What to Write in a Funeral Thank You Card: 4 Simple Steps - Camino del Sol (2024)

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What to Write in a Funeral Thank You Card: 4 Simple Steps - Camino del Sol (3)

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After the funeral, there comes a period when the initial wave of emotions begins to settle, and we gradually return to daily routines and responsibilities. One important task that should be taken care of during this transitional phase is expressing written gratitude to relatives, friends, and acquaintances who sent flowers, made memorial donations, provided meals, etc.

While writing thank you notes may seem overwhelming, it can actually be a healing and cathartic experience for grieving families. As tokens of appreciation, they remind us of the power of compassion and empathy during life’s most challenging moments.

In this blog, we will explain how and what to write in a funeral thank you card and discuss the different ways families can convey their appreciation. As you read, please bear in mind that there are no rigid guidelines for acknowledging support, and the etiquette surrounding it is truly personal and unique to each individual.

Funeral Home Thank You Cards

Most funeral homes offer pre-formatted thank you cards as à la carte items or as part of a tribute package that include a register book, funeral programs, prayer cards, and other types of stationary.

Typically, these cards can be customized with the deceased’s photo and information about their life, as shown in the example below.

What to Write in a Funeral Thank You Card: 4 Simple Steps - Camino del Sol (4)

Families are provided with a variety of designs and messages to choose from, enabling them to select the ones that most accurately reflect the personality and spirit of their loved one.

Inside the card, there is usually enough space to write a couple of sentences. While simply signing the card with your own name or “Family of [deceased’s first and last name]” is sufficient, adding a short handwritten note is a nice touch.

Here are a couple of examples of thoughtful messages:

“Thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement you sent to the church. It was one of our favorites and brightened up our home for many days after the service.”

We greatly appreciate your donation to [charity] in [name of deceased]’s name. This cause was near and dear to their heart, and your generosity is a meaningful tribute in their memory.”

“Thank you for the delicious casserole you brought to our home. It gave us a wonderful feeling of consolation and goodwill.”

Sympathy Acknowledgement Cards

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In addition to the pre-formatted cards offered by the funeral home, there are also additional styles of sympathy recognition cards available that provide more choices and ample space for messages.

One option is a greeting card with a standard verse that is fitting for the situation. Another option is a simple note card that is left blank on the inside, providing a canvas for longer messages. There is also the option to order formal, fully-customizable cards, either online or directly from the funeral home, should they provide such a service.

For those who want to express their gratitude in a longer note but lack immediate time or emotional energy, they can opt for a funeral home-provided card and follow up with another card at a later date.

This approach allows them to promptly acknowledge the support while providing the flexibility to send a personalized message when they feel ready.

Penning the Thank-You Note – 4 Steps

If you have recently lost a loved one and wish to write a lengthier message, you can use the following outline as a guide.

1. Open with a statement of recognition and gratitude.

Begin by addressing the individual or group to whom you are writing. The next sentence can then express acknowledgment and appreciation, such as: “We will be forever grateful for your presence, love, and thoughtfulness through everything.”

2. Mention the gesture that was extended.

Next, reference the specific act of kindness and let the recipient(s) know how they impacted you and your family during your time of sadness. Whether they brought you comfort, lifted your spirits, or gave you strength, articulate how their actions made a positive difference.

3. Highlight the significance of their relationship with the deceased.

You can also acknowledge the importance of the connection between the card recipient and the departed loved one. Don’t hesitate to share memories or state how their relationship brought joy, love, and happiness into the deceased’s life.

4. End with a heartfelt closing.

Conclude by reiterating your thankfulness and extending well wishes to the recipient. You may write a closing sentence, such as “Your empathy has made this journey more bearable, and we are deeply touched by your kindness.” Then sign the card with your name, or if you are writing on behalf of the entire family, consider a closing like “With love and appreciation, The Smith Family”.

Who should receive a thank you note?

What to Write in a Funeral Thank You Card: 4 Simple Steps - Camino del Sol (6)

While it is not necessary to mail a formal thank you note to each and every person who attended the funeral or sent a card, it is considerate to recognize those who have done the following:

  • Sent flowers or sympathy gifts to the visitation, service, or family home.
  • Donated to a charity, church, foundation, etc., in memory of your loved one.
  • Provided financial assistance towards the cost of funeral services.
  • Had a role in the funeral (i.e. eulogist, reader, pallbearers, readers, musicians).
  • Presided over the memorial service or funeral.
  • Traveled a long distance to attend the service(s).
  • Brought food to the family home or coordinated a meal after the service.
  • Provided help, such as caring for children or pets, grocery shopping, house chores.
  • Funeral home and cemetery staff who went above and beyond.

Fostering Healing and Closure

During times of loss, writing thank you cards can be a therapeutic channel for expressing gratitude. Through this process, families are provided with an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the outpouring of support they received and navigate the complexities of the mourning process with a little more ease.

If you are reading this blog because you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, my deepest condolences go out to you. It is my hope that the guidance provided here will assist you in knowing what to write in a funeral thank you card and opens a healing path for you to honor the memory of your departed loved one.

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Jill Darby

Jill is a member of the Marketing Team and copywriter for Camino del Sol and all affiliated companies. She grew up in the funeral industry, as her family owned funeral homes in the Midwest. After graduating from Miami University, Ohio in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Jill worked in sales and customer relations for a global funeral product manufacturer. Her experience also includes merchandising, cemetery operations, and aftercare. Jill and her husband, Rich enjoy spending time with family, traveling, watching college basketball, and spoiling their 5 grandchildren.

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What to Write in a Funeral Thank You Card: 4 Simple Steps - Camino del Sol (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of a thank you note after a death? ›

“Thank you for thinking of our family during this difficult time. Your card was sincerely appreciated.” “Thank you so much for the condolences. We truly appreciated the warm words of comfort.”

How many sentences should be in a thank you card for a funeral? ›

This is especially important if you are a bit late (or very late) in sending out your acknowledgments. Short but meaningful is the goal. A simple 1 to 3 sentence thank you is all that is needed as long as it is personal and comes from the heart.

What is the etiquette for thank you cards for sympathy? ›

Some may wonder if all of these things should be acknowledged with a sympathy thank you card. While it is always recommended that a floral arrangement, gift basket or mass card is acknowledged with a thank you card it is considered optional to send one when receiving sympathy cards.

How do you write a heartfelt appreciation message? ›

Guidelines for writing appreciation letters:

State what you appreciate and briefly explain why. Do not add other news or information not related to the appreciative gesture. The message of appreciation should stand alone. Be brief, warm, and sincere.

What is the most comforting thing to say at a funeral? ›

"Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss." "(The deceased) was a great person, and I'll miss them very much." "(He/she) meant a lot to me and everyone else at (the work place.) (He/she) contributed a lot to the company and our team, and (the deceased) will be missed."

How long after a funeral do you send thank you cards? ›

There is no set deadline when it comes to sending out thank you cards, though getting them out within two to three weeks after the funeral is ideal. Even if it takes some time for you to feel ready to tackle the task of writing thank you notes, it is never too late to send them out.

What is the last sentence of a thank you card? ›

Post-Event Thank You Card Wording & Etiquette

If sending a thank you to an acquaintance, it's great to keep your tone warm and express gratitude for the invitation. Sign off with a friendly phrase that doesn't feel too rigid, such as "Our best," "Until next time," or "With full tummies."

Should funeral thank you notes be hand written? ›

It is not seen as rude to send out pre-printed thank you cards following a funeral. However, you should always include a hand-written line in the note thanking the recipient for whatever you are thanking them for.

Why not say thank you to condolences? ›

Respond to in-person condolences with a genuine “thank you.” People understand that you'll be emotional or in pain. When they say “I'm sorry for your loss,” they just want you to know that they support you, and won't be expecting a longer conversation. A simple “thank you” works.

What to say after the funeral is over? ›

Good things to say after a funeral

My condolences.” "They were a lovely person, and will be missed.” “When you're ready, I'm here for you.” “I don't know what to say or how to best help, but I really wish I did.”

How do you wish for appreciation at a funeral? ›

Thank you for sharing your memories at the funeral. It meant a lot to me”. “Thank you for being part of the celebration of my parent's life”. “I really appreciate the effort you took to be here today”.

How do you say thank you from family in a funeral program? ›

"We appreciate your support during this difficult time in our lives." "Thank you for your thoughts and prayers." "We are grateful to have had you there to honour _____'s life." "Thank you for your attendance.

How do you write a good thank you note? ›

The ideal note is brief and to the point. Start by thanking the person, with specificity, for their gift or kind act. Write about how you plan to use their gift or how their actions made you feel. And then reiterate your thanks and mention the next time you'll see the person.

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