When our loved ones pass away, publishing their obituaries keeps their memories alive. Most families have questions about the costs of publishing. Publishing the obituary through various media comes at different prices. For printed Shawnee, Oklahoma, obituaries, the cost ranges from $100 to $1,000, depending on how long it is and how many photos are attached. Online postings are cheaper or free, while funeral homes include basic website listings for modest or no additional fees. Factors such as word count, photos, publication day, number of placements, and online add-ons all influence the total expense.
The Average Cost of Publishing Obituaries
Publishing a notice of someone’s passing can mean different things, depending on the medium: print newspapers, online publications, or postings via a funeral home. Each carries its own cost and purpose.
-
Print Newspapers
Using a newspaper remains one of the most traditional ways to share the news of a passing.
- In many local or regional papers, a modest obituary starts at $100 to $500, depending on word count and photo inclusion.
- Some notices begin at less than $100 in small towns, while in some areas it is closer to $60.
- Conversely, in major metropolitan markets, publication of a longer obituary with photos or a larger layout can run $1,000 or more; estimates as high as $2,000 have been quoted.
-
Online Publications
As publishing has shifted to digital formats, online obituary posting has become more accessible and often less expensive. Many memorial or newspaper websites offer either a flat-fee or even a free basic posting option. For instance, some sites offer a standard fixed online obituary package (unlimited text and images) for approximately $149.
Fees for digital placements are much lower because they bypass the physical printing, paper, ink costs, and distribution logistics.
-
Funeral Home Posting
Another common option involves having the funeral home publish an obituary on its website or a partner memorial website as part of its service. Many families find this type of publication cost-efficient. In fact, putting up a photograph plus a written obituary on a website offering a funeral service might cost a comparatively small amount of money, $60, compared with print. This alternative is handy when reaching local friends and extended family, especially if printing is too expensive or time-consuming.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Publishing
Several key factors influence how much it costs to publish an obituary. Understanding these details can help families make thoughtful and well-informed decisions during a difficult time.
-
Length and Word Count
Print papers tend to cost by the line, inch, or word space instead of a flat fee. The longer the notice, the higher it will be. As the size gets larger, so does the expense. Small online sites do not always have strict word limits, making them more cost-effective for more complete tributes.
-
Inclusion of Photos
Adding a photograph can make an obituary feel more personal and help readers connect a face to the story. However, in print publications, including a photo typically increases the cost. Even a small half-column image may add several dozen dollars to the total. Depending on the paper’s pricing structure, larger or color photos may cost more.
Families considering images essential should plan for this addition or use an online version where photo uploads are often included at no extra charge.
-
Number of Publications
The overall cost obviously rises if a family wants to publish the obituary in more than one newspaper or for more than one day. Each additional distribution, whether in a local town’s publication, a weekend paper, or a special memorial supplement, contributes to the printing and delivery expense.
Some families publish the full obituary once and follow up with a shorter “thank you” or memorial notice later to manage expenses while keeping the community informed.
-
Day of Publication
The day the obituary runs can also impact pricing. Weekend or Sunday editions usually have a bigger readership and circulation, thus higher advertising rates. Smaller community papers charge less, but their audience reach will differ. Selection of the right publication day often depends on budget and when families want the announcement to appear relative to the memorial service.
-
Online Add-Ons
Additional costs can appear even online. Features such as extended hosting, multiple photographs, guestbooks, or sharing tools across partner sites sometimes require small fees. While usually more affordable than print, these extras can add up. It’s worth confirming how long the obituary will remain online and what features are included.
Conclusion
The cost of publishing Shawnee, Oklahoma, obituaries can vary greatly, from about $100 to over $2,000 in print, whereas online postings usually range from $50 to $150 or may even be free. Many funeral homes will include basic listings at minimal or no fee. Length, number of photographs, the number of publications, and day of the week are all factors in pricing. The ability to choose allows families to make a meaningful choice and stay within their budgets.
