Whenever somebody close to you passes away, families are always likely to ask who writes obituaries and how they should navigate through this special task. Understanding this task and knowing who will be responsible for writing it will help families make informed decisions in difficult times. The following guide will provide you with insight about who should write obituaries plus practical advice about writing meaningful tributes.

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that lets people know of someone’s death while also celebrating their life lived, because it provides significant information about the individual that passed away while honoring their memory. The National Funeral Directors Association reports that obituaries are becoming vital because families seek unique means of honoring their deceased loved ones.

The primary reasons for an obituary are:

• Informing the community regarding the death.
• Communicating about funeral or memorial services.
• Celebrating an individual’s accomplishments throughout their lifetime.
• Making a permanent record of an individual’s life.

With 61% of obituary site visitors being female and 39% male, these tributes reach diverse audiences seeking to honor and remember the deceased.

Who Can Write an Obituary?

Who can write obituaries? It has multiple answers because they can be written by multiple people.

Family Members

Typically, obituaries are written by close relatives:

• Husbands and wives.
• Adult children
• Parents 
• Siblings

Family members are ideal for writing obituaries since they are well aware of the deceased’s background and know essential facts that complete an obituary as well as make it accurate.

Funeral Workers

Most funeral homes provide a standard service of composing obituaries, and they will:

• Assist families with the writing process.
• Be sure to provide all essential information.
• Handle publication logistics
• Provide examples.

Expert Obituary Writers

Certain writing businesses began assisting families that struggle to write obituaries. For instance, Honor You Memorial Products provides the writing of obituaries. The call takes 20-30 minutes, and they complete the obituaries within 24 hours. A one-page obituary contains 300-500 words, and it costs $67, with the inclusion of one set of changes if you request it.

Usually professional obituary services typically cost around $600, making HonorYou’s obituary a great value.

How to Decide Who Should Write the Obituary

When choosing who should writes obituaries, you need to consider a few things:

Consider Writing Ability and Comfort Level

You should select an individual who writes effectively and understands how to use concise sentences. Some members of your family will be too distressed to write, while others might feel better when they write.

Evaluate Knowledge of the Deceased

Obituaries should be written by a person who knew the deceased best since they need to know loved ones:

• history and milestones of the dead
• Professional successes
• Family relationships
• Hobbies and interests
• Community involvement

Check Emotional Readiness

Grief can affect every individual differently. The author must be strong in mind to complete the task without becoming too stressed.

Consider Time Constraints

Obituaries are typically written fast because of publication deadlines. The individual who was given the task of writing it should have the time and availability to complete the job effortlessly.

What to Include in an Obituary (Core Components)

Regardless of who writes obituaries, certain essential elements should be covered:

Basic Information

• Full name
• Age when the individual passed away
• Date and place of death.
• Date and location of birth

Personal History

Begin with their birth name. Discuss their childhood, highlighting significant events such as their school days and great accomplishments. Structure the obituary in an order, beginning with their childhood and education, followed by their working life and accomplishments.

Service Details

• Information about funeral or memorial services
• Visiting hours and locations.
• Burial or cremation information
• Memorial donation options

Personal Information

Add personal information that reveals who they are, like personal interests, hobbies, or unique characteristics that their family and friends would know and admire.

Challenges and Considerations

Understanding how to write obituaries requires knowledge of common issues:

Emotional Issues

It is sometimes difficult to write about a loved one’s death. Some families believe it is helpful if many people do so and then have one person write down their feelings.

Time Pressure

Newspapers typically have tight deadlines for submitting obituaries. Obituary writers need to be prepared to complete the task in a hurry while also maintaining quality.

Family Issues

Sometimes family members disagree on what to write and how to write it. You can prevent arguments by discussing things openly and having one person write it all.

Accuracy issues

Authors should double-check dates, names, and facts once again to ensure that they are accurate. Obituaries containing errors will cause greater distress upon bereaved families.

Cost and Publication Process

The family has to be informed about the fees for composing an obituary when making arrangements during tough times.

A professional obituary typically costs about $600 but some firms provide less expensive services, such as HonorYou, which will create an obituary of 300 to 500 words for $67.

In addition to the writing, the publishing tends to be costly as well. Newspaper obituaries tend to range around $100 to $500; however, online obituaries typically range around $50 to $100. High-cost obituaries with a lot of information in large cities tend to range around $2,000. 

When you print an obituary, deadlines typically range from 24 to 48 hours, and you pay upfront. Along with payment, you should provide proof of death, such as a death certificate, and contact information of the submitter. 

Examples and Templates

To learn how to write obituaries, using templates and brief guidelines is useful. Below, HonorYou provides a basic template to create obituaries.

Basic Template Format:

1. Opening statement with name, age, and death details.
2. Details about birth and childhood.
3. Education and career highlights
4. Marriage and family information
5. Community involvement and achievements
6. Hobbies and personal characteristics
7. Services information
8. Memorial donation information

Professional Resources

Firms like Honoryou have aided funeral homes and the funeral industry since 2000. It offers templates along with professionally composed obituaries.

FAQs

Who typically writes obituaries?

It is normally written by funeral directors, close friends, writers, and relatives but can be written by anyone.

Is it expensive to pay someone to write an obituary?

Professional obituary writing services range between $67 (Honor You) and approximately $600. It varies based on the length and the provider.

How long should an obituary be?

Obituaries will typically take between 300 to 500 words, however it can be modified depending on what the family wishes.

What is the cost difference between newspaper obituaries and online obituaries?

Internet obituaries range from $50 to $100. Newspapers are often upwards from $500 or more.

How quickly do obituaries need to be written?

Most newspapers require submission 24-48 hours before publication. Professional services like Honor You deliver obituaries within 24 hours of consultation.

Conclusion

Understanding who composes obituaries assists families in making improved decisions under difficult circumstances. It can either be funeral staff, relatives, or service professionals. However, the same does not matter who writes obituaries as long as it respects deceased life.

Funeral traditions continue to evolve. For instance, there will be increasing numbers opting for cremation, with an estimated 82.1% by the year 2045. The newspaper obituary, however, will continue to be significant to retain the memory of those deceased.

If your family is unable to agree on this decision, do not worry because you can seek assistance from a professional. There is no right person that should be writing obituaries; it is merely about what will assist your family most at this challenging time.