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What is the Difference Between an Obituary and a Death Notice

What is the Difference Between an Obituary and a Death Notice?

Understanding the difference between an obituary and a death notice is very important when paying tribute to a loved one’s life. Both are meant to inform the public of the passing of an individual. Still, they differ in length, content, and intended purpose. This blog provides clear differences between an obituary and a death notice to help you understand both terms.

A death notice is a concise announcement that usually includes information such as the deceased’s name, date of death, and details of memorial services. An obituary, however, provides a fuller profile that pays tribute to the life lived and all his accomplishments, aside from personal anecdotes. This difference allows families to select the appropriate way of paying tribute to their loved ones and informing the community.

What Is A Death Notice?

A death notice is a short announcement in a newspaper informing the public about someone’s passing and details of their funeral or memorial service.

  • Length: Death notices are usually short (50 to 100 words), perhaps just a few lines at most. They’re reportorial, excluding personal anecdotes or biographies.
  • Content: It is generally pretty short, consisting mainly of information such as his complete name, the date he passed away, details about offering service, and whatever they require instead of charity.
  • Written by the Family: These death notices are always written by the family, serving more as an announcement than a tribute. Typically, Oklahoma City obituaries are composed of newspaper employees.
  • When Published: They are published just days after death, allowing the community to pay its tribute as soon as possible.
  • Cost: Most newspapers publish free death notices, but many charge according to the word count or placement, which varies with the date of publication.
  • Less Information: The death notice does not account for the deceased individual’s achievements and life stories but only states facts about their death.

What Is An Obituary?

An obituary is a detailed profile that informs the public of a person’s passing while celebrating their life and achievements.

  • Length: Longer than death notices, often offering biographical information, usually around 200 words or more.
  • Purpose: It aims to notify the general public of a person’s passing while doing justice to the deceased as well by revealing their personality and a little about the life’s journey.
  • Content: Obituaries comprise personal memories, reflections, and achievements of the deceased that give more detailed overviews of their life.
  • Preparation: They are usually done by newspaper employees or by submissions from families of the deceased. Oklahoma obituaries for famous people can be rewritten.
  • Cost: Contrary to death notices, obituaries of famous people are usually printed free for the family. However, families can be charged extra if they want a full-feature article on the deceased.
  • Family Contribution: Families may also contribute information to the obituary. From here, they will create memories of their beloved family member and share them with the community.

Where to Publish a Death Notice?

Death notices are commonly published in local and national newspapers and in newsletters from religious or community organizations. A notice should be placed in the hometown newspaper and in the city where the person resided at the time of death. Online obituary services allow you to place a death notice and syndicate it to selected newspapers. For the notice’s validity, a paper generally requires confirmation about the death announcement from the funeral home or crematory.

Where to Publish an Obituary?

Most community newspapers print more details than large national newspapers, which often have only a few lines for obituaries of prominent leaders within their communities. It’s a good idea to contact smaller local publications to learn their policies on printing Oklahoma City obituaries. Community-related organizations such as churches, synagogues, and neighborhood volunteer groups could also be good sources for printing the obituary in newsletters or bulletins.

How Long Are Most Obituaries?

Most obituaries are 200 words. However, other publications allow longer obituaries, up to 450 words. Alternatively, shorter obituaries can be accepted with a minimum length of about 50 words. Always refer to the specific guidelines of the publication to ensure that your obituary meets their requirements.

What is the Maximum Time Between Death and Funeral?

The time would usually range between one to two weeks after a person’s death. The time may be extended in some cases, such as coroner’s investigation. The General could give this period in which the funeral party and the funeral director would have sufficient time to deliberate and organize all the necessary arrangements.

Conclusion

Death notices and obituaries are two roles that summarize the announcement of the death of a person. Normally, death notices state logistical facts surrounding death, usually dictated by a family member, but say very little about the deceased. 

On the other hand, an obituary is a more elaborate revelation regarding a person’s life and achievements. It is usually prepared by the newspaper staff or family members. Also, it helps families choose an appropriate format for paying tribute to their loved ones and informs society about their legacy. A death notice or a more sincere obituary can work well.

 

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