Memorial service invitations with formal wording and a reply-by date
A memorial service often comes weeks after a death, which leaves time to invite people properly. Share one link, let guests reply in two taps, and plan seating and the reception around a real count.
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How do you invite people to a memorial service?
Send an invitation with the person's full name and years, the date, time, and place, and whether a reception follows. Because a memorial service usually comes days, weeks, or months after the death, a written invitation by text or email is normal, and you can ask people to reply by a date. With Hejmo, one link carries the details, guests reply Yes, Maybe, or No without an account, and you see the count as replies arrive.
Memorial service, funeral, or celebration of life?
At a funeral the body is present, and it's usually held within days. A memorial service is held without the body, sometimes with the ashes, and can take place weeks or months later.
That extra time changes the invitation. People travel, so they need notice and a reply-by date, and the tone is usually more formal than a celebration of life.
If the gathering will be relaxed and full of stories, a celebration of life invitation may suit it better. The steps are the same.
Memorial service invitation wording you can copy
Formal and plain reads as respectful. Include their years, the reason you're asking for a reply, and anything about ashes or interment.
Formal
For a traditional service with a reception.
Please join us for a memorial service for [Full Name], [years], on [day, date] at [time] at [place]. A reception will follow. Kindly reply by [date] so we can plan.
From the family
When the invitation comes from the whole family.
The family of [Name] invites you to a service of remembrance on [date] at [time], [place]. Please reply so we can plan seating and refreshments.
With ashes or interment
When the service includes laying the ashes to rest.
[Name]'s ashes will be laid to rest at [place] on [date] at [time], followed by a memorial service at [place]. All who knew [him/her/them] are welcome.
Inviting memories
Each reply can carry a note, so people can share a memory as they answer.
We will gather to remember [Name] on [date] at [place]. If you have a memory to share, you can leave it with your reply. We'll read every one.
What to include in a memorial service invitation
With more lead time, people will plan travel around what you tell them.
The essentials
- Their full name and years
- The date, time, and roughly how long it will run
- The address, with parking or accessibility notes
- Whether a reception follows
For people traveling
- A reply-by date that leaves time to plan
- Places to stay nearby, if many are coming from away
- Livestream details for those who can't travel
- Who to contact with questions
Requests
- Dress, if you have a preference
- Flowers, or a charity in their place
- Whether children are welcome
- A place to share a memory
Three steps to a count you can plan around
Set it up in a few minutes, share it where word is already spreading, and let the replies come to you.
Add the details and a few words about them
Name, date, time, and the address, plus what happens afterward. A few sentences about the person are enough.
Share one link, or one per household
Send the shared link by text, WhatsApp, email, or a Facebook post. For a private gathering, give each household its own private link instead. Nobody needs an account or an app.
See who's coming, and read their notes
Replies arrive with a headcount for the meal and any note a guest leaves for the family. A sibling or friend can co-host and watch the list with you.
Quiet by default, with their photo if you like
Every memorial invitation is free and leaves out party language. With $12 Plus Remembrance, their photo sits in a frame above their name in one of four quiet styles, shown here on a celebration of life.
IvoryWarm paper and an arched frame. The traditional choice. 
SlateDeep slate and pewter, for a formal or evening service. 
SageSoft green, an oval frame, and a small olive branch. 
MistPlain white with a simple frame. Suits any faith or tradition.
Who it's for
Best for
- Memorial services held weeks or months after a death
- Services where people travel and need a reply-by date
- Families who want a count for seating and the reception
- Hosts sharing the planning with a sibling or friend
Not the best fit for
- Publishing an obituary or building a memorial website
- Collecting donations or selling tickets
- Printed cards or programs; Hejmo is for the phone
Easy on your guests.
They open the link and tap an answer. That's the whole ask. No account, no app, no phone number, and never an ad. Works on any phone.
Questions
Common questions about memorial service invitations.
How long after a death is a memorial service held?
Anywhere from a few days to several months. Many families hold it a few weeks later, once relatives from out of town can travel.
What's the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
A funeral has the body present and usually happens within days. A memorial service is held without the body, sometimes with the ashes, and can be planned later. A celebration of life is usually a more relaxed kind of memorial.
Should you RSVP to a memorial service?
Yes, if the invitation asks. It helps the family plan seating and food. If you can't reply in time, you're usually still welcome.
What should I wear to a memorial service?
Dark or muted clothing, unless the family asks for something else. Some families invite guests to wear a color the person loved, and the invitation should say so.
What does Hejmo do for memorial services?
Hejmo is an online invitation and RSVP link for an in-person memorial service. Memorial invitations are free, with no ads and no party language. Guests reply Yes, Maybe, or No in two taps without an account. They can add who's coming with them and leave a note for the family. You see a live count. Plus Remembrance ($12, once per event) frames their photo above their name, with "In loving memory" and their years.
Give people time to plan
One link, a reply-by date, and a count you can plan around. Free, with no ads.
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