After a loss
Obituaries: cost, where to post, and what to leave out
A newspaper notice can be expensive. Some details help scammers.
An obituary tells people about a death and the service. Today many families post one online, in a newspaper or both.
Where people post them
| Where | Cost |
|---|---|
| Funeral home website | Usually included |
| Social media | Free |
| Newspaper | Often charged by length, and can be costly in large papers |
| Memorial websites | Some free, some paid |
Newspapers often have a short death notice (just the name, dates and service details), sometimes free, and a longer paid obituary that tells the story of the person's life. Funeral homes can usually place either and tell the family the price first.
What families often leave out
- The full date of birth. The year is usually enough.
- The home address
- Mother's maiden name, which is a common security question
- Phrases like "the family will all be at the service," which tell burglars the house is empty
Some families ask a neighbor or friend to stay at the house during the funeral.
What's commonly included
- Full name and age
- City or town
- Close family
- A few lines about their life
- Service details, or where to find them
- Where to send donations, if anywhere
Good to know
An obituary doesn't have to be posted before the funeral. Some families write it in the weeks after.