perfect combination for the job – a deep knowledge of the person who died and good writing and public speaking abilities. In some cases, the officiant, who may be a priest, minister, or professional celebrant, will give the eulogy.

The eulogy is a deeply personal reflection of someone's life. Family or friends usually give this speech. However, clergy or the funeral celebrant may read it for the family. As this is a very emotional time, some people may not feel comfortable delivering the eulogy to the congregation.

There is no hard and fast rule as to who should give the eulogy speech at a funeral. It's typically given by those who were particularly close, or had a special relationship with, the loved one who passed. It could be a best friend, a spouse, a child or grandchild, or even a co-worker.