Online Memorials vs Obituaries
Cost, Reach & Longevity
Reading time: ~6 minutes
Obituary vs Online Memorial: What’s the Real Difference?
A traditional obituary is a brief notice — a few lines in print that appears for a single day. An online memorial is a living space: a biography, eulogy, photo & video gallery, guestbook for condolences, and clear service details that outlive the funeral. Families can update it anytime and share it with a single link.
Cost Comparison: One-Day Print vs 10+ Years Online
Many families are surprised by the price of a newspaper obituary — often hundreds of dollars for a short listing that disappears tomorrow. For the same budget, an online memorial can remain available for years, with space for photos, stories, and the details people actually need. If you want predictable pricing, see our plan options.
Do I Have to Publish a Newspaper Obituary?
No. In most places, a newspaper obituary isn’t legally required. Today, families typically notify relatives directly and share a memorial link via text or social media. That link reaches more people, faster — and it’s there when distant friends finally check in.
Reach & Access: Who Actually Sees It?
Print relies on whoever bought the paper that morning. An online memorial is accessible to anyone with the link — regardless of time zones, work schedules, or weather. It’s easy to bookmark, share, and revisit on anniversaries and holidays without rummaging for a fragile clipping.
What to Include in a Digital Memorial (Quick Checklist)
- Bio: A short life story in your own words
- Eulogy: The voice of the family, saved for future generations
- Photos & Videos: Milestones, everyday moments, favorite places
- Condolences: Notes from friends and family, moderated by you
- Service Details: Visitation, reception, and burial time & place (with maps/QRs)
New to this? Our Helpful Tips page walks through the first 72 hours and what the funeral home will ask.
Sharing Funeral Details Online
The memorial page is the simplest way to coordinate: post visitation times, reception location, and burial details once. Share the link in texts or group chats. If plans change, update the page — everyone sees the same, current information.
FAQs
Do online memorials replace obituaries?
They can. Some families do both, but many choose just an online memorial and share the link directly.
How long does an online memorial last?
With Aeterna Legacy, plans run multi-year with renewal options so you can keep adding stories, photos, and videos over time.
Can our funeral home partner with you?
Yes. See Partners for a simple, transparent program and materials.
Ready to begin? Compare plan options or contact us for help setting up a memorial space.