Family members and friends [of the deceased’s immediate family] are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services. Once the details about where, when, and how the funeral service will take place are known, you may want to send funeral invitations. When writing funeral notices, think about your audience and include details that people will need in order to either attend the funeral service or send their condolences.

A funeral notice may also provide guidance for people if a family has decided that a private burial is appropriate to do so. A funeral notice can often act as an open invitation to mourners to attend a service.

Sending funeral invitations or memorial service invitations is usually recommended, particularly if you are not having a private ceremony. If the invitation is for a memorial service or celebration of life, send out the funeral invitations once you have the schedule for dates and details worked out. Since it is up to you and your family to decide what you want to do after a funeral, you may decide on the invitations to your funeral reception yourself.

This means that you are inviting guests to a reception specifically, either as an addendum or in lieu of the funeral service. A funeral reception invitation is slightly different than a traditional funeral announcement or reception.