Sending Mourning Cards or Announcement Cards

A Formal Invitation to the Funeral

Mourning Cards have a long history, and their earliest purpose was far more functional than many people realise. In the 17th and 18th centuries, funeral invitations were a practical part of arranging the service, especially for prominent families. Sent to family and friends ahead of the service, they included the key details — the date, time, and place — and in some cases functioned as proof that you were invited to a high-status funeral. A printed card was the formal, reliable way to ensure the right people received the right information.

Victorian Tradition

By the Victorian era, printed cards were an established part of funeral arrangements, commonly sent before or around the time of the service. They typically listed the deceased’s name and dates, and could also include the funeral location and sometimes a verse or religious wording. The Victorians brought characteristic attention to decorum and detail to every aspect of mourning, and the quality of the card was taken seriously.

A Mark of Social Standing

These cards were never just informational — they carried social weight too. A more elaborate card could signal status, and for well-known or wealthy families the card helped formalise exactly who was expected to attend. The design and finish of the card reflected the standing of the family and the importance of the occasion.

The Modern Mourning Card

Over time, the invitation function faded and the cards became more of a remembrance item, often distributed at or after the service. Today, Mourning Cards retain that same quiet elegance. The design can match your Order of Service to give a beautiful, coordinated look to your funeral stationery. They remain a traditional, formal way to announce news of a sad loss — far simpler for the family than writing individual letters, and a far more personal way to reach out to those who share in your grief.