Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Families looking to submit obituaries in the Philadelphia area should take note of the new procedures and guidelines put in place by the local newspaper. Deadlines for obituary submissions have been set for Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, with a specific phone number provided for inquiries and submissions.
On weekends and holidays, obituaries can only be submitted via email to a designated address. However, please be aware that proofs will not be provided on these days, and pricing information will only be available starting from the next business day after 10:00 am, for those who submit obituaries outside of regular business hours.
To ensure timely publication, families are advised to adhere to the set deadlines, as obituaries received after the specified cutoff times will not make it into the following edition of the newspaper. It is crucial to follow the outlined procedures to avoid any delays or omissions in honoring your loved one’s memory.
In terms of formatting, obituaries will maintain a consistent visual appearance but now offer more flexibility in content. Families can include detailed information about their loved ones, such as extended family members or special phrases like “Went to rest with the Lord,” which are now acceptable.
Individuals submitting obituaries should be aware that there is a cost associated with each submission. Payment and pricing details are only available during regular business hours, and prepayment may be required for certain account types or submissions from out-of-state funeral homes or private parties.
Exceptions to the standard procedures include new accounts, out-of-state funeral homes, and private parties, which may necessitate prepayment upon approval of the obituary. Weekend and holiday staff members are not authorized to establish new accounts or process payments, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the specified deadlines and requirements for submission.
It is essential for those submitting obituaries to provide complete contact information and adhere to the outlined procedures to ensure a smooth process. Upon submission, a proof will be sent for review, but publication will be on hold until payment is received. By following these guidelines and procedures, families can ensure a respectful and timely tribute to their loved ones in the local newspaper.