Planning a funeral is one of the hardest things to do, especially when you’re grieving. There’s so much to think about, and it can feel overwhelming to make sure everything is just right. One of the tasks that often comes up quickly is creating the funeral invitation—something that shares the important details with family and friends while honoring the memory of your loved one.

If you’re not sure what to include or where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key information to include on a funeral invitation, along with some helpful tips. I also offer a range of editable funeral invitation templates, so if you’re looking for something that’s both easy to personalize and beautifully designed, I’ve got you covered.

What to Include on a Funeral Invitation

If you’re putting together a funeral or memorial service invitation, here’s a list of the most important details to include. These are the pieces of information that will help guests know when and where to come, and how they can honor your loved one’s memory.

Full Name of the Deceased

Include their full name as they were known—this might be their first and last name, or you might also include a middle name or nickname that feels personal.
Example: Joseph Anderson

A Short Sentiment or Heading

A gentle phrase like “Please join us to celebrate the life of…” sets the tone and makes the invitation feel warm and personal. This is optional, but many families like to include a line that reflects the spirit of the day.
Example: Please join us to celebrate the wonderful life of Joseph Anderson

Date and Time of the Service

Be as clear as possible—include the full date and the time of day. Writing out the day of the week can also be helpful for guests who are juggling schedules.
Example: Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 11 o’clock in the morning

Location of the Service

Include the name of the venue (church, chapel, crematorium, etc.), and if needed, the full address. If it’s a well-known location within a small town, just the name and street might be enough.
Example: St Helena’s Church, Helena Lane, Helenaville

Details of Any Gathering After the Service

If there’s a reception, luncheon, or wake planned after the main service, include those details too. Let guests know what to expect and where to go.
Example: Afterward we will gather at The Helena Inn, Helenaville to share our favorite memories at a luncheon served in his honor

Donation or Tribute Information

If your family prefers donations in lieu of flowers, include the name of the organization and a short note. This can be a lovely way to honor your loved one’s values.
Example: Donations may be made to Helena Cancer Care Trust in his loving memory

Thoughtful Extras You Might Want to Include

While the essentials are most important, sometimes it’s the little personal touches that help the invitation feel just right. These additions aren’t required, but they can help set the tone or provide helpful guidance for guests.

A Favorite Quote, Poem, or Bible Verse

A short, meaningful line can add a sense of peace or reflect the personality or beliefs of your loved one. Some families choose a comforting Bible verse, a line from a favorite hymn, or a quote that brings a little light to a hard day.

Dress Code (If Any)

If you’d like guests to wear a particular color (for example, your loved one’s favorite) or if the service will be more of a celebration than a traditional funeral, it can help to include a brief note.
Example: Please wear something blue in honor of her bright spirit.

RSVP Details

If the venue has limited space, or you’re hosting a catered gathering afterwards, you might want to include an RSVP email or phone number.

Livestream Link or Virtual Attendance Info

For guests who can’t attend in person—especially those living far away or with health concerns—some families choose to livestream the service. You can include the link directly on the invitation or a short note that details how to join.

A Photo of the Deceased

This is entirely optional, but including a favorite photo can bring warmth to the invitation and help celebrate their life visually—especially if it’s someone guests may not have seen in many years.

Choosing a Design That Reflects the Tone of the Service

The design of the invitation doesn’t need to be elaborate—it just needs to feel right for the kind of service you’re planning. Whether it’s a quiet, formal farewell or a joyful celebration of life, the style of your invitation can help set the tone and provide comfort to those attending.

Here are a few styles that families often choose:

All of the designs in my shop are editable, so you can personalize them with your own wording and details. Whether you prefer a digital file to print at home or a professionally printed version delivered to your door, there’s a format that will work for you.

How to Share Your Funeral Invitation

Once your invitation is ready, there are a few different ways you can share it—whether you need to send it quickly or want a beautifully printed version to post out to family and friends.

Professional Printing

If you order one of my funeral invitation templates through Zazzle, you’ll have the option to have it professionally printed and delivered to your home. The quality is beautiful, and it’s a helpful option if you don’t want to worry about printing yourself during an already difficult time. You can also choose quantities, paper types, and envelope options to suit your needs.

Digital Files

Prefer to print it yourself? No problem. Once your template is edited, you can download it as a high-resolution file. This gives you the flexibility to:

• Print it at home
• Take it to a local print shop
• Share it as an email attachment with family and friends
• Send it as a text or group message if time is short

There’s no “right” way to share a funeral invitation—just what works best for your situation. Whether you prefer to go paperless or send a keepsake in the post, you have options.

A Gentle Final Thought

Creating a funeral invitation is never something anyone wants to do—but it can be a small way to honor a life well lived. Including the right details helps guests feel informed and welcomed, while the design you choose can reflect the tone of the day and the personality of your loved one.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I hope this guide has helped make things a little clearer. My funeral invitation templates are designed to be easy to edit, with thoughtful wording and calming designs to make the process as gentle as possible. Whether you choose to print them at home, email them, or have them professionally printed, you’ll have something beautiful and meaningful to share.

Take your time, go at your own pace, and know that even the smallest details can be filled with love.