Obituary writing can be a massive responsibility, especially during a time of loss. It is uncommon that the family is willing to make the life of their loved one count, but simple mistakes tend to confuse the message. The most common errors are either the omission of material facts, over-formality or ambiguity, failure to meet deadlines by the local paper, or making spelling and grammar errors.
Others fail to include details of services or personal touches of the life lived. Being aware of these errors can make you write cautiously and respectfully. When you are compiling one, it is useful to learn how to make an obituary in Phoenix properly.
Mistakes You Should Avoid When Writing an Obituary in Phoenix
Here are the most common mistakes you need to avoid
1. Not Including Key Details
Omitting important facts is one of the greatest errors in writing an obituary. The obituary is supposed to answer the following basic questions: who they were, where they lived, and when they passed away. It also ought to have birth and death dates, as well as information about members who survived and their service. Without this information, the reader can become lost or fail to connect. Including such information makes the announcement complete and dignified. Often, families and friends archive obituaries as a reminder, and therefore, precision is important.
2. Using Complicated or Formal Language
The other error is to write in language that is too formal or difficult to read. Most people believe an obituary should contain big words, but this is not true. Two-syllable words are warmer, making the message easier for everyone to comprehend. This does not mean that you can say, for instance, commenced his eternal rest, but you may simply say, passed away. Plain language is more human and personal. Remember, it is to honor a life, not confuse readers with difficult language.
3. Forgetting Personal Stories and Memories
The obituaries is not all about the facts. One of the most frequent errors is excluding personal accounts, which helps make a person unique. Readers would want to remember minor details like hobbies, favorite sayings, or community participation. These nuances make a list of facts a tribute to the person’s full life. Telling at least one or two stories can bring friends and relatives closer to their loved ones. Without these details, an obituary can seem flat and impersonal.
4. Missing Deadlines with the Newspaper
Another area that families go wrong in is timing. Newspapers normally have obituary due dates, and failure to meet the deadline may lead to delays. When there is a near date of service, this may cause pressure and misunderstanding on the part of guests who require the information. Plan ahead and send the obituary as early as possible to avoid this. Check with the local paper to verify the deadlines, word limit, and cost. Some preparation will work to make sure that people get the announcement promptly.
5. Overlooking Proofreading
When mistakes happen with spelling a particular word, names, or even dates, the family can suffer. High emotions make it easy to commit small mistakes, but proofreading is essential.
Even a fake date or spelled-out name would change the meaning and upset family members. To avoid this, have another family member or a close friend look at the obituary prior to printing. This can prevent a broken heart in the future because all it takes is a quick double-check, which only takes a couple of minutes. Accuracy achieves respect for the person being honored.
6. Making the Obituary Too Short or Too Long
One more challenge encountered is the right length. Some obituaries are too short and lack the opportunity to recount memories. On the other hand, some obituaries are too long and wordy to read. Try to be neutral so that you can add the most important information and a few personal stories. The length between 200 and 400 words is commonly reasonable. This provides enough space to honor the person without overwhelming the readers. One should make it simple and straight to the point so that the obituary can serve its purpose.
7. Leaving Out Funeral or Memorial Information
Another common error is forgetting to include information about the service. If this section is missing, friends and extended family do not know to whom or where to come. Also, remember to add the date, time, and place of the funeral or a memorial service. If the family wants a personal service, one can say it as well. These facts enable individuals to show their respect in their desired fashion to the family. In its absence, the obituary is incomplete.
Conclusion
Writing an obituary requires care, patience, and attention to detail. Mistakes like leaving out important facts, using hard-to-read language, or forgetting service details can make the message unclear. Adding personal touches, proofreading carefully, and meeting deadlines will help you create a tribute that truly honors a loved one. Families can respectfully share facts and memories by keeping the writing simple and meaningful. If you need guidance, remembering these points can make writing an obituary in Phoenix a much smoother process.
