A Guide To Writing A Sympathy Card

It is always nice to receive a sympathy card when you are going through a difficult time in your life. In today’s modern era, texts and social media messages are getting more common. However, receiving a card in the mail holds so much more sentimental value. If you are looking at writing a sympathy card for a relative, friend, or colleague who has just suffered a loss of a loved one, here are some tips that we have put together for you to curate the most meaningful card.

Choose The Most Appropriate Recipient

At times, you may be wondering whether or not it is appropriate to send a sympathy card to someone. To help you make a decision, here are some situations that can help you out:

• If you only knew the deceased, mail the card to the widow or widower. You can choose to add “and family” so as to let the children or grandchildren of the deceased know they are also in your thoughts and prayers.
• If you are a friend or acquaintance of the deceased’s child or grandchild, mail the card directly to your friend.
• If you know several family members of the deceased, mail a single card to the funeral home where the service is being held and address it to the family.

Send Promptly

There are no expiration dates when it comes to sending sympathy cards. However, sending one much later than a month after the funeral may not be the best time to do it. There may be some exceptions though to this rule. If you had just recently gotten to know about the death several months after it happened, send the card and include an apology for the delay. Explain briefly that you had just received the news and wish to extend your deepest condolences for their loss.

Include A Check

If you do not plan on attending the funeral service, it is appropriate to include a check in your sympathy card. You can address your card to the mourners to help them pay a portion of the funeral service. Include a memo stating that the check is to help with the said expenses. Alternatively, you can write the check to a charity organization selected by the family.

Choose the Right Card

There are various designs of sympathy cards that you can get in stores. Remember to always read the content of the card that you have chosen to ensure that it does convey the right type of message to the intended recipient. You may accidentally send a “loss of your mother” card to a recipient who has just lost their father.

Choose the Right Religious Card

If you know the religious beliefs of the recipient, choose a card that portrays the appropriate message. Again, always read the content of the sympathy card before mailing it out to prevent hurting their feelings due to the misunderstanding.

Include Return Address

When sending a card through the mail, always include a return address. This will enable the postal office to return the card back to you should any issues were to crop up. Including a return address will also enable the grieving family to write thank you notes without having to look up your address.