Planning a Funeral

Informing loved ones or strangers, such as an employer, about a death is often challenging. It's advisable to enlist trusted individuals to relay the news within your family circle or social network. Keep funeral details readily available for anyone who may need to provide information over the phone.

In addition to notifying relatives and friends, there are practical matters to attend to, like closing bank accounts, updating insurance details, and terminating agreements or direct debits. Swiftly contacting financial institutions is crucial to safeguard the estate against fraud. It's also important to promptly notify government agencies like the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) to prevent any inadvertent overpayment of benefits, which may require repayment later.

Make sure to keep copies of essential documents and maintain a record of when you send any correspondence. These documents may include information for:

- Employer or private pension provider

- School

- Solicitor and/or Accountant

- Banks and Building Societies

- Utility Suppliers

- Phone and Broadband provider

- Insurance companies

- Pre-paid funeral plan provider (if applicable)

- Trade Union / professional organization

- Cable TV / satellite service

For government organizations, reach out to:

- HMRC Tax Office

- National Insurance Contributions Office (for self-employed individuals)

- DWP (for state pension or benefits)

- Child Benefit Office (within eight weeks)

- Local authority (for Council Tax, parking permits, Blue Badge, social services, etc.)

- UK Identity and Passport Service (to return and cancel a passport)

- DVLA (to return a driving license, cancel car tax, or change ownership)

Many local authorities offer a service called "Tell Us Once," facilitating the notification of various government departments about a death. Inquire with your registrar about this service's availability in your area.

If unsure about informing a specific organization, funeral homes can offer further guidance. They can also assist with composing online tributes, managing donations, and placing announcements in local newspapers.

Social media plays a significant role in our lives, often serving as a platform to announce the passing of a loved one. Here's a guide on how to announce a death on social media.

**What is a Death Announcement?**

A death announcement informs others of a recent passing and typically includes:

- Full name (including maiden name)

- Dates of birth and death

- Location of passing

- Details about funeral or memorial services

If you need templates, customizable options are available on Canva.

Traditionally, death announcements were placed in newspapers, but nowadays, informal versions are common on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

**Is it Appropriate to Announce a Death on Social Media?**

While announcing a death on social media might feel unconventional, it can be a sensitive way to share news, given the platform's prevalence in our lives. Ensuring sensitivity to the deceased and their family is key.

**Guidelines for Dealing with Death on Social Media:**

While there are no strict rules, it's crucial to consider the feelings of those who will read the post. Inform close friends and family personally before posting online. Keep the message simple, consider your audience, adjust privacy settings, choose the right timing, and be sensitive to potential reactions.

**Creating a Digital Memorial:**

A digital memorial, resembling a formal obituary, allows for the memorialization of a loved one's social media account. It serves as a digital legacy where friends and family can share memories. To create one, you'll need the username and death certificate of the deceased.

**Etiquette for Family Members and Funeral Attendees:**

Immediate family members typically handle the announcement on social media. Funeral attendees should seek permission before posting about the service online. Respect the wishes of the bereaved family and consider contributing to any established tribute or donation pages.

**Inviting People to a Funeral on Social Media:**

Social media can efficiently inform friends about funeral or memorial service details, but ensure only information intended for a broad audience is shared, and be clear about the arrangements.

Streaming Funeral Services

Live streaming funeral services has become more common. It allows for wider participation, avoids large gatherings, and enables remote attendance. Platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, and Facebook Live offer public streaming options

Crafting invitations for a loved one's funeral or memorial service can be daunting amidst the grieving process. Yet, there are ways to design meaningful yet simple funeral invitations.

Crafting a Funeral Invitation or Letter

While many are familiar with writing invites for joyous occasions like birthdays, extending an invitation for a funeral or memorial may seem unfamiliar. However, it can be both heartfelt and clear without being intricate. Consider including:

- A cherished photo of the departed

- Date, time, and location of the service

- Details about any wake planned

- A brief tribute to the deceased, including their residence and achievements

- Guidance on flowers or charitable donations

- Clarity on whether the service is private or public

- RSVP instructions

Begin with phrases like 'respectfully invite you,' 'thoughtfully,' 'the funeral service in loving memory of,' 'rest in peace,' and 'to celebrate the life of.' Also, consider mentioning the relationship of the deceased to you, such as a beloved spouse or father.

It's advisable to note any special requests from the departed, like preferred attire for the funeral.

Sending Funeral Invitations

Traditionally, invitations are mailed, with personal invitations often conveyed via phone. However, modern technology offers quicker dissemination through online platforms.

Social media platforms can notify friends and family worldwide about the loss and funeral arrangements without physical invites. You could create a private Facebook page for sharing memories, service details, and RSVPs.

Online tribute services like MuchLoved allow condolences and charitable donations, providing a platform for remembrance.

Email invitations extend to those not connected on social media and remain popular.

Announcing the passing through a local newspaper obituary can provide a detailed account of the deceased's life and funeral arrangements, though costs vary.

### Crafting Funeral Invitations

Funeral invitations are personal and can be tailored to individual preferences. Whether you opt to design them yourself, use invitation templates for 'e-vites,' or engage a company for assistance, there are numerous options:

- Funeral directors often provide support with stationery and templates.

- Blank cards with decorative covers allow handwritten or typed messages.

- Design tools like Canva offer easy creation of personalized invitations for print or digital use.

- Companies like Leopard Print, Utterly Printable, and Devine Funeral Stationary offer tailored services.

- E-cards provide instant and personalized options via email, social media, or platforms like Evite.

Conclusion

While numerous options exist for funeral invitations, prioritize what feels right for you and your family during this challenging time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Funeral Partners funeral homes offer experienced support and guidance for funeral notices, obituaries, and invitations.

Crafting an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Purpose:

An obituary serves as a concise news piece announcing the passing of a cherished individual. Essentially, it provides a condensed biography along with details regarding memorial or funeral arrangements. While traditionally featured in local newspapers, the prevalence of online platforms, especially social media like Facebook, has made digital obituaries increasingly popular. Although not legally required, obituaries offer a meaningful way to disseminate the news to a wider audience.

Distinguishing Between Obituaries and Death Notices:

A death notice primarily entails essential facts such as name, age, date of birth, and date of passing. In contrast, an obituary goes beyond these details, delving into the individual's life journey and accomplishments.

Timing of Publication:

While there's no strict timeline, it's common practice to publish the obituary within approximately a week of the loved one's demise, particularly if it includes information about funeral or memorial services. This applies to both print and digital formats.

Authorship:

Given the intimate nature of obituaries, they are typically penned by a family member or close friend who can offer personal insights into the deceased's life and passing.

Guidelines for Writing:

1. Check for any word limits, especially if publishing in newspapers where charges may apply per word.

2. Seek inspiration from existing obituaries, readily available online.

3. Begin by jotting down key facts to serve as a foundation for your writing.

4. Infuse personal touches that reflect the unique personality of the departed individual. Consider fond memories, proudest achievements, hobbies, and interests.

5. Take your time to ensure accuracy and authenticity, avoiding rushed composition.

6. Maintain a tone of respect while allowing room for individuality; humor or light-heartedness can be appropriate if reflective of the loved one's spirit.

7. Prioritize proofreading to rectify any errors, especially crucial for printed obituaries where corrections may be challenging.

Essential Components:

A standard obituary typically includes the following elements:

1. Announcement of Passing:

- Full name, age, location, date, and cause of passing (optional).

2. Life Details:

- Date and place of birth, hometown, educational achievements, interests, military service, religious affiliations, organizational memberships, and defining characteristics.

3. Surviving Family:

- Immediate family members such as spouse, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, and siblings.

4. Charitable Contributions:

- Optionally, suggest charitable donations in lieu of flowers, specifying preferred organizations.

5. Photograph:

- Select a photo of the departed to accompany the obituary.

6. Funeral or Memorial Service Details:

- If desired, include information about the service, such as date, time, and location.

Listing Family Members:

In mentioning surviving family members, it's customary to include immediate relatives:

- Example: "John is survived by his wife Karen, 56, and his daughter Kate, 21."

- Some may also acknowledge predeceased immediate family members:

- Example: "Sarah is preceded in death by her older brother James and her beloved niece, Lisa."