Emails are helpful for keeping large groups of friends and relatives informed and updated during a loved one’s illness. However, it has its drawbacks for funeral announcements, such as when computers are in the shop or the address you’ve been using for a friend is no longer their primary account and the note is ignored for days.
There are different ways to utilize email to inform and invite people. You can send individual notes, one person at a time, and although it can be time-consuming, you can personalize each note. It’s quicker to email groups of people within your email address book, but a bit less personal.
You can also use email services such as Constant Contact or E-vite to send out professional-looking announcements, but you will need to input email lists if you don’t already have an account set up. Another advantage to using these services is the ability to tell who opened the email, so you can make a phone call to those who haven’t seen the note. This way, no one misses the event because they didn’t see the information.
An email funeral announcement is much like any other event invitation, including date, time, and place. You might also include information about memorial contributions and other details about the memorial service. Here’s a made-up example:
Dear Family and Friends:
I’m sad to inform you that Samuel Clemens died of a heart attack on April 21 at the age of 74. While he was known for the quip “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” this time we’re not kidding. We will miss his terrific wit and storytelling.
The funeral will be held on (day, date, month) at (time) in (place and address). Burial will follow at (cemetery name and address). Please join us at home afterward for refreshments and reminiscing. The address is (street address and city).
If you will be traveling from out of town, we have arranged discounted room rates at the Mark Twain Hotel, (address and phone number). Let the management know you are with the Clemens party.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Samuel Clemens’ name to (organization, address, phone number, web address). If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (number) or (alternative contact name and phone number).
Remembering Samuel Clemens with love,
Gail Rubin
Learn more about funeral communications in Gail Rubin’s book, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die.