Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Obituary
Writing an obituary is a task that comes with great responsibility. It serves as a final tribute to a loved one and provides important information to the community about their passing. To ensure the obituary honours their memory respectfully and accurately, here are common pitfalls to avoid.
- Overlooking Details
Always include fundamental details such as the full name (including maiden name, if applicable), age, date of birth, date of death, and place of birth. Omitting these can confuse readers and make the obituary feel incomplete.
Double-check all dates, names, and facts. Errors in an obituary can cause distress for the family and may require public corrections.
2. Being Too Vague or Too Detailed
While it’s important to cover key life events, failing to include personal anecdotes or qualities that highlight the individual’s personality can result in a cold and impersonal obituary.
3. Including too much detail about every aspect of their life can overwhelm readers.
Strike a balance by focusing on significant life achievements, relationships, and what they were most passionate about.
4. Ignoring Family Dynamics
Be tactful about family relationships. In cases of complex family dynamics, such as divorces or estrangements, choose wording carefully to avoid exacerbating tensions.
5. Ensure that all close family members are mentioned.
Accidentally excluding someone can hurt feelings and cause familial strife.
6. Neglecting Tone and Style
The tone of an obituary should reflect respect and celebration of life. Avoid overly casual language or humour that might not be well-received by all readers.
7. Using Templates
While templates can be helpful, relying too heavily on them without customization can make the obituary feel generic and insincere.
8. Overlooking the Impact of the Obituary
An obituary may be read by a wide range of people, from close family and friends to distant acquaintances and the general public. Ensure the content is appropriate for all.
9. Grammar Howlers
Spelling or grammatical errors can detract from the dignity of an obituary. Always proofread the text, or better yet, have someone else review it before publication.
10. Failing to Follow Publication Guidelines
Many publications have strict word count limits and formatting requirements for obituaries. Check these guidelines beforehand to avoid last-minute edits or additional costs.
Ignoring Submission Deadlines: Be aware of deadlines for submitting obituaries to newspapers or online platforms to ensure the obituary is published in a timely manner.
Writing an obituary requires attention to detail, sensitivity to family dynamics, and a clear expression of the deceased’s life and legacy. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a respectful and memorable obituary that truly honours your loved one. Remember, this tribute will stand as a record of their life for generations to come, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
