Creating a Thoughtful Funeral Invitation: A Guide

A Brief History of Funeral Invitations in the UK:

Funeral invitations in the UK have transformed over the years. From simple Gothic cards in the 1700s to elaborately embossed invites in the Victorian era, and the prevalence of online tributes and digital invitations today, they have remained a consistent part of the funeral process.

The 1700s:

In the 1700s, UK funeral invitations were straightforward, printed in black ink, and included the name of the deceased, along with the date, time, and location of the service. Some also featured brief obituaries and were occasionally referred to as 'tickets' required for admission to the funeral.

Victorian Era:

During the Victorian era, mourning was a fashion, and funerals became elaborate. Funeral invitations mirrored this trend with intricate designs, embossed mourning symbols, and formal text. They often featured heavy black borders, weeping willows, coffins, tombstones, and urns. The tone was strictly formal, with phrases like "To invite you to attend the funeral" and "Deeply regret."

20th Century:

In the early 20th century, funeral invitations retained their black borders but became less ornate. They were printed on simple cardstock and included fewer illustrations. While still formally worded, they sometimes served as both death notices and funeral invites.

21st Century:

In the 21st century, funeral invitations have evolved significantly. They can now range from a simple text message or digital invitation shared on social media to traditional printed cards or even eye-catching posters and online videos. Despite these changes, key information such as the name of the deceased, the date, time, location, and a brief obituary remain common elements in modern funeral invitations.

Crafting a Funeral Invitation:

Regardless of how you choose to inform people of a loved one's passing, certain details should always be included, such as the name of the deceased, their birth and death dates, funeral venue details, RSVP information, personal requests, dress code, preferences for flowers or donations, and details about any planned wake.

Setting the Right Tone:

When composing a funeral invitation, the default tone should be respectful and sincere. You can pay tribute to the deceased by incorporating their wishes regarding the funeral's formality and style. Whether formal or informal, the invitation should reflect the individual's character and the type of farewell being planned.

Personalising Funeral Invitations:

Including a cherished photo of the deceased on the invitation can add a personal touch and evoke fond memories. Additionally, adding a meaningful quotation can provide comfort, reflection, and inspiration to recipients.

Five Example Wording Templates for Funeral Invitations:

1. "In Loving Memory of..."

2. "With heavy hearts..."

3. "We invite you to celebrate the life of..."

4. "In Loving Memory..."

5. "Scattering of ashes and memorial walk..."

   
   

Can Funeral Directors Create and Print Funeral Invitations?

Yes, funeral directors can usually assist with creating and printing custom funeral invitations. 

Online Tools and Templates for Funeral Announcements:

If you need to create a funeral invitation quickly, numerous online tools and templates are available. These user-friendly platforms allow you to personalise templates with your own text and images. Some even offer professional printing and delivery services.

Announcing a Funeral on Social Media:

In our digital age, social media is a common way to share news. However, it's crucial to approach this with sensitivity and respect for privacy. Here are some tips for posting a funeral announcement on social media:

1. Choose the right time to post.

2. Write a thoughtful message.

3. Think about privacy when posting.

4. Share a photograph of the deceased.

5. Double-check all funeral details before posting.

6. Encourage condolences.

7. Avoid oversharing.

8. Monitor the post.

9. Respect wishes and cultural practices.

10. Ongoing updates and remembrances.

    
    

Posting a funeral announcement on social media can effectively inform a broader circle of people, but it should always be done with utmost compassion and consideration for the grieving family and friends.