While cards are often meant to express happy tidings, like birthday wishes and holiday greetings, they’re also necessary on more somber occasions, such as the death of a loved one. Writing a sympathy card before the deceased’s memorial service is one meaningful way to share your condolences with the friends and family left behind. Here are some tips to ensure your words bring comfort during this challenging time.

Understanding Sympathy Card Etiquette

1. Keep It Simple

While an expensive store-bought card may seem like the best option, a pre-printed message isn’t personal. Instead, opt for a simple blank card and handwrite a personal note of your own. Since snail mail can take a few days to arrive, reach out via phone or email to express your condolences in the meantime. When the sympathy card finally arrives, the recipient will have something they can hold onto and re-read for comfort following the memorial service.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About the Deceased

Apologizing to a deceased person’s loved one about the pain they’re experiencing isn’t the most comforting thing to read. Instead, focus your sympathy card contents on the great qualities of the person who has passed away. You can even include a funny or sweet story about them. Sharing these types of memories is a great way to honor the deceased and remind their loved ones they are never alone in grief.

3. Send a Follow-Up Card

It’s commonplace to receive many sympathy cards before and after a loved one’s memorial service. However, many people forget that grief carries on much longer than that. Set a calendar reminder to send a card in 12 months, acknowledging the anniversary of the deceased’s passing and checking in to see how their loved one is doing. Knowing that someone is thinking about them, particularly on a painful day, can be a huge comfort when they need it most.

If you need funeral planning services for a loved one, the team at Whitley’s Funeral Home has served family and friends across Rowan and Cabarrus counties for decades. Based in Kannapolis, NC, this family-owned and -operated funeral home brings experience and compassion to everything from the selection of cremation urns to memorial service planning. While losing a loved one is never easy, you can draw comfort from their friendly staff, ensuring funeral arrangements best honor the spirit and life of the deceased. To inquire about memorial service offerings or funeral pre-planning, contact the team today at (704) 933-2222. For more tips on funeral etiquette, visit them online.