How to Write a Condolence Letter

People send condolence letters when they can't attend a funeral service or personally visit the mourning family to express their condolences. At Arbutus Funeral Service, we feel this is an excellent way to express your empathy and demonstrate to the family that you're there in their time of need. However, it may be difficult to know what to include in such a letter. Here are few things to bear in mind when you do so:

• Make sure the thoughts are sincere and provide some comfort to the mourning individual. Clear words will aid in the process of healing when someone is drowning in grief.
   
• Do not compose the letter at random. Before you pen something, spend some time thinking about what you will write so that it is meaningful and genuine.
   
• It is also important that you write the letter by hand. Sending a typed one is not as personal as penning one is.
   
• Avoid writing a long letter as it might lead to you writing statements that are hurtful to the receiver. It's better to keep it short and sweet instead.
   
• Choose your stationery carefully; you don't want to write your note on shiny, bright paper with needless embellishments. Use light-colored paper with no bright colors or prints.
   
• Sending flowers with the letter is an alternative, but ensure you pick suitable ones. You can ask the florist, which flowers work at a funeral, and buy those.
   
• Avoid subjects that allude to death or suffering while composing the message. Your comments should convey that you're there to comfort the mourning individual.
   
• At the end of your message, use the appropriate kind words so they represent sincere compassion.

For any information on our personalized pre-planned funeral services, feel free to call Arbutus Funeral Service and our funeral director will help you organize a service if you need one.