Dealing with the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things in life. But the support you get from your friends and family around you can ease the pain and get you through such a stressful time.
You can show your gratitude for the support through funeral thank you cards. This way, you can choose the right words to express yourself. If you’re confused about where to start, read down below for some guidance.
Who should receive a funeral thank you card
Planning a funeral for a loved one is not only incredibly emotionally taxing but also a difficult and busy time. There are a lot of aspects one has to take care of even after the funeral. To help with the stress, knowing some basic rules regarding sympathy thank you cards will make matters easier.
Generally, not everyone needs to receive a funeral thank you card, but those who have been your rock throughout the grieving process should be thanked. Anyone who sends you flowers, or thoughtful gifts, helped you with funeral costs, or just generally is a wonderful friend should definitely hear a few kind words from you.
People who have helped you with daily chores, brought you meals or did something for you that you didn’t have the emotional energy for should also be given a card. Showing these people their service and emotional support helps you face the world, even if it’s a little bit.
When should you send a thank you card after a funeral?
Sitting down and mustering up the courage to write funeral thank you cards can be a daunting task. Usually, the ideal time to send our sympathy cards is within two or three weeks after the funeral has been held. But there is no strict deadline. If you don’t think you’re up for the task, there is no need to force yourself.
If you need time to grieve, don’t hesitate to heal first. Sending sympathy cards even a month or two after the funeral is also perfectly acceptable. Just make sure to mention the delay and, if you want, explain the emotional condition you’re in. In a very difficult time like this, a true friend will surely understand.
Can someone else write thank you cards for you?
Generally, sympathy and thank you notes are written on behalf of the entire family. Any other family member can write the notes, so don’t feel obligated to send them out in a hurry. You can even ask a friend to write them for you. Just sign your name at the end.
What to say in a thank you card
Even though a sympathy thank you card only needs a few words, it can be puzzling to start somewhere. But overall, your sentiment should be genuine and your words warm.
Basic rules
When you’re ready to write thank you cards, here’s a list of things you should most definitely include.
The recipient’s name
Usually, starting off with “Dear (person’s name)” or “Beloved (name)” is a good opening.
Finishing sentence
For a simple note, the ending should be short and kind. You could mention how their support helped or what their presence meant to you. Alternatively, you could add a sentiment such as, “You’re a true friend,” or “Your thoughtfulness means the world to me.”
Signing off
A few examples of common sign-offs are: “Sincerely,” “Thank you again,” “best wishes,” “Yours truly,” “All my love,” and then end by signing off with your own name.
Personalization
A general thank you to the funeral attendees is enough. But if it’s a special person, a close friend, or someone who has done more than needed for you through the grieving process, make sure to mention it.
If someone has done a chore for you or given you a gift or even brought food, be sure to mention it for a more personal thank you note.
Samples for funeral thank you card wording.
If you need specific examples or just some inspiration to get the hang of it, you can find a few samples below.
Thank you cards for guests who brought funeral flowers
- Your beautiful arrangement of flowers brightened up my day. Thank you for your support through this incredibly difficult time.
- Our whole family loved the beautiful flowers. I’m so grateful for your beautiful contribution.
- “Thank you for the roses. [Name of deceased person] would’ve loved them. Your kindness is more than enough.
Thank you cards for those who made funeral donations
- Your generous donation made this trying time much easier for us. We’re so glad to have you in our lives.
- Thank you for your contribution. My family appreciates your generosity and thoughtfulness.
- I can’t thank you enough for your generous donation. You helped lift a heavy burden off our entire family.
Thank you cards for gifts or presents
- I want to thank you for the gift card. It’s been so emotionally exhausting after [name] ’s death, and this really cheered me up.
- Thank you for the engraved bracelet. It’s such a thoughtful gift and will preserve the memory of [deceased’s name] forever. Thank you so much for this.
- Thank you for your sympathy card. It’s very comforting to know you’ve kept me in your thoughts in my grief.
Thank you cards to show gratitude for emotional support
- Thank you for being there for me these past few weeks. Your presence meant the world to me.
- I’m writing to express my gratitude for grieving with me at the funeral and after it. [Deceased’s name] loved you very much. Thank you for the emotional support.
- I’m so glad you could attend the funeral. It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen you. Your presence made the grieving process a tad bit easier.
Thank you cards for funeral attendees
- Your eulogy was so heart-touching. It was so comforting to see you share such wonderful memories of [deceased’s name]
- Thank you for attending the funeral. I know how close you were to [deceased’s name]. Our family appreciates your presence greatly.
Thank you cards for those who provided acts of service
- Thank you so much for taking the time out of my busy schedule to help me with the funeral arrangements. It meant a lot to the whole family.
- I really appreciate you for considering my children in this incredibly tough time. I don’t know how I would’ve gone through this much grief without your support. Thank you.
- Thank you for being there for [deceased’s name] in their last days. I’m forever grateful for your kindness and compassion.
- I can’t thank you enough for consistently bringing dinner to us. I’m so glad to have such a thoughtful friend in my life.
Conclusion
Writing gratitude cards might not be what you want to do right now, but it might help you think about all the loving people you have in your life. It will definitely remind you that you’re not alone in your grief. Lastly, if you think you can’t do this alone, feel free to reach out to one of your friends.