Writing an online obituary is a cost-effective, flexible way to honor a loved one. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cost: Online obituaries range from $50–$100, compared to $200–$500 for print.
- Features: Include unlimited text, photos, videos, and interactive guest books.
- Accessibility: Reach a global audience with permanent, editable memorials.
- Platforms: Options like Forever Missed, Ever Loved, and Memories.net offer free or affordable plans.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Print Obituaries | Online Obituaries |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200–$500 | $50–$100 |
| Space | Limited | Unlimited |
| Photos | 1 (B&W) | Multiple (Full-color) |
| Duration | One-time | Permanent |
| Interactive | None | Guest books, comments |
Online obituaries offer a modern way to celebrate life with more room for personalization and connection.
Understanding Online Obituaries
Basic Overview
Online obituaries are digital notices that announce a person’s passing and provide more features than traditional print formats. They are commonly found on funeral home websites or in the online sections of newspapers. These obituaries go beyond just announcing the death – they include details about services, life stories, photo galleries, and interactive options to preserve memories for future generations. Let’s explore how they compare to print formats.
Print vs. Online Formats
The differences between print and online obituaries are clear, especially when it comes to accessibility and features. Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | Print Obituaries | Online Obituaries |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200–$500 | $50–$100 |
| Space | Limited word count | Unlimited content |
| Photos | One, often black & white | Multiple, full-color images |
| Distribution | Local newspaper readers | Global audience |
| Duration | One-time publication | Permanent access |
| Updates | Not possible | Can be modified |
| Interactive Features | None | Guest books, comments |
Online obituaries clearly offer more flexibility and features compared to their print counterparts.
Main Advantages
Online obituaries bring several benefits that make them a preferred choice for many families. Funeral industry data shows obituary pages get five times more traffic than other pages on funeral home websites, with 60% of visitors living within 25 miles of the funeral home.
Here are some key benefits:
- Affordable: Online obituaries cost less than print versions.
- Interactive Options: Include photos, videos, and virtual tributes to engage readers.
- Broader Reach: Accessible to a global audience, with 65% of visitors coming from the same state.
- Permanent Memorial: Unlike newspapers that can be lost or damaged, online obituaries remain available indefinitely.
Platforms like Memories.net allow users to create detailed life timelines, customize page designs, and control privacy settings. These tools help families create a meaningful and personalized way to honor their loved ones while staying connected with their community during challenging times.
Writing an Obituary: Getting Started
Selecting an Online Platform
Once you’ve decided to create an online obituary, the next step is finding the right platform to meet your needs.
Available Platforms
There are plenty of platforms available, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick look at some popular options:
- Forever Missed: Offers features like guest books and photo galleries. The basic version is free, while the premium plan costs $74.99 per year, with a lifetime option for $154.99.
- Ever Loved: Provides free obituary publishing along with tools to organize events and collect donations. For example, John Colone used it in 2022 to coordinate services and fundraising for over 100 attendees.
- Memories.net: Allows up to 500 photos and three timelines in the free tier. The "Plus" subscription is available for $2.99 per month.
- Free Obituary Template Tool: A simple tool that guides users through creating an obituary with instant, customizable results.
Once you’ve explored these options, it’s time to focus on the features that matter most to you.
Platform Selection Guide
When evaluating platforms, consider these key features to ensure you choose the right one:
| Feature Category | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Privacy Controls | Options to manage access and moderate content |
| Customization | Templates, multimedia support, and personalization tools |
| Sharing Options | Integration with social media, email notifications, and link sharing |
| Storage | Capacity for photos, videos, timelines, and documents |
| Support | Availability of customer service, resources, and setup help |
"Setting up one site where our family could post information about Jackson, his funeral arrangements, allow people to share photos and memories, and provide a place where people can give online to his Memorial Scholarship Fund was extremely helpful… Most importantly, the site was extremely easy to set up, very accessible, easy to change and update, and free."
Now, let’s look at pricing to narrow down your options further.
Cost Comparison
Online obituary platforms come with varying price points. Here’s a breakdown:
| Platform | Basic Plan | Premium Features | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy.com | Varies by newspaper | Custom pricing | Access to newspaper networks |
| Forever Missed | Free | $74.99/year | Lifetime option: $154.99 |
| Memorial Source | Free | $7/month | Lifetime option: $99 |
| Murial | Free | $100 one-time fee | |
| Remembered | Free | $20 "Legacy" | $80 "Legacy Plus" |
| Kudoboard | Free (10 posts) | $99 one-time fee | Full memorial features |
For comparison, traditional newspaper obituaries can cost between $100 and $1,000. The New York Times charges $263 for the first four lines and $50 per additional line, making online platforms a more affordable way to create detailed and lasting tributes.
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Required Content
Basic Information
Make sure to include the key details needed to honor your loved one. Use the table below as a guide:
| Essential Element | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Full Identity | Legal name, nicknames, maiden name |
| Key Dates | Birth date, death date, age at passing |
| Family Information | Names of surviving and deceased relatives |
| Service Details | Date, time, and location of services |
| Memorial Preferences | Flower arrangements or charitable donations |
This structure helps ensure everyone has the information they need to pay their respects.
Personal Details
An online obituary lets you truly capture the essence of your loved one’s life. You might want to include:
- Career highlights and educational achievements
- Military service and recognitions
- Community contributions and volunteer efforts
- Hobbies, passions, and interests
- Notable life achievements
"Share personal details to show what makes the person special. Remember, the obituary lives on. Think about what you want to reminisce about when you reread the obituary in a few years."
For instance, a personal section could look something like this:
"John was a man of many talents and passions. He spent 35 years as an educator, shaping the lives of countless students. His commitment to education extended to mentoring young teachers, leaving a lasting impact on the profession he cherished. John’s love for the great outdoors was apparent to all who knew him."
Writing Guidelines
Once you’ve included the main facts and personal stories, keep these tips in mind to create a respectful and accurate tribute:
-
Accuracy First
Double-check all details – names, dates, and spellings – before publishing. It’s a good idea to have several family members review the content for any errors. -
Length and Structure
Start with the essential details, then move into the biographical section. While online platforms allow for more space than print obituaries, aim for clarity and keep it concise. -
Tone and Style
Match the tone to the deceased’s personality while keeping it respectful. Modern obituaries often blend formality with personal touches to celebrate the individual’s character. -
Final Review
Confirm all service details, memorial preferences, contact information, and venue accuracy before posting.
Adding Photos and Videos
Visual Content Tips
Choose visuals that truly honor your loved one’s memory. High-quality images not only preserve cherished moments but also help visitors connect with their life story.
When selecting photos, keep these guidelines in mind:
| Photo Requirements | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Format | Use JPG/JPEG files with at least 150 dpi resolution |
| Source Quality | Digital originals from cameras or smartphones are best |
| Size | Submit the original file size – avoid resizing |
| Composition | Ensure the face is clear and well-lit |
| Background | Opt for clean, uncluttered, and appropriate settings |
A clear, sharp photo that captures their personality is ideal. While digital originals are preferred, printed photos can work if scanned at a high resolution.
Now that you’ve chosen meaningful visuals, let’s talk about managing interactive features.
Guest Books and Comments
Interactive features, like guest books and comments, allow friends and family to share memories and offer support. However, managing these thoughtfully is key to maintaining a respectful and secure memorial.
To protect privacy and sensitive information, adjust settings to limit access to trusted individuals. For added security, save any digital funeral program as a non-editable file (like a PDF) to prevent changes.
Here are some important security tips:
- Regularly monitor comment sections for inappropriate posts.
- Enable moderation tools when available.
- Use password protection for sensitive content.
- Be mindful of copyright laws when sharing photos.
Keep in mind that online obituaries can remain accessible indefinitely. Periodically review privacy settings and sharing permissions to ensure the memorial stays a respectful and secure space.
Online Obituary Guidelines
Privacy Rules
Protecting family privacy is crucial when publishing online obituaries. Katie Falzone, Vice President of Operations at Legacy.com, emphasizes:
"Legacy.com’s goal in screening entries is to prevent the family and loved ones of the deceased from reading anything that could upset them further in an already difficult time. Through robust Guest Book screening, we create a safe space for families to honor their loved ones."
Here’s a quick guide on what to share and what to avoid:
| Information Type | What to Share | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Family Details | First names only | Full names of relatives |
| Military Service | General service mention | Regiment numbers, specific details |
| Location | City and state | Complete address |
| Relationships | Basic family connections | Detailed family tree information |
By following these practices, families can honor their loved ones while keeping sensitive information private.
Information Safety
Beyond privacy, keeping personal data secure is equally important. Always review the obituary content to ensure no sensitive details are included. Avoid sharing:
- Social Security numbers or birth dates
- Mother’s maiden name
- Specific account or membership details
- Detailed organizational or affiliation information
Sticking to general descriptions ensures both respect and safety.
Comment Management
Moderating comments is essential to maintain a respectful and supportive environment. Legacy.com, for example, screened over 12 million Guest Book entries in just one year – an average of over 1 million per month. Their system flagged inappropriate comments, such as those mentioning suicide not included in the obituary, accusations of infidelity, and unrelated business complaints.
As Katie Falzone recalls:
"In the early days of Legacy, I did many jobs including screening entries. It was a challenging job, and I quickly realized it takes a uniquely qualified person to help people honor lives in this way. Our content screeners protect grieving families by acting partially as guardians, partially as detectives, and most of all as wise, empathetic friends."
To ensure respectful interactions, consider these moderation steps:
| Moderation Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pre-screening | Review all comments before they go live |
| Content verification | Ensure comments align with the obituary’s details |
| Sensitivity check | Remove anything that could upset the family |
| Response monitoring | Address inappropriate interactions quickly |
Thoughtful comment moderation not only protects the family but also helps create a space for healing and remembrance during a difficult time.
Conclusion
Creating an online obituary that truly honors a life requires careful attention to both content and presentation. As Margalit Fox, a New York Times obituary writer, aptly puts it:
"It’s counterintuitive, but obits have next to nothing to do with death, and in fact absolutely everything to do with a life."
Today’s digital platforms make it easier than ever to craft personalized tributes that reflect the richness of a person’s journey. Affordable and accessible tools like OBITUARe.com and Ever Loved simplify the process. For instance, Chandler Funeral Home has embraced these advancements:
"Honestly, after spending 20 years assisting families in creating obituaries, I’m embarrassed at how impressive of a job the Tribute Obituary Writer does. I thought at first it was like the software programs in the past that used fill-in-the-blanks to input names into a badly written obituary. This is not the case. I encourage our families to use it before they come in to make arrangements now."
This feedback highlights how technology is reshaping the way we celebrate lives. Linnea Crowther, news editor at Legacy.com, emphasizes the value of creativity:
"Some of the most beautiful obituaries are ones that don’t follow a standard formula."
Here are some platforms designed to help you craft meaningful tributes:
| Platform | Key Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| OBITUARe.com | Templates, generator tool, memorial fundraising | Lifetime access: $99 |
| Ever Loved | AI-generated obituaries, custom websites | Free |
| Legacy.com | Professional screening, guest books | Varies by publication |
These tools not only simplify the process but also ensure your loved one’s memory is honored with dignity and care. By blending thoughtful storytelling with privacy considerations, you can create a lasting tribute that brings comfort and celebrates a life well-lived.