What a funeral slideshow is
A funeral or memorial slideshow is usually several minutes long. It shows dozens of photos from childhood to old age, often with two or three songs, and it is played on a screen at the service or reception. Making one means collecting and scanning photos, putting them in order, timing them to music and testing the file on the venue's equipment.
What an invitation video is
An invitation or announcement video is about half a minute long. It shows one portrait, the name and dates, and the service details, on a calm moving background. It is made to be sent to people's phones before the service, so they know about the death and can come. For how it works, see how to make a funeral invitation video.
What this site does and does not do
This site makes short invitation and announcement videos. It does not make long memorial slideshows, it does not collect RSVPs and it does not run livestreams. We say this plainly because many people search for "funeral slideshow maker" and we do not want anyone to spend time here expecting something we do not offer.
Which one do you need?
If the family wants to show many photos at the service, you need a slideshow tool or the funeral home's help. If the family wants to tell everyone about the service quickly and clearly, an invitation video fits. Many families use both: an invitation video before the service and a slideshow during it. Using the same favorite photo in both ties them together.
A note on tribute videos
"Tribute video" can mean a long slideshow or a short video. Ask what the family has in mind: something to watch together at the service, or something to send. For the difference between a video that announces and one that tells a life story, see obituary video vs invitation video.
Music in both
Music is often central in a slideshow and lighter in an invitation. In either case, sharing a copyrighted song in a video that is sent around is different from playing it at the service. More in music for a funeral invitation video.
Why the difference matters
Mixing up the two leads to frustration at a hard time. Someone who wants a slideshow and finds a thirty second invitation will feel let down; someone who needs to tell a hundred people about a service tomorrow does not need a five minute slideshow. Knowing what each one does helps the family choose quickly. If you are unsure, ask the simplest question: does the family want people to come, or to remember together while they are there? The first is an invitation, the second is a slideshow. Many families, of course, need both, and the two work well side by side.
Practical tips if you also make a slideshow
Collect photos early and ask for originals. Test the file on the venue's screen before the day. Keep it under the length the venue allows. And use the same main photo as in the invitation, so guests recognize it when they arrive. For the invitation itself, see funeral invitation wording and the funeral invitation video examples.
Questions to ask the family
Do you want to show many photos at the service? Do you need to tell people where and when to come? Is anyone streaming the service? The answers point to the right tool for each part. Whatever the family chooses, the invitation and the slideshow can share a mood: the same photo, similar colors, music in the same spirit. Guests notice that care even if they cannot say why.
Which video do you need?
- To tell people when and where: invitation video
- To announce a death: announcement video
- To show many photos at the service: slideshow
- To stream the service: ask the venue
About these guides
Written by Funeral Invitations, in plain language, for funeral directors and families. If anything changes about the videos or the price, we update the guides.