Send thank you cards
Though there is no obligation to officially reply to any kind gestures from the community, consider sending thank you cards to anyone who contributed towards the Funeral or Memorial Services, sent flowers, or made donations.
There is no set time to send thank you cards, so send them only when you are ready.
Sending thank you cards is not just a way to show appreciation, but can also be cathartic and a good reminder of the love and support received from those who care.
Send thank you cards to people who attended the funeral or memorial service, or who helped support the funeral/memorial service or the surviving family in any way.
Helpful Tips
Who should receive a thank you note after a funeral?
Most people recognize that family members could have a lot going on around the time of a funeral, so many people do not expect a thank you card.
However, if possible, it’s nice to send a thank you to anyone who went above and beyond. This might include, but is not limited to:
- Anyone who sent or brought flowers
- Pallbearers
- Clergy members performing the service
- People who visited the deceased in the days leading up to their death
- People who sent personal letters
- Musicians who performed at the service
- Those who bought, made, or served food
- Anyone who provided babysitting services
- People who made a donation to a charity in honor of the deceased
Personal Considerations
Did you have a guest book at the memorial service?
Review it to make a list of people to send cards to. Note that you do not need to personally thank every person who attended the service.
Those who went out of their way to provide food, purchase flowers, read a poem, or coordinate funeral services can be prioritized.
Use the guest book to confirm names and addresses.
Create a list of possible thank you card recipients from memory or with help from family members.
Ask people you know attended for the contact information of anyone that you'd like to send a thank you card to.
Review it to make a list of people to send cards to. Note that you do not need to personally thank every person who attended the service.
Those who went out of their way to provide food, purchase flowers, read a poem, or coordinate funeral services can be prioritized.
Use the guest book to confirm names and addresses.
Create a list of possible thank you card recipients from memory or with help from family members.
Ask people you know attended for the contact information of anyone that you'd like to send a thank you card to.
