How long should an obituary be?

Many obituaries are 250-550 words, though newspaper notices may be shorter.

Should I include cause of death?

Only include cause of death when the family intentionally chooses to share it.

What is the basic obituary structure?

Most obituaries open with the announcement, add life and family details, list service information, then close with donations or a short remembrance.

What information should I gather first?

Gather full legal name, preferred name, age, dates, residence, immediate family, service details, donation preferences, and a few specific life details.

Should every family member be listed?

List immediate family when space allows. For large families, use a phrase the family agrees on, such as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Can an obituary be written before service details are final?

Yes. Draft the life and family sections first, then add service details only after the funeral home or family confirms them.

How do I make an obituary feel personal?

Use one or two concrete details: work they were proud of, a tradition they kept, a phrase they used, or a role they played in the community.

What should I avoid in an obituary?

Avoid unconfirmed facts, private medical details, disputed relationships, exact home addresses, and generic phrases that the family would not choose.

Who should review the obituary before it is published?

Ask at least one close family member to review names, dates, survivors, service information, and any sensitive wording before publication.

Free obituary writing help

How to Write an Obituary

A good obituary is clear, factual, and warm without inventing details.

Start Obituary Writer How to Write

2 Free Credits Daily • No Writing Experience Needed

Everyone gets 2 free AI writing actions per day, shared across eulogies and obituaries. Extra AI writing actions use shared credits that work in either builder.

Generate, refine, edit, and print

The obituary writer works like the eulogy builder, with stricter fact review for names, dates, family, and service details.

Guided facts

Add only confirmed names, dates, family details, services, and life story notes.

Fact review

Review the draft before publishing, especially phrases like peacefully or surrounded by loved ones.

Copy and print

Use the editor to refine, copy, print, or prepare text for a funeral home or newspaper.

Start with the announcement

Include full name, age, place of residence, and date of death when those facts are confirmed.

Add life and family details

Summarize work, service, community, interests, survivors, and those who preceded them in death.

Close with service details

Add visitation, funeral, memorial, livestream, and donation information only when it is final.

Review before publication

Read the obituary aloud, confirm every name and date, and ask one family member to check relationship lists before sending it to a funeral home, newspaper, or memorial site.

Obituary writing questions

Practical answers before you draft.