An obituary serves two purposes: it is a tribute to the person who died, and it is a practical notice that informs the community about services and arrangements. Getting the balance right — enough detail to help people attend and pay respects, without so much logistics that the tribute gets lost — is a skill. Here is what to include, what to skip, and how to phrase it.
Visitation and Viewing Details
If the family is holding a viewing or visitation before the service, include the date, time, and location — typically the funeral home’s full name and street address. If multiple sessions are scheduled, list each one. For example: “Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, from 2–5 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home, 412 Maple Street, Springfield.”
You do not need to include a phone number or the funeral home’s website unless the family wants to direct people there for more information. Most readers can search for the address independently.
Funeral or Memorial Service
List the full service details: day, date, start time, and location. Include the full name and address of the venue — whether it is a funeral home, church, mosque, synagogue, or community hall. If the service is officiated by clergy, you may include their name and title: “officiated by Rev. Susan Park of First Methodist Church.”
If the service is private, state that clearly: “A private funeral service will be held at the family’s request.” This lets people know not to show up while still acknowledging that a service is occurring.
Burial or Committal Details
For public burials, include the cemetery name and location. Full street addresses are not always necessary for well-known local cemeteries, but they help for out-of-town attendees. If military honors will be given at the graveside, that is worth mentioning as it can be meaningful to veterans in the community.
If burial is private, state “Interment will be private.” If the deceased is being cremated, you may mention it or omit it — there is no requirement to disclose the disposition method.
Reception or Luncheon
Post-service gatherings are increasingly common and can be included in the obituary. “A reception will follow at the family home” or “A luncheon will be held at the church hall immediately following the service” gives people useful information without requiring an invitation.
If attendance is by invitation only, say so briefly: “A private reception will follow for family and close friends.”
Memorial Donations and Flowers
Many families ask mourners to make charitable donations in lieu of flowers, or alongside them. If so, name the charity and provide enough detail for donations to be made: “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.” A mailing address is helpful for those who prefer to send a check.
If the family has no preference, you can simply write “The family welcomes flowers” or omit the line entirely. Florists and funeral homes are accustomed to both.
What to Leave Out
Detailed driving directions are unnecessary — people use GPS. Hotel recommendations are better placed on a separate card distributed at the funeral home. Personal phone numbers or home addresses should not appear in a published obituary for security reasons.
If arrangements are still being finalized, it is acceptable to publish the obituary without service details and add a note: “Service details will be announced. Please check the funeral home’s website for updates.”
Worth remembering: Include visitation times, service location and time, burial or committal details if public, and any donation preferences. Keep addresses complete enough to be useful. Leave out personal contact information, driving directions, and anything not yet confirmed.
Common questions
Should I include the funeral home’s phone number?
You can, but it is not required. Most newspapers and funeral home websites list contact information separately. Including it in the obituary text is optional.
What if I don’t want to list service details publicly?
Many families hold private services and note ‘A private service will be held at the family’s request’ in the obituary. This is entirely acceptable.
Can I add service details to an obituary after it is published?
Yes. Many funeral home websites allow updates, and newspapers will often run a correction or follow-up notice. Let readers know where to look for updates.
Should I include livestream or virtual service information?
Yes, if available. Many families now provide a URL or access instructions for people who cannot attend in person. Include the link and any access instructions — for example, whether a password is required.