Announcing the Service
If a very large number of people are expected to attend, it is customary to place an announcement in a national or local newspaper. This would simply incorporate the name of the deceased, the venue and time:
DEBRETT - A memorial service for Mr John Debrett will be held at St James's Church, Piccadilly, on Tuesday 20th October, at 11am.
If, on the other hand, the service is restricted to a smaller circle of friends and acquaintances, then invitations could be extended by note or email. It is also quite usual to have a simple invitation card printed and sent out. It is imperative, if you receive such an invitation, that you reply to it.