When families hold a memorial service
A memorial service is common after a cremation, after a private burial, or when family members need time to travel. Because it can be some weeks later, people may already know about the death. The invitation then mainly needs to be clear about the practical side: which day, what time, where, and whether there is a reception afterward. A video works well for this because it can be sent again close to the date as a reminder, and it looks the same each time.
What to include
Put the full name and the dates at the top, with a portrait. Then the memorial service: weekday, date, start time and full address. If the memorial is at a church, add the name of the church and the street; if it is at a club or hall, add the room if that helps. A reception gets its own line. A short line from the family, such as "Join us as we remember Margaret", sets the tone. For more detail see what to include in a funeral invitation and the example texts in funeral invitation wording.
When the funeral was private
Sometimes there was a private burial or cremation and the memorial is the moment everyone can come. You can say that plainly in one line: "Margaret was laid to rest privately. We warmly invite you to her memorial service." If you want to send a separate message about the private service first, see the private service announcement.
Sending and reminders
Memorial invitations often go out two or three weeks ahead, then once more a few days before. You send the same video both times, so nothing changes by accident. The share page includes add to calendar and directions, which helps when the date is far away. Tips on timing are in how soon to send a funeral invitation.
Cost and formats
The preview is free and carries a PREVIEW watermark. A finished video is $199 total, one time, and comes as vertical, square and landscape MP4 files. If the time or place changes later, a small fix is free after payment and you send the corrected version.
Choosing the photo and the line
For a memorial held weeks later, the family has usually had time to look through photos. Choose one in which the person looks like themselves, and ask for the original file. The family line can be a little more personal than a fast funeral invitation: a favorite saying, a short description, or simply "We would love to see you there." Keep it to one line so the date and place stay easy to read. If the family cannot decide between two photos, try both in the preview; seeing them in the video often settles it quickly.
When people come from far away
A memorial often brings people who have to travel. The share page helps them: it shows the video, has a button to add the service to their calendar, and opens directions to the address. Send the link along with the video so people can use it later. If there are several events, such as a service in the morning and a gathering in the evening, give each its own line with its own time and place. If the venue offers a livestream, the family can mention it in a line, but this tool does not provide one. For the wording of each part, see funeral invitation wording, and for the full list of details, what to include in a funeral invitation.
Check before you send
- The memorial date and weekday match
- The full address and room, if needed
- The reception has its own time and place
- The line about a private burial is what the family wants
- The calendar button on the share page shows the right time
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.