Announcing the death of a loved one is an incredibly difficult task. It forces you to acknowledge that someone you love has died, and in many ways, there’s just no way to put what you feel into words. But announcing the death on social media, through an obituary or in a newspaper is a necessary step.

Social media allows us to communicate rapidly and widely. You may not know every person your loved one had a relationship with, so making an announcement online is an efficient way to reach people.

Posting online creates a place for people to mourn, share memories and express condolences while also keeping things simple for you. It’s much less draining to make one post than to attempt to contact to each person individually.

Keep in mind that not everyone is on social media. Making major life announcements on social media may be acceptable for one generation but unheard of for older people. So, here are a few tips to help you navigate with tact and respect for others.

Notify Close Loved Ones First

Make sure you notify close family and friends in a more personal way first, such as in-person, with a phone call, or via private message. You don’t want people close to the deceased person to find out about their death online.

Wait At Least 24 Hours Before You Post

Waiting a day or so allows enough time to contact close family and friends with the news. The wait will give you time to set the service details and process some of your own initial feelings of grief.

Add An Intro To Warn People About Sad News

It’s always good to add a bit of an introduction to your post so that people know you have sad news to share. Here’s an example: “Family and friends, it is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of a very special person. I’m so sorry that you will hear the news this way, but our family wants to make sure everyone hears before the funeral.”

Exclude Details That You Don’t Want To Be Public

Remember that social platforms are a public space. Don’t write anything you don’t want everyone to read. Consider all of the people who may read your post and be prepared to receive responses from them.

What To Say In Your Post

Finding the right words may feel a little overwhelming. It’s best to keep things simple. The post can be formal, casual, sentimental or whatever you like. There are a few key pieces of information to include: name of the deceased, a favorite photo of your loved one, information about memorial donations and details about upcoming services. You might also consider linking to the obituary if it’s available.

As you consider what information to include, be mindful of your word choice. Focus on sharing positive memories and giving others an opportunity to share theirs.

Article excerpt from article originally posted on https://www.funeralbasics.org.

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