When a loved one passes, there are many decisions to make in a short time—and one of them is how to share the news with family and friends. The good news is you don't have to choose just one option. Many families combine both: they publish online for fast sharing via text, email, or WhatsApp with relatives near and far, and add a notice in the local newspaper for those who still follow that tradition.
This guide compares online and newspaper obituaries in plain language, explains what drives newspaper costs, and includes a copy/paste checklist so you can decide in a few minutes.
Quick comparison: newspaper vs. online obituary
| What matters | Newspaper obituary | Online obituary |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost experience | Often varies widely; may increase with length, photo, placement, and deadlines | Usually a clear upfront price; no per-word fees on many platforms |
| Reach | Primarily local readership and subscribers | Global reach via a link (family in other states/countries can view instantly) |
| Speed to publish | Can depend on office hours, deadlines, and proofing | Often publish in minutes once details are ready |
| Photos & multimedia | Usually limited (one photo may cost extra; no video) | Multiple photos and multimedia support (platform-dependent) |
| Guest book / condolences | No central place for messages (unless the paper provides an online page) | Often includes a condolence or guest book in one place |
| Edits & updates | Limited once printed; corrections may require another notice | Easy to update service details if plans change |
| Sharing | Physical copy or a newspaper-hosted link (varies) | Share via WhatsApp, email, Facebook, and more with one URL |
| Long-term accessibility | Strong for keepsakes; attention is time-limited after publication | Available online beyond a single print day and easier to revisit |
If you need a quick default: Choose online if you need speed, easy sharing, and room for photos and a longer tribute. Choose a newspaper notice if your community expects it or many loved ones rely on the local paper. Many families do both.
Create a shareable online obituary for $19 (one-time) — publish in minutes, include photo, collect condolences in one place, and download a high-resolution PDF for printing.
Cost: why newspaper obituaries can get expensive
Families often feel caught off guard by newspaper pricing because it can be structured differently than most online services. Newspapers may charge based on space, formatting, and publication logistics—not just the fact that you’re posting an announcement.
Common cost drivers in newspaper obituaries
- Length (word count or column inches): Longer notices often cost more. A short death notice may be priced differently than a full obituary.
- Photo add-ons: Adding a photo can increase the price, and larger photos may cost more.
- Color vs. black-and-white: Color printing may carry an extra fee.
- Placement and size: Prominent placement or a larger layout can increase cost.
- Edition deadlines: If you’re close to a deadline or need a specific day, the process can be more constrained (and sometimes more expensive).
- Edits and re-runs: If service details change after printing, updating may require a new notice.
None of this means newspapers are “bad”—it just means the final total can be hard to predict until the obituary is finalized. If you’re trying to keep costs simple and transparent, an online obituary is often easier to budget.
Reach and sharing: who will actually see it?
Both options can work—what matters is how your family and community actually receive information today.
Newspaper reach: local and traditional
A newspaper obituary can be meaningful in communities where the local paper is still a trusted hub—especially for older relatives, longtime neighbors, and community groups. It can also feel more “formal” because it appears in an established publication.
Online reach: immediate and anywhere
An online obituary is often the fastest way to notify people across states and countries. One link can be shared in group texts, email, and social media—without worrying whether someone receives the right edition of a paper.
For many Hispanic-American families, a shareable link is especially helpful when relatives are spread across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, South America, or elsewhere. In practice, WhatsApp is often the simplest channel for reaching family groups quickly and respectfully.
Tip for group sharing: If you’re posting service details, consider adding a short line like “Please share this link with anyone who would want to know” so extended family feels included without placing extra burden on one person.
Content and design: what you can include
Both newspapers and online platforms can communicate the essentials. The difference is how much space you have to tell a fuller story—and how easy it is to present it clearly.
Newspaper constraints
- Space is limited and often priced accordingly.
- Design options are typically minimal.
- Including multiple photos or extended text may be difficult or expensive.
Online flexibility
- You can usually include a longer tribute, additional photos, and more context.
- Service details can be updated if plans change.
- You can share one link widely without retyping information.
With our intuitive Online Obituary Maker, you can create a professional-looking digital death notice and memorial materials without design skills: upload a photo, enter the details, customize the look, and publish.
Guest book and condolences: keeping messages in one place
A guest book can help by giving loved ones a single place to share condolences, memories, and prayers—without scattering messages across calls, texts, and social media.
- Print obituaries: Usually don’t provide a central space for condolences (unless paired with an online page hosted by the newspaper or funeral home).
- Online obituaries: Often include a condolence or guest book, so messages are kept in one place.
On obituary.design, visitors can leave messages in a built-in condolence/guest book.
Permanence and accessibility
A printed newspaper can be a meaningful keepsake. Online obituaries are typically easier to revisit and share over time because they’re available online beyond a single print day. It’s best not to assume any option is “forever.” If long-term access matters to you, download a PDF and save copies for family records.
With obituary.design, you can download a high-resolution PDF for printing.
When a newspaper obituary still makes sense
- Local tradition matters: Your community expects to see notices in the local paper.
- Your audience reads the paper: Key relatives or community members rely on the newspaper more than the internet.
- You want a formal notice in that publication: It may feel meaningful to be included alongside other community announcements.
- Your funeral home has an established workflow: Some funeral homes can submit directly to the paper, which can reduce coordination steps.
Practical note: If you choose newspaper, ask for a proof before it runs and confirm deadlines. If you’re unsure about costs, ask for the total price in writing based on your final draft (including photo, size, and run date).
The hybrid approach (often best): newspaper + online
- Online first: Publish quickly, share instantly, and keep updates in one place.
- Newspaper second: Add a printed notice for local tradition and readers who expect it.
Publish an online obituary in minutes for $19 (one-time), then share the link anywhere and download a print-ready PDF if you need paper copies.
Decision checklist (copy/paste)
- We need to notify people quickly. → Online
- Family and friends are spread across states/countries. → Online
- We want one link we can share via WhatsApp/email/Facebook. → Online
- We expect service details may change and we need easy updates. → Online
- Our community strongly follows the local newspaper notices. → Newspaper
- Key relatives primarily read the local paper. → Newspaper
- We want both tradition and easy sharing. → Hybrid (Online + Newspaper)
- We want a keepsake to print and share. → Online (with PDF) and/or Newspaper
How to publish an online obituary in minutes
- 1) Choose a design
- 2) Upload a photo
- 3) Enter details + service info
- 4) Review + publish
- 5) Share the link (WhatsApp/email/social)
- 6) Download a high-resolution PDF for printing
FAQs
Is an online obituary appropriate?
Yes. Online obituaries are widely accepted for fast notification and easy sharing. If you’re concerned about tradition, consider publishing online and adding a newspaper notice.
Can we publish both online and in a newspaper?
Yes, and it’s common. Many families publish online first, then run a shorter newspaper notice for local readers.
How long do online obituaries stay available?
It depends on the platform. In general, they’re accessible beyond a single print day. If long-term access matters, download a PDF and save copies.
Can I include multiple photos or a longer story online?
Usually, yes. Online obituaries typically allow more flexibility than print space.
What’s the fastest way to notify family and friends?
A shareable online link is typically the fastest, especially for group messages and cross-border sharing.
Can I download and print an online obituary?
Yes. With obituary.design, you can download a high-resolution PDF for printing and sharing.
Can visitors leave condolences online?
Yes on many platforms. obituary.design includes a built-in condolence/guest book.
How do I share an obituary with relatives in other countries?
Share one link via the channels your family uses most, and consider printing the PDF for relatives who prefer paper.