In times of loss, celebrating and remembering your loved one helps honor a life well-lived. Sharing the light they brought to this world starts with thoughtful communications—from announcements and obituary programs to condolence notes.
In this post, we will explore the art of crafting invitation wording that celebrates a life, delve into the sensitive task of writing obituaries, and offer suggestions for how to best express your condolences.
Meaningful wording for funerals and celebrations of life
Thoughtful language and customized programs can provide comfort and spark nostalgia for years to come. When you weave in personalized wording, these keepsakes can help solidify the deep imprint left by loved ones.
Funeral announcements
Funeral announcements both share cherished information and set the stage for a meaningful memorial ahead. You may want to include language that emphasizes the joy your loved one brought to the world.


Start with the key specifics people need to know, including:
- A photo of your loved one
- Their full name, date of birth, and date of death
- Service date, time, and location
- Information about floral and/or monetary donations
In addition to important facts and ceremony specifics, you can sprinkle in meaningful anecdotes, quotes, and treasured memories, and emphasize the joy they brought.
Funeral programs
When designing a program for a funeral or celebration of life, start with the key elements and weave a story with special messages from family, friends, or the community. Here are some details you can include to make your program both informative and inspirational:
- An obituary or short biography
- Descriptions of their passions and talents
- Participating speakers and contributors
- Musical selections or hymns
- Favorite poems, quotes, lyrics, scriptures, or passages
- Touching stories, memories, and anecdotes
- Special messages highlighting contributions
Memorial banners and signs
Use banners with photo collages and memorial posters to bring legacies to light through meaningful imagery and lighthearted captions. Help create a lasting tribute by sprinkling in some of these elements:
- Important life events and timelines
- Lighthearted captions that reflect your loved one’s humor
- Stories about defining moments or special milestones
- Favorite mottos or words of wisdom
- Values that guided their path
Obituaries
Balancing biographical details, achievements, and personality in obituaries is a delicate task. Be sure to spotlight what made your loved one special through personal stories or anecdotes. You can help capture the essence of your loved one by weaving details like:
- Biographical details
- Timelines of key life moments
- Information about surviving family members
- Heartwarming anecdotes that showcase their personality
- Inspiring quotes or funny memories
- Messages from friends and family
Sympathy cards
Acknowledging someone’s loss helps nurture healing, but off-the-shelf cards can never replicate the comfort of a personal condolence note. When composing a sympathy card, remember to lead with empathy by using these tips:
- Share words of sympathy from the heart
- Offer assistance in their time of need
- Include touching anecdotes or treasured memories
- Resist the urge to offer advice
Keepsakes that preserve a legacy
Special keepsakes and bereavement gifts memorialize your loved one’s life for years to come. Infuse items like memorial canvas prints and remembrance mugs with personal details like:
- Inspirational quotes or mottos
- Important dates and accomplishments
- Cherished images
- Excerpts from favorite books, songs, or poems
Create an enduring tribute with our experts
Crafting meaningful invitations and condolences that provide comfort is a delicate balancing act that requires care, compassion, and creativity. As you navigate these challenges, remember that FedEx Office is here to help. From personalized printing solutions for invitations to empathetic condolences, our experts will help you find the right way to express love, remembrance, and support during these difficult times.