Memorial Service Invitation Template

Key Elements of a Heartfelt Memorial Invitation

A memorial service invitation serves several important purposes. It informs people of the essential details - the who, what, where and when. But more than that, it sets the tone for the gathering and expresses what made your loved one special.

The key elements of a memorial invitation are:

• Name of the deceased
• Date, time and location of the service
• Additional events like a reception or graveside service
• RSVP information
• A short tribute, poem or quote (optional)
• A photo of the deceased (optional)

When choosing what to include, consider the formality of the event, the faith tradition if applicable, and any specific wishes of the deceased or family. A simple, heartfelt invitation with the key details is all you really need.

Choosing the Right Wording and Tone

The wording you choose sets the tone for the memorial. It should reflect the personality and wishes of the deceased and family. In general, use phrasing that is simple, direct and respectful.

Some examples of opening lines:

• "Please join us in remembering the life of..."
• "The family of [Name] invite you to a memorial in [his/her] honor"
• "A celebration of the life of [Name]"
• "In loving memory of [Name]"

Follow this with the dates of birth and passing, and the details of when and where the service will be held. Specifics like "A reception will follow" can come next.

Close the invitation with an RSVP request, so you can plan appropriately. If desired, add a line indicating where to send memorial donations in lieu of flowers.

The overall tone should be dignified but not overly formal or sentimental. Avoid cliches like "gone but not forgotten." Focus on honoring and remembering your loved one in a heartfelt way.

Filling in the Template - Step by Step

Using a template makes writing your invitation simpler. Here's a step-by-step:

1. Begin with your opening line, like the examples above. Include the deceased's full name.

2. Add the dates of your loved one's birth and passing, usually in italics:

• [Name]
• [Month Day, Year] - [Month Day, Year]

3. Write out the memorial service details:

• Day of the week, Month Day, Year
• Time am/pm
• Location Name
• Address

4. Include details on the reception or gathering to follow, if applicable.

5. Request RSVPs and include contact info:

• Kindly RSVP to [Name] at [phone/email] by [date]

6. If desired, add a line directing guests where to make memorial donations.

7. Optional: Add a photograph of the deceased or a short poem, quote or tribute that was meaningful to them. This adds a more personal touch.

8. Proofread carefully and have someone else double check all the details before printing or sending.

Customizing the Invitation for Your Situation

Every life is unique, and memorial invitations can reflect that. Small personal touches make the invitation more meaningful. Consider these ideas:

• Use your loved one's favorite color for the paper or font
• Include a symbol that reflects a passion, like a musical note or golf tee
• For a less formal event, use a photo of the deceased enjoying a favorite activity
• Include a line from a song, book or poem that they loved
• Add a short anecdote or tribute
• For a religious service, incorporate scripture or worship details

Be sure to tailor the wording to fit the circumstances as well. For example:

• For a death after a long illness: "After a long struggle with [illness], [Name] passed away on [Date]."
• If the service is private: "A private family service will be held for [Name] on [Date]."
• If you are planning a larger celebration of life later: "A memorial service will be held on [Date], with a celebration of [Name]'s life to be scheduled later this summer."
• For a virtual service: "You are invited to join us for a virtual memorial for [Name]."

Let your knowledge of the deceased and their wishes be your guide. An invitation that reflects their spirit will set the right tone.

Including Additional Information for Guests

You may want to include some additional notes for guests on the invitation or on an enclosed card. For example:

• Dress code, if any (e.g. "Hawaiian shirts welcome to honor dad's favorite attire")
• Details on the reception to follow the service
• If it's a green burial or natural cemetery, a note about appropriate footwear
• Parking information if it's limited or the location is tricky to find
• A map or directions to the venue
• Hotel block information for out-of-town guests
• If you'd prefer charitable donations to flowers, include the organization name, address or website

Keep the additional information brief, and focus on what will be most helpful for guests to know in advance. You can always follow up with more details to those who RSVP.

Some of this information may be better shared on a memorial website. You can include the website address on the invitation so guests know where to find additional resources.

Special Considerations for Virtual or Livestreamed Memorials

If you are planning a virtual memorial using a video platform like Zoom, or livestreaming the service for those who can't attend in person, there are a few extra things to include on your invitation:

1. Make it clear that it's a virtual service, with wording like: "Please join us for a virtual celebration of [Name]'s life"

2. Include the video platform and any login information or link

3. Specify the time zone, since virtual attendees may be joining from afar

4. Include any participation details, like "Please bring a candle to light in remembrance" or "Feel free to share a memory in the chat"

5. If you're also planning an in-person gathering, be clear about who is invited to each

6. Outline any technical requirements, like "Please mute your microphone during the service"

7. Provide a phone number to call or email for technical troubles logging in

Even if the virtual option is a backup plan, include the info on all invitations so everyone is prepared. You may also want to send a follow-up email with these details a day or two before the event.

Sending Out Your Invitations

When the invitations are ready, you'll want to get them in the mail quickly to give people time to make arrangements to attend. A few tips:

• Mail invitations 2-3 weeks before the service if possible
• If many will be traveling from out of town, send them even earlier
• Make a list of everyone to invite so you don't forget anyone
• Ask other family members to read over the list in case you missed someone
• Address and stuff the envelopes in one sitting - ask a friend to help
• Include an RSVP card with its own stamped envelope to encourage responses
• Email a link to the memorial website a week before the service
• Call or text close family and friends to make sure they received the invite

Sending the invitations makes the memorial feel real. Don't be afraid to ask for help if it feels overwhelming. People often want to contribute in concrete ways when a loved one passes.

A Final Word

Remember, there is no one perfect way to word a memorial invitation. The most important thing is that it comes from the heart.

If you get stuck, take a break. Come back to it after taking a short walk or having a cup of tea. You may want to write several drafts to get the tone just right.

At the end of the day, the invitation is a symbol of your love for the person you've lost. If it reflects that, you've done it well. Your friends and family will be honored to receive it.

If you need additional support while planning the service, don't hesitate to reach out. The caring professionals at MyFinalPlanner.org are here to help.