Standard Obituary Format Guide
Learn the proper obituary format and structure to ensure your tribute is professional and respectful. This comprehensive guide covers traditional formats, modern approaches, and best practices for different types of publications.
Basic Obituary Structure
Essential Components
- Death announcement
- Birth and family background
- Life achievements and career
- Personal life and interests
- Surviving family members
- Service information
Writing Guidelines
- Use third person and past tense
- Include specific dates and names
- Balance personal and professional details
- Keep tone appropriate for audience
- Proofread for accuracy
Step-by-Step Format Breakdown
Opening Announcement
The first sentence announces the death and provides essential information.
Example:
[Full Name], age [X], of [City, State], passed away [peacefully/suddenly] on [Date] at [Location].
Tips:
- Always include full legal name
- State age at time of death
- Include current residence
- Be sensitive with cause of death details
Birth and Family Background
Provide birth details and immediate family context.
Example:
Born on [Date] in [City, State], [he/she] was the [son/daughter] of [Parents' Names].
Tips:
- Include birth date and location
- Name parents (even if deceased)
- Consider including siblings if relevant
- Use past tense consistently
Life Overview and Achievements
Highlight education, career, and major life accomplishments.
Example:
[Name] graduated from [School] in [Year] and worked as a [Profession] for [X] years at [Company]. [He/She] was known for [achievements/qualities].
Tips:
- Focus on most significant achievements
- Include education highlights
- Mention career milestones
- Add personality traits or values
Personal Life and Relationships
Cover marriage, children, and personal interests.
Example:
[He/She] married [Spouse Name] in [Year]. Together they raised [X] children and enjoyed [hobbies/interests].
Tips:
- Include marriage details if applicable
- List children and grandchildren
- Mention hobbies and interests
- Add community involvement
Survivors and Predeceased
List surviving family members and those who preceded in death.
Example:
[Name] is survived by [list family members]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [list names].
Tips:
- Start with spouse, then children
- Include grandchildren and great-grandchildren
- Add parents and siblings if living
- Keep predeceased list brief
Service Information
Provide details about funeral, memorial, or celebration of life services.
Example:
A [funeral/memorial] service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity].
Tips:
- Include all service dates and times
- Provide complete address information
- Mention any special requests
- Add donation information if appropriate
Different Obituary Format Styles
Traditional Formal
Classic newspaper format with formal language and complete information.
Best For:
Newspaper publication, formal memorial services, traditional families
Structure:
- Death announcement with full details
- Birth and family background
- Education and career highlights
- Marriage and family life
- Personal qualities and interests
- Survivors and predeceased
- Service information and donations
Personal Narrative
Story-like format focusing on personality, relationships, and memorable moments.
Best For:
Online memorials, celebration of life services, close family and friends
Structure:
- Warm opening with personality focus
- Life story with personal anecdotes
- Relationships and family bonds
- Passions and life philosophy
- Legacy and impact on others
- Family information
- Service and memorial details
Professional Focus
Emphasis on career achievements, professional contributions, and community impact.
Best For:
Business leaders, professionals, community figures, academic achievements
Structure:
- Death announcement with titles
- Educational background
- Career highlights and positions
- Professional achievements and awards
- Community service and contributions
- Personal life summary
- Service information
Brief Memorial
Concise format with essential information only.
Best For:
Death notices, budget constraints, private families, simple preferences
Structure:
- Basic death announcement
- Key life details
- Immediate family information
- Service details
- Memorial requests
Common Format Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistent verb tenses (mixing past and present)
- Too much or too little personal information
- Unclear or incomplete service information
- Forgetting to include important family members
- Using inappropriate tone for the publication
- Exceeding word limits for newspaper publication
- Omitting contact information when needed
Professional Formatting Tips
- Write in third person throughout
- Use past tense consistently
- Keep paragraphs short and readable
- Include specific dates, locations, and names
- Balance personal details with privacy
- Proofread multiple times for accuracy
- Consider your audience and publication venue
Format Guidelines by Publication Type
Newspapers
- 200-500 words typical
- Formal, concise language
- Include all essential facts
- Follow publication guidelines
- Consider cost per word
Online Platforms
- More flexible length
- Can include personal stories
- Photos and videos allowed
- Interactive elements possible
- SEO considerations
Memorial Programs
- 300-800 words suitable
- More personal tone allowed
- Include photos and quotes
- Focus on life story
- Design considerations
Ready to Create Your Professionally Formatted Obituary?
Use our free obituary template generator with built-in formatting guidance to create a beautiful, professional tribute.