Obituary Writing Tips
Writing an obituary can feel especially difficult while you’re grieving. If you’re not sure where to start, these obituary writing tips can help you build a clear, respectful structure: include essential facts first, then add personal words like a eulogy, an optional short poem, and a brief thank-you message.
Quick note: If you’re submitting to a local newspaper, you may have a word limit. If you’re posting online, you’ll often have more flexibility.
Obituary writing tips: start with the essentials
These items usually form the backbone of the obituary. Consider including:
- First name / Surname
- Date of death
- Location of death
- Optional: Date of funeral service, date of church service, and date of visitation
- Optional: Cause of death
Tip: If space is limited, prioritize the essential facts and any key service/visitation details first.
Add personal words after the facts
Once the essentials are in place, you can shape the obituary around the deceased person’s life and the people who will miss them.
Eulogy (praise and remembrance)
Use a eulogy to praise the deceased, describe what they achieved during their lives, and include selected names of people who will miss them.
Elegy (a short funeral poem, if space allows)
An elegy is not the same as “eulogy.” If there’s room, an elegy is a short funeral poem—often only 3 or 4 lines long.
Thank-you message (brief and sincere)
Close with one or two sentences thanking those who helped the deceased during life, and toward the end of life.
If you want an easy structure, use an obituary program
If you’d like a simple way to think about how information can be presented, you may find this resource helpful: obituary program.
Frequently asked questions
What information is essential to include in an obituary?
Start with the basics: first name/surname, date of death, and location of death. You can also include service and visitation dates, and optionally the cause of death.
How should I adjust if the local newspaper has a word limit?
If there’s a word limit, prioritize the essential information first (name, date, location) and any key service/visitation details. Save additional sections—like a longer eulogy—for what you can fit.
What’s the difference between a eulogy and an elegy?
A eulogy praises the deceased, highlights achievements, and can include names of people who will miss them. An elegy is a short funeral poem—often 3 or 4 lines long—and it’s recommended only if space allows.
Do I have to include the cause of death?
No. The cause of death is optional. If you’re unsure, focus on the essential details and the parts you feel most comfortable sharing.
What should a thank-you message say?
Keep it brief: one or two sentences thanking those who helped the deceased during life and toward the end of life.