In the past, promoting a memorial service was a straightforward process: a notice in the local newspaper’s obituary section and word-of-mouth among family and friends. Today, with families often spread across the country and a world connected by the internet, getting the word out requires a more modern and multifaceted approach.
Promoting a memorial service is not about marketing; it’s about giving everyone who loved the deceased a chance to say goodbye. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively and respectfully announce a memorial service.
1. The Written Notice: Obituaries and Announcements
This is the most traditional and still a highly respected method of announcing a service. A well-written obituary or death notice should include:
- Key Information: The full name of the deceased, date of passing, age, and a brief summary of their life.
- Memorial Service Details: The date, time, and location of the service.
- RSVP (Optional): If you need a headcount, you can gently ask for an RSVP via a dedicated email address or phone number.
- Special Instructions: This is where you can include information about dress code, wishes for donations in lieu of flowers, or any special requests (e.g., “In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to…”).
- Dissemination: Publish the notice in a local newspaper where the deceased lived, in the hometown paper, or a paper in a place that was meaningful to them. Online obituary websites and funeral home websites are also common platforms.
2. The Digital Outreach: Social Media and Email
For most people, social media is now the fastest way to get information out to a wide network of people.
- Create an Event Page: Facebook and other social media platforms allow you to create a public or private event. This is a great way to provide all the details in one place and allow people to share it easily.
- Share a Post: A simple, heartfelt post on your personal page and the pages of other family members can reach a wide audience. Be sure to make the post “public” or “friends of friends” so it can be shared with people you may not know.
- Direct Messaging and Email: For a more personal touch, send an email to a distribution list of close family and friends. For those who are not on social media, this is the most effective way to reach them. A short, respectful message with a link to the online obituary or event page is perfect.
3. The Personal Touch: Phone Calls and Word-of-Mouth
Do not underestimate the power of a personal phone call. While it’s time-consuming, it is the most meaningful way to inform close family and friends.
- Delegate: You don’t have to do this alone. Ask other family members and close friends to help call people and spread the word.
- Create a list: Make a list of everyone who needs to be informed directly. Divide the list among family members to ensure everyone is contacted.
- The Chain of Information: Start with the closest family members and friends, who can then inform others in their circles. This “grief chain” ensures the information spreads efficiently and personally.
4. The Dedicated Website: All Information in One Place
For larger or more complex services, creating a simple, free website can be a great option.
- All-in-One Information: The website can host the obituary, memorial service details, a link for donations, photo galleries, and even a guestbook for people to leave condolences.
- Centralized Hub: Instead of trying to put all the information in one social media post, you can simply share the link to the website on all platforms.
- Easy Updates: If there are any changes to the time or location, you can easily update the website and share the new information without confusion.
A memorial service is a sacred space for a community to come together and grieve. By using a combination of traditional and modern methods, you can ensure that everyone who cherished your loved one has the opportunity to attend and offer their support.
Celebrate & Remember Funeral Pastor 