Q&A for How to Write a Thank You Note After a Funeral

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  • Question
    What do you write in a thank you card after a funeral?
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
    Etiquette Coach
    Expert Answer
    I would address the person by name, then thank them for whatever it is they did, whether that was sending flowers, helping with arrangements, or just being at the funeral. Conclude the card by letting them know you appreciate their kindness. Finally, tell them you look forward to seeing them again.
  • Question
    Should I sign or write something additional on a pre-printed thank you card from the funeral home?
    Community Answer
    Only if you want to, perhaps to a special person or someone who did something special, such as read or sang at the funeral or helped with the wake or something. It is not really expected as people know you have suffered a loss, but a quick line for a special thing done or extra generous memorial donation would be fine.
  • Question
    How do I sign the letter?
    Community Answer
    As it says above, sign the notes either with your own name or “Family of [Deceased’s Name]."
  • Question
    I have some beautiful blank note cards with my Mother's name imprinted on the front of the card. Since she was the one who passed, would it be appropriate to use those cards instead of using ones with "thank you" on the front? I can't afford to buy new cards, so I thought this might be okay.
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can definitely use the blank cards with your mother's name on them. On the inside message you can express your thanks to whomever you send the cards.
  • Question
    Who is the proper person to thank for funeral flowers that came from a group?
    Community Answer
    Write a thank you note to the group, not one person. Send the note to the leader or someone you know that is involved. Be sure to address the entire group, as the note will be shared with the group.
  • Question
    What is the best way to write a thank you note after receiving funeral flowers? Should I describe the type of flowers I received?
    Community Answer
    Write something like this: "I wanted to thank you for the flowers you sent me. They were very thoughtful." If the flowers carried a meaning you're away of, then you could make a mention of that (see the meaning of flowers ) or you could mention that they were the deceased's favorite, if this was the truth, such as: "Thank you for the flowers. They were Marie-Claire's favorites. I know she'd have appreciated your caring thoughts."
  • Question
    How do I thank a friend of my brother's for paying for and preparing the after funeral meal?
    Community Answer
    I've written something along the lines of: "Thank you for the kindness and caring you showed in providing such a delicious dinner. Your love for [the deceased] was so sincere in every dish - and all homemade! For many of us, this was the first real meal we could sit down and enjoy since s/he passed. Your thoughtfulness is so appreciated. Sincerely, the ___ Family"
  • Question
    What do I say to the undertaker who organized the funeral?
    Community Answer
    Thank them for their time and compliment them on their planning abilities. A phone call, letter, or quick in-person visit will do.
  • Question
    What do I say to the person who performed the music for the service?
    Community Answer
    Say something like: Thank you so much for generously donating your time and beautiful talent at such a difficult time for me, it's greatly appreciated.
  • Question
    How do I write a thank you to a Sunday school class for their sympathy and a memorial?
    Community Answer
    Say thank you by going in person into their class. You could award small prizes such as a piece of jewelry, a book, a gift voucher, etc. to class members who were particularly helpful. Or, throw the whole class a morning tea.
  • Question
    How do I write a thank-you note as a widow with young children?
    Community Answer
    If you're struggling to write the card with young children around, ask a family member or friend to mind them for a hour or two. If you don't know what to say, keep it simple and don't be afraid to let tears flow.
  • Question
    If I have bad handwriting, is it acceptable to type the thank-you notes?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you should sign your name.
  • Question
    If 30 people signed the guestbook, and my family received five envelopes with money in them, do we need to send a thank you note to everyone who signed the guestbook?
    Flutasmoradas
    Community Answer
    I would send thank you notes to those who gave you the envelopes. If you don't know who gave you the envelopes, I would send thank you notes to those who attended and just thank them for their presence.
  • Question
    How do I write a thank you note for the newspaper?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    I received several baskets with a variety of geen house plants (I don't know their names) when my husband passed. How do I describe them in my thank-you notes?
    Flutasmoradas
    Community Answer
    Look up plants that you can have delivered to someone's funeral service, and some pictures should pop up. If you don't easily find matches, just say "Thank you for your flower arrangement".
  • Question
    The funeral director took all the name tags off the floral arrangements and put them in an envelope. How do I write thank you notes when I can't remember who sent what?
    Community Answer
    You could write a thank you note to everyone who sent something, even if you don't know what they sent, and briefly explain what happened. You can still thank them for sending a flower arrangement and being so thoughtful.
  • Question
    Should I send thank you notes to immediate family members who sent flowers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I would send them personalized thank you notes. Alternatively, you could call them to thank them.
  • Question
    How do I write a thank-you message to friends who only sent a condolence message?
    Community Answer
    Many people will have wanted to attend the funeral, but simply couldn't due to other obligations. So start from that idea when you write a thank-you note. For example: "I felt in my heart that you were there mentally to support me, and appreciate your message."
  • Question
    What should I bring to my aunt's funeral?
    Community Answer
    You should bring a flower and a card about how you will miss her.
  • Question
    Should I send thank you notes to my husband's family for the flowers, Mass cards, etc. that they sent after he passed away?
    Community Answer
    Yes, sending thank you notes to his family shows that you are grateful and appreciate their contributions.
  • Question
    What should I say in a thank you note to a clergy member?
    Community Answer
    Thank him for his kind words and the time he gave up to come and speak at the service. If you can, describe more specifically how his words impacted you.
  • Question
    How do I thank someone for monetary gifts after my spouse has passed away?
    Flutasmoradas
    Community Answer
    You can write a thank you note politely thanking those who gave monetary gifts for their generosity and consideration.
  • Question
    What color ink do I use for thank you notes after a funeral?
    Community Answer
    You can use a blue or black pen for writing thank you notes after a funeral.
  • Question
    Should I thank both the husband and the wife when the wife stopped by with food?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can if you want to since they are family. You can also thank the wife, but it depends on your personal preference.
  • Question
    How do I write a thank you note for the newspaper?
    Community Answer
    Say something along the lines of "The [last name of deceased family member] appreciates your writers taking time to document the horrible death. We will continue to grieve with tears and family hugs."
  • Question
    A donation was made to a charity in my husband's name. I do not recognize the name of the person, and I don't know how to thank her. How can I handle this correctly?
    Flutasmoradas
    Community Answer
    Ask around and see if anyone knows who the person is. If they do, then ask for the their address or phone number so you can contact them to say thank you.
  • Question
    Should I send cards to family even if I've not spoken to them for a long period of time?
    Buddy4
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will be good for them to know that you care about them, even though you haven't been in touch for awhile.
  • Question
    The House of Representatives adjourned in memory of my mother. How do I compose a thank-you note?
    Flutasmoradas
    Community Answer
    Write a formal and cordial thank you note to the House of Representatives explaining your relation to the deceased and thanking them for their thoughtful gesture.
  • Question
    Should I send a thank you card to those that sent me a card?
    Flutasmoradas
    Community Answer
    Yes, it would be polite for you to return their gesture with a gesture of your own.
  • Question
    Do I need to send a thank you note to people who attended a funeral and signed the guest book?
    Community Answer
    No; however, it would be the proper thing to do. I recommend sending a thank you card even if people couldn't attend. The family member will always be missed, and you could thank them for spending time with the family as you are suffering with the heavy grief.
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