How Much Does It Cost to Put an Obituary in the Newspaper?

Newspapers serve as a traditional medium for announcing an individual’s passing and commemorating their life. These published notices, known as obituaries, provide a public record of a person’s existence and details regarding memorial services. Families often consider the financial aspects of publishing such an announcement. Understanding the elements that influence the cost is important.

Factors Influencing Obituary Costs

The cost of placing an obituary in a newspaper depends on several variables, starting with the choice of publication. Larger metropolitan newspapers generally charge more than smaller, local community papers due to their wider readership. For instance, a basic obituary might cost around $200-$600 in some areas, while a more detailed one in a major city could range from $1,000 to over $2,000 for a single day’s publication.

The length of the obituary significantly impacts its price, as most newspapers charge by the line, word, or column inch. Longer tributes occupy more space and incur higher fees. Including photographs or special design elements also adds to the overall expense, with additional fees often applied for images.

Publication days also influence pricing, with weekend editions, particularly Sundays, often having higher rates due to increased readership. The newspaper’s geographic location and market size play a substantial role in determining cost; publications in larger cities or more affluent areas tend to have higher prices. For example, a moderately short obituary might cost around $85 in a smaller town but could be $780 in a major city like New York. Many newspapers include an online version of the obituary, sometimes for an additional fee or as part of the print package.

Preparing Your Obituary Content

Before submission, families need to gather specific information for the obituary. This includes the deceased’s full name, dates of birth and death, and last place of residence. Details about surviving family members, notable accomplishments, military service, and affiliations are also included. Information regarding funeral or memorial service details, such as dates, times, and locations, along with requests for donations to a specific charity, should be prepared.

Crafting the message requires a respectful and commemorative tone, focusing on clarity and conciseness. Newspapers often have word count limits or space constraints, so careful editing is necessary to convey the desired message. It is helpful to distinguish between a basic “death notice” and a more comprehensive “obituary.” A death notice is a shorter, paid announcement with minimal information, often treated as a classified advertisement.

In contrast, a full obituary provides a more detailed life story, which can be editorially chosen by the newspaper for prominent individuals or, more commonly, a paid advertisement. Regardless of the type, verifying all facts, names, and spellings is important to avoid errors in the published announcement. Many funeral homes can assist with drafting the content, ensuring all necessary details are included and accurate.

Submission and Publication Process

Once the obituary content is prepared, the next step involves submitting it to the chosen newspaper. Common submission methods include working through a funeral home, utilizing the newspaper’s online submission portal, or sending it via email. Many families find that having the funeral home handle the submission simplifies the process, as they are familiar with newspaper requirements and can manage the billing.

Payment for newspaper obituaries is typically required upfront or managed through the funeral home. Funeral homes often bill the family for the obituary cost as part of their services, consolidating expenses into a single bill. Some newspapers may accept direct payments via credit card or check from individuals.

After submission, it is important to review the newspaper’s proof for accuracy before final publication. This step allows for the correction of any typographical errors, factual inaccuracies, or formatting issues. Many newspapers provide a short window, sometimes as little as 30 to 60 minutes, for families to review and approve the proof. Confirming the exact publication date(s) and knowing where to locate the obituary within the newspaper ensures the announcement reaches its intended audience.