When Do Obituaries Come out: Understanding Obituary Release

Losing a loved one is never easy, and one way to honor their memory is through an obituary. What are they, and when do obituaries come out?

This article will explore the different types of obituaries, when and where they’re usually published, who has the authority to publish them, and what information they should include. 

Along with practical tips and suggestions for writing an obituary and the various options available for submitting one.

What Is an Obituary?

A death obituary is a brief written announcement that informs the public of a person’s passing. Obituaries differ in length and format, from short death notices to longer, more detailed tributes.

Typically published in newspapers or online, it serves as:

• A way to honor the deceased, and share information about their life and accomplishments
• A way to announce funeral or memorial service arrangements
• An important role in remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have passed and offer a way for friends and family to express their condolences and share memories

When Do Obituaries Come Out?

The timing can vary depending on several factors:

• Print – newspapers or print publications usually have specific deadlines families need to adhere to in order to have their obituary published at a certain time
• Digital – online forums or publications will also have deadlines, but these can be posted within a few days
• Advance Obituaries – for well-known figures, theirs will be written and submitted in advance ready for publication

Types of Obituaries

An obituary can take different forms, depending on the purpose it is designed to serve. One important factor to consider when writing an obituary is the length.

It can range from short death notices to longer memorial obituaries, such as:

1. Standard obituaries
2. Death notices
3. Memorial obituaries
4. Obituary cards

Each type has its unique characteristics and serves a different purpose. Let’s take a closer look and see how long each type of obituary.

1. Standard Obituary

A standard obituary is a detailed summary of a person’s life and achievements. It typically includes information about the person’s:

• Birth
• Education
• Career
• Family
• Community involvement
• It may also include information about funeral arrangements, such as the date, time, and location of the service.
• To ensure accuracy and completeness, it’s important to consider what to write in an obituary and seek input from family members and friends. 

Standard obituaries are published in newspapers and online:

• The cost of publishing varies depending on the obituary’s length and publication.
• Typically, a standard obituary is around 200-300 words.

2. Death Notice

A death notice is a short announcement of a person’s passing, usually published in newspapers or online.

• It informs the public of the death and provides details about the name, age, date, and place of passing.
• Unlike a standard obituary, it does not include information about the person’s life accomplishments or funeral arrangements. 
• Death notices are typically less expensive to publish than standard obituaries and are around 50-100 words in length.

If you want to announce the passing of a loved one in a cost-effective and simple way, a death notice in the newspaper may be the most straightforward way to go.

3. Memorial Obituary

A memorial obituary is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away.

• Unlike a standard obituary, which mainly focuses on the basic biographical details of the deceased, a memorial obituary emphasizes their accomplishments and contributions to society. 
• It can include information about their educational and professional background and their involvement in community activities.
• The average cost of a memorial obituary varies between $50 to $500, depending on the length and publication.
• Usually, a memorial obituary ranges from 400-500 words. It is a way to honor the departed and share their story with others. 

Sharing these details can help others appreciate the person’s impact on the world. 

Obituary Card

An obituary card is a small printed card that includes basic information about a person’s death, such as:

• Their name, age, and the date and location of their death
• It may also include information about funeral arrangements
• Obituary cards are often distributed at memorial services or funeral homes
• The average cost of printing 100 obituary cards is around $100

When Are Obituaries Published?

Losing a loved one is difficult, and many people wonder when they can expect to see an obituary. The answer varies depending on the region and publication.

In the past, obituaries were typically published a few days after the person’s passing. Today, many are published online immediately.

Keep in mind that the length of an obituary can also affect its publication timing. To get the most up-to-date information about how long is an obituary and when obituaries come out, do check with your local newspaper or online news source.

Who Can Publish Obituaries?

When a loved one passes away, family members or close friends usually have the authority to publish an obituary in a newspaper death notice.

However, it’s important to note that some news outlets may have specific legal requirements or restrictions for publishing an obituary. 

It’s essential to follow these guidelines to avoid any issues with the publication. It’s also crucial to notify the public of the obituary through various channels, such as social media or community bulletins.

Understanding the differences between obituaries and death notices can help you decide which one is appropriate for your situation.

Tips and Suggestions for Writing an Obituary

When it comes to writing an obituary, it can be a challenging task for anyone. If you’re unsure where to start, the best place is to start could be:

1. Gathering factual information and details about the person’s life, such as their birthdate, family members, and career accomplishments
2. Reading or listening to obituaries online; such as the fascinating stories in the acclaimed “The New York Times Book of the Dead: 320 Print and 10,000 Digital Obituaries of Extraordinary People,” edited by William McDonald [UK Version]
3. Search Google or Pinterest for additional examples, or inspiration

While it may be tempting to include personal memories or emotions, it’s important to keep the focus on factual information.

Different Options for Submitting an Obituary

Submitting an obituary is a process that can be done through various methods, including online, email, in-person, or mail submission. However, following specific requirements and formatting guidelines for each method is important.

For online submissions, visit the news outlet’s website and look for the “submit an obituary” section. Send the obituary to the provided email address for email submissions, and include all necessary information. In-person submissions can be made at the newspaper’s office during business hours, while mail submissions require sending the obituary and payment to the newspaper’s designated address.

Keep in mind that specific formatting guidelines and requirements, such as where and when are obituaries required to be submitted, may vary from one news outlet to the next.

Information Needed for Obituaries

When writing an obituary, it’s important to include basic information about the person, such as:

• The full name of the deceased
• Birth and death dates
• Surviving family members
• Preceded in death by (if applicable)
• Funeral or memorial service arrangements

For more detailed guidance on how to write an obituary and what to say, please check out our guide on how to write an obituary.

Timing and Deadlines

The timing of an obituary can affect its publication, especially if details about funeral or memorial service arrangements need to be included. It’s crucial to remember the deadline for submitting the obituary to the news outlet. If the obituary needs to be published quickly, gathering all the necessary information as soon as possible is essential.

Additionally, some religions, such as Catholicism, have specific mourning traditions that may affect the timing of the funeral or memorial service. For more information on Catholic mourning traditions, click here.

Conclusion

In summary, obituaries are a meaningful way to pay tribute to the life of someone who has passed away. Knowing when and how to publish an obituary is crucial, as it ensures that their memory is respected and celebrated.

To get the most precise information on what to include and when obituaries come out, checking with local publishers is the safest bet. Generally, it depends on various factors, such as the publication’s deadlines and the time required to gather all the necessary information.

By following the guidelines provided, you can create a thoughtful and well-crafted obituary that honors the life and legacy of your loved one.