Different Types of Obituaries Explained

Introduction

Not all obituaries look the same, and that is by design. The format, length, and style of an obituary can vary widely depending on the publication, the family's preferences, and the purpose of the notice. Understanding the different types of obituaries helps you choose the approach that best honors your loved one and meets your practical needs.

This guide explains the most common types of obituaries, highlights the differences between them, and offers guidance on when each format is most appropriate.

Death Notice

A death notice is the shortest and most straightforward type of obituary. It typically includes only the basic facts: the person's name, date of death, and details about the funeral or memorial service. Death notices are often placed by the funeral home on behalf of the family and are published in local newspapers or online directories.

When to Use a Death Notice

When the family prefers privacy and wants to limit the amount of personal information shared publicly
When budget is a concern, as newspaper death notices are usually charged by the line and are the least expensive option
When a more detailed obituary will be published elsewhere, such as on a memorial website, and the death notice simply directs readers to that location

What a Death Notice Typically Includes

Full name of the deceased
Date of death (and sometimes date of birth)
City or town of residence
Funeral or memorial service information
Name of the funeral home handling arrangements

Traditional Newspaper Obituary

The traditional newspaper obituary is what most people picture when they think of an obituary. It is more detailed than a death notice and includes a life summary, a list of survivors, and service information. These obituaries are published in print newspapers and often on the newspaper's website as well.

When to Use a Traditional Newspaper Obituary

When the deceased was well-known in a particular community and you want to reach local readers
When the family wants a formal, structured tribute that follows a recognized format
When the obituary needs to serve as both an announcement and a brief biography

Length and Cost Considerations

Newspaper obituaries are typically charged by the word or by the line, and costs can add up quickly. Most traditional obituaries run between 200 and 500 words. Some newspapers impose length limits, while others charge a premium for longer notices. Always check with the publication about pricing and formatting guidelines before writing.

Feature-Length Obituary

A feature-length obituary goes beyond the basics to tell the full story of a person's life. These are longer, more detailed, and often read like a short biography or a personal essay. They include anecdotes, quotes, and in-depth descriptions of the person's character, achievements, and impact.

When to Use a Feature-Length Obituary

When the person lived a particularly notable, eventful, or inspiring life
When the family wants a comprehensive tribute that captures the full depth of the person's character
When the obituary will be published on a personal website, memorial page, or platform without word-count restrictions

Writing a Feature-Length Obituary

This format requires more time and effort but yields a deeply personal result. Gather stories from multiple family members and friends. Organize the content thematically or chronologically. Allow yourself space to describe not just what the person did, but who they were.

If you want a framework to help you organize a detailed tribute, our obituary templates offer structured starting points that you can expand upon.

Online or Digital Obituary

With the rise of digital media, online obituaries have become increasingly popular. These are published on memorial websites, funeral home pages, social media platforms, or dedicated obituary sites. Online obituaries offer several advantages over print.

Advantages of Online Obituaries

No word-count limits, allowing for a more complete tribute
The ability to include photographs, videos, and audio clips
Interactive features such as guestbooks, candle-lighting, and memory-sharing
Wider reach, as they can be shared via email and social media
Permanent availability, unlike print notices that may not be archived

When to Use an Online Obituary

When the family and friends are geographically dispersed and a local newspaper would not reach everyone
When you want to include multimedia elements that a print publication cannot accommodate
When you want an enduring tribute that remains accessible for years

Our obituary creator is designed to help you build a polished online tribute with all the elements you need.

Funeral Program Obituary

A funeral program obituary is written specifically for the printed program distributed at the memorial service. It is tailored to the audience — people who are present at the service and already know the deceased — so it often takes a more personal, reflective tone.

What Makes It Different

Unlike a newspaper obituary, which serves as a public announcement, the funeral program obituary is an intimate document. It may include personal messages from the family, favorite poems or scripture, and a more emotional recounting of the person's life. It is often accompanied by a timeline of the service, the names of pallbearers, and acknowledgments.

Length and Tone

Funeral program obituaries are usually concise — one to two pages at most — but carry a warmer, more reflective tone than their newspaper counterparts. They speak directly to those who gathered to honor the person.

Social Media Tribute

While not a traditional obituary in the formal sense, social media tributes have become a common way for individuals to announce a death and share memories. Posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or community groups allow friends and acquaintances to learn of the passing, share condolences, and contribute their own stories.

Best Practices for Social Media Tributes

Confirm with the immediate family before posting publicly. The family should be the first to share the news.
Keep the post respectful and consider the wide audience that may see it.
Include a link to the formal obituary or memorial page for those who want more information or wish to send condolences.
Be mindful of privacy — avoid sharing details the family has not made public.

Choosing the Right Type

In many cases, families use a combination of these formats. A short death notice might run in the local newspaper, a full obituary might be published on a memorial website, and a personal tribute might be shared on social media. There is no single right approach. Consider your audience, your budget, and what best honors the person's memory.

If you are unsure where to start, explore our template collection for examples that span a range of styles and lengths. Each template can be adapted to fit whatever format you choose.