What is the difference between a death notice, obituary, and memorial — complete guide

After losing a loved one, a family must organise many important details in a short time. Alongside choosing a funeral agency, arranging the burial, and preparing documents, a common question arises: what is the difference between a death notice, an obituary, and a memorial?

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they serve different purposes and are published at different stages. This guide explains each one clearly and concisely.

In brief: what is the difference?

• A death notice announces that someone has passed away.
• An obituary provides funeral service information.
• A memorial honours the deceased’s memory after the funeral.

	Death notice	Obituary	Memorial
When	Immediately after death	Before the funeral	After the funeral
Purpose	Announcing the loss	Service details	Honouring memory
Length	Short	More detailed	More detailed, often personal

What is a death notice

A death notice is the first message a family shares after a passing. It is brief, solemn, and aims to inform relatives, neighbours, and acquaintances of the death — often before funeral details are finalised.

What it includes

• The name of the deceased
• The date of death
• A short mourning message (e.g. “With deep sorrow we announce…”)
• A signature from the family

Where it is placed

Usually at the entrance to the home, in a workplace foyer, or in the neighbourhood. It is increasingly shared online — in Viber groups or on social media.

What is an obituary

An obituary is the official public announcement of a person’s death and the upcoming funeral. It contains all the practical information guests need to attend the service.

What it includes

• The deceased’s full name
• Years of birth and death
• Date, time, and location of the funeral service
• A mourning message and signature from the family

For details on how to structure the text, see our article How to write an obituary.

Difference from a death notice

A death notice is shorter and appears first. The obituary follows once funeral details are confirmed and often replaces or supplements the initial notice in the same locations.

What is a memorial

A memorial is published after the funeral and aims to preserve the memory of the deceased. It may recount their life, thank those who attended, or invite loved ones to a memorial meal.

When it is published

• On the 40th day
• At six months
• At one year
• On anniversaries

What it includes

A memorial is more personal than an obituary. It often includes a short text about the deceased’s life, thanks to those who attended the funeral, and an invitation to an upcoming memorial service or anniversary.

How we can help

At Seven Heaven we prepare obituaries, death notices, and memorials from your text or help you draft them. We offer printing, fast delivery, and placement at the required locations in Plovdiv.

Unsure which format you need? Call us — we will guide you with respect and attention to detail.

Frequently asked questions

Can an obituary and a death notice be the same text?

Sometimes yes — especially when funeral details are known immediately. Often, however, the family first posts a short death notice and later replaces it with the full obituary.

Is a memorial obligatory?

It is not required by law, but it is a deeply rooted tradition in Bulgarian culture. Many families publish one on the 40th day or on an anniversary.

How quickly can an obituary or death notice be prepared?

In urgent cases we can prepare texts within a few hours. Call 0898691745 — we work around the clock, 24/7.

Conclusion

Death notices, obituaries, and memorials serve different functions and are an important part of Bulgarian mourning traditions. Understanding the difference helps families communicate clearly and with dignity in a difficult time.

Call 0898691745 — 49 Tsarevets St., Plovdiv. We can handle the texts so you can focus on your family.

Seven Heaven Funeral Agency — 22 years of experience. With you in life’s hardest moments.