Sending Acknowledgements

Funeral etiquette states acknowledgement cards should be sent within two weeks following the funeral or memorial service.  The family should acknowledge the flowers and messages sent by relatives and friends. When food and personal services are donated, these thoughtful acts also should be acknowledged, as should the services of the pallbearers. The funeral director may have available printed acknowledgment cards that can be used by the family. When the sender is well known to the family, a short personal note should be written on the acknowledgment card expressing appreciation for a contribution or personal service received. The note can be short, such as:

• "Thank you for the beautiful roses. The arrangement was lovely.
• "The food you sent was so enjoyed by our family. Your kindness is deeply appreciated."

We have developed the following suggestions in writing acknowledgment cards.

Clergy

You may want to send a personal note thanking them for their spiritual guidance and conducting the service.

     We would like to thank you for the spiritual guidance and consolation you provided to

our family.  Your words during the service for Dad were very comforting.

Pallbearers

Include a message of thanks for their time and service.

     Thank you for your kindness in being a pallbearer for our son.  We asked you

because you were one of his closest friends.

Flowers

A personal message may be written on the acknowledgement card. The note can be customized depending on if they were sent by an individual, group of people or an organization.

     Dear Dan,

     The orchid you sent to the funeral for Julie was beautiful.  

    The garden dish you sent for Julie’s funeral is very much appreciated. 

    You all meant a great deal to her at work.

Cards & Letters

Replies may be short and written on the acknowledgment card.

     Dear Jennifer,

     Thank you for the card and your kind words of sympathy.  … it is so nice to have friends

 like you.

Charitable Donations & Masses

A brief note naming the organization personalizes the response.

     Dear Mike,

     Thank you for your generous donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Frank.  Your donation will no doubt assist in finding a cure some day.

Other Services: Food Donations, Funeral Luncheon Committee

A note acknowledging the service is all that is needed.