Where to publish a death notice in Switzerland: newspapers, municipalities and online platforms

The three main channels for publishing a death notice in Switzerland

When it comes to distributing a funeral notice online or by other means, three main options stand out in Switzerland, each with its own characteristics.

Regional newspapers represent the traditional route, embedded in habits for decades. They offer local visibility to an established readership, particularly appreciated by older generations.

Municipal notices constitute an official and local solution, managed directly by local authorities. This free or low-cost option is primarily aimed at residents of the municipality.

Finally, specialised online platforms embody modernity and flexibility. They enable rapid distribution, extended reach and permanent accessibility, meeting the needs of geographically dispersed families.

Let us now examine each of these options in detail to help you make an informed choice.

Publication in regional newspapers

The newspaper obituary remains a preferred channel for many Swiss families. The process involves contacting the advertising department of the chosen newspaper (or going through Wolky, which works with numerous newspapers and handles the relay), submitting the announcement text accompanied by a photograph, then validating a proof before publication.

This traditional method presents several significant advantages:

• Established credibility with the local readership

• A loyal audience, particularly amongst older generations

• Respect for a tradition appreciated by certain families

• Visibility within the local community

However, this option also has significant disadvantages to consider:

• High costs: between 800 and 2,000 CHF for a standard notice, depending on size, newspaper and region

• Publication timescales of 2 to 5 working days

• Limited geographical reach to the newspaper's distribution area

• An ephemeral paper format, consulted once then discarded

• Little or no digital version accessible long-term

Switzerland has a great diversity of regional and cantonal newspapers. The choice of newspaper will depend on the region where the deceased lived and the audience you wish to reach. It is important to note that the cost of a death notice in a Swiss newspaper can vary considerably depending on the title chosen and the options selected (colour, size, placement).

Municipal and official notices

In Switzerland, municipalities generally offer a public notice system for death notices. This service is usually managed by the civil registry or municipal funeral services.

The process is relatively simple: after the death, the family or funeral home contacts the relevant municipal services to submit the notice. It will then be displayed in official public places (town hall, municipal notice boards).

The advantages of this option include:

• A free or low-cost service

• An official character recognised by the authorities

• Proximity to the immediate local community

• Administrative simplicity

However, the disadvantages are also significant:

• A very limited reach to the municipality of residence

• Restricted visibility to people physically visiting the notice locations

• The absence of a lasting and accessible digital version

• Administrative formalities that can vary from one municipality to another

• A standardised format with little possibility for personalisation

This solution is particularly suitable for people who have lived their entire lives in a small municipality with a well-established local social network. For dispersed families or people with a wider circle, it will need to be supplemented by other distribution channels.

Specialised online platforms

The emergence of digital solutions has profoundly transformed the way of publishing a death notice in Switzerland. These modern platforms offer a complete and accessible alternative for everyone.

The operation is simple and intuitive: you create an online account, fill in a form with the deceased's information, upload a photograph, write the announcement text and add details concerning the funeral. The notice is then published on the platform and can be easily shared.

The advantages of online platforms are numerous and meet contemporary needs:

• National or even international reach, ideal for dispersed families

• Reduced costs compared to traditional newspapers

• Rapid publication, often immediate or after moderation

• Durability: the notice remains accessible indefinitely online

• Easy sharing by email, WhatsApp or social networks

• The possibility for loved ones to leave condolences and tributes online

• The addition of photos and additional memories

• 24/7 accessibility from any connected device

The disadvantages are relatively limited:

• A less traditional character that may displease certain families

• The need for an internet connection for consultation

• Unfamiliarity with these solutions amongst certain generations

Amongst these platforms, Wolky stands out for its comprehensive approach and transparent pricing of 180 CHF all inclusive for distribution throughout Switzerland. This modern solution enables the creation of a lasting memorial space where family and friends can pay their respects and share their memories.

To learn more about this new approach, discover how Wolky is revolutionising the way to honour your loved ones in Switzerland.

Detailed comparison: costs, timescales and procedures

To help you choose the most suitable channel for your situation, here is a detailed comparison of the three main options according to different essential criteria: the necessary budget, publication timescales and procedures to be completed.

This comparative analysis will enable you to quickly assess which solution best corresponds to your constraints and expectations for distributing a funeral notice in the best conditions.

Publication costs

Budget often constitutes a determining criterion in the choice of distribution channel. Here is a detailed overview of the publication cost for each option:

Regional newspapers: Between 800 and 2,000 CHF for a standard notice. This rate varies considerably according to several factors:

• The size of the announcement (number of lines, columns)

• The chosen newspaper (certain titles are more expensive)

• The region (large cities are generally more expensive)

• The photograph (colour or black and white)

• Additional options (framing, privileged placement)

• The day of publication (weekends sometimes more expensive)

Municipal notices: Free to a few dozen francs depending on the municipality. Most Swiss municipalities offer this service free of charge or for a nominal fee. Enquire directly with your municipality to find out the exact arrangements.

Online platforms: 180 CHF at Wolky for an all-inclusive service. This transparent rate includes:

• Creation and publication of the notice

• Distribution throughout Switzerland

• Permanent access to the online announcement

• The possibility to receive condolences

• Unlimited sharing on all channels

• Addition of images to illustrate the deceased's life

• Automated donations to the charity that was dear to the deceased

• No hidden fees or supplements upon publication

The value for money of online platforms is particularly attractive, offering national reach for a cost 4 to 10 times lower than that of traditional newspapers. Nevertheless, nothing prevents you from combining channels (newspaper + Wolky).

Publication timescales

The time you have before the funeral strongly influences the choice of distribution channel. Here are the typical timescales for each option:

Regional newspapers: Allow between 2 and 5 working days. This timescale depends on several factors:

• The day of submission of the announcement

• The newspaper's publication days (some do not appear every day)

• The advertising department's deadline

• Weekends and public holidays which extend timescales

It is crucial to contact the newspaper as soon as possible to ensure that the notice appears before the ceremony.

Municipal notices: Variable according to municipalities, generally between 1 and 3 days. Municipal services usually process these requests diligently, but timescales can lengthen during busy periods or during holidays.

Online platforms: Immediate to 24 hours maximum. This is the fastest option, ideal in case of urgency. At Wolky, publication is instantaneous once payment is made, enabling immediate distribution to the circle.

The importance of anticipating should not be underestimated: the earlier you publish, the more time you give loved ones to organise themselves and attend the funeral, particularly if they need to travel.

Procedures to be completed

The complexity of procedures varies according to the chosen channel. Here are the detailed steps for each option:

Regional newspapers:

1. Contact the newspaper's advertising department by telephone or email

2. Send the announcement text and photograph in the requested format

3. Receive and validate the proof before printing

4. Make payment (often before publication)

5. Confirm the desired publication date

Municipal notices:

1. Contact your municipality's civil registry service or funeral services

2. Complete the official form provided by the municipality

3. Provide the deceased's identity documents if requested

4. Validate the content and notice locations

5. Pay any administrative fees

Online platforms:

1. Create a user account on the platform (free)

2. Fill in the online form with the deceased's information

3. Upload the photograph from your computer or smartphone

4. Write or paste the announcement text

5. Add funeral details (place, date, time)

6. Preview the announcement

7. Make secure online payment

8. Receive publication confirmation

To help you prepare the content of your announcement, consult our complete guide on how to write an effective death notice with concrete examples.

If you wish to create a notice online directly, visit our death notice creation form to begin immediately.

How to choose the best channel according to your needs

The choice of distribution channel is not universal: it depends on your particular situation, your constraints and your priorities. Here is a personalised decision guide to help you make the most appropriate choice.

Each family, each deceased and each situation is unique. The important thing is to find the solution that best corresponds to your specific needs whilst respecting the memory of the deceased and enabling the circle to pay their respects with dignity.

According to the desired geographical reach

The geographical distribution of the deceased's circle is an essential criterion in the choice of distribution channel:

Local reach: If the deceased lived their entire life in the same region and their circle is mainly local, favour the combination regional newspaper + municipal notice. This traditional approach will effectively reach the local community.

Cantonal reach: For a circle spread across several regions of the same canton, combine a cantonal newspaper + online platform. This combination ensures broad coverage whilst respecting regional roots.

National or international reach: When family and friends are dispersed across several Swiss cantons or abroad, the online platform becomes essential. It enables everyone to be informed quickly, whatever their location.

Geographically dispersed family: In the case of scattered families (children living abroad, friends in different countries), absolutely favour digital. The ease of sharing by email, WhatsApp or social networks guarantees that the information will reach everyone quickly, and permanent accessibility allows everyone to consult the notice according to their time zone.

According to your budget

Financial constraints are a reality that should not be ignored, especially in a context where funeral costs can be high:

Limited budget (less than 200 CHF): Opt for the combination online platform + municipal notice. This economical solution (approximately 180-230 CHF in total) nevertheless offers good local and national coverage.

Medium budget (200-1,000 CHF): You can consider an online platform + local newspaper. This hybrid approach combines the advantages of digital and tradition, reaching both connected generations and press readers.

Flexible budget (more than 1,000 CHF): If finances permit, a combination of several channels will maximise reach: online platform + several regional newspapers + municipal notice. This multi-channel strategy guarantees that the information will reach the greatest number.

It is important to remember that the quality of the tribute does not depend on the budget invested. A sincere and well-written notice on a platform accessible to all has as much value as an expensive publication in a prestigious newspaper. The essential thing is that the circle is informed and can pay their respects.

According to urgency and timescales

The time available before the ceremony directly influences the choice of channel:

Funeral in less than 3 days: In this emergency case, absolutely favour the online platform for immediate distribution. You can possibly supplement with a newspaper if timescales permit, but the essential thing is to inform the circle quickly so they can organise themselves.

Comfortable timescale (more than a week): With more time ahead of you, you can combine several channels without stress. Start by publishing online for immediate distribution, then supplement with a regional newspaper that will appear a few days before the ceremony.

Importance of responsiveness: The earlier you publish, the more time you give loved ones to:

• Organise their travel (transport bookings, accommodation)

• Take leave if necessary

• Prepare themselves emotionally for the ceremony

• Coordinate their attendance with other family members

In all cases, do not sacrifice distribution speed in favour of a more traditional option if this risks depriving certain loved ones of the possibility of attending the funeral.

According to the habits of the deceased and the family

Respect for the values and habits of the deceased and their family is an important aspect to consider:

Elderly person, traditional circle: If the deceased was attached to traditions and their circle is mainly composed of elderly people with little connection, a regional newspaper may be particularly appreciated. This generation is accustomed to consulting obituary pages and attaches symbolic importance to them.

Connected person, modern family: For a person active on social networks or a family accustomed to digital, the online platform will naturally be favoured. It better corresponds to contemporary modes of communication and allows interactions (condolences, photo sharing) impossible in a paper format.

Respect for the wishes of the deceased: Some people express wishes during their lifetime concerning their funeral and death notice. If the deceased had expressed a preference (discretion, wide distribution, modernity, tradition), endeavour to respect it as far as possible.

Combination of tradition and modernity: It is not necessary to choose between tradition and modernity. Many families opt for a hybrid approach that satisfies all generations: an online notice for younger people and a newspaper for elders. This inclusive solution allows everyone to be informed according to their habits.

The essential thing is to find a balance that honours the memory of the deceased whilst meeting the practical communication needs with the circle.

Our recommendations for optimal distribution

Drawing on our experience in supporting bereaved families, we offer you practical recommendations to maximise the impact of your death notice whilst controlling your budget.

The multi-channel approach is generally the most effective. We recommend the following strategy:

Modern and accessible base: Start by publishing on an online platform like Wolky. This publication constitutes your communication foundation: it is fast, accessible to all, lasting and easily shareable. It enables you to immediately inform the entire circle, wherever they are.

Traditional supplement if budget permits: Then add a local newspaper to reach the less connected generation and respect local traditions. This paper publication reassures elderly people who are accustomed to consulting obituary pages.

Free local supplement: Take advantage of municipal notice to strengthen your local presence at no additional cost. This is a simple supplement that only requires a quick administrative procedure.

Advantages of this complementarity:

• Maximum coverage: you reach all audiences, all generations

• Speed and durability: immediate online distribution + traditional paper presence

• Flexibility: possibility to adjust the strategy according to available budget

• Inclusivity: no one is excluded for lack of access to a specific channel

Message consistency: Whatever combination is chosen, ensure consistency of information across all media. Essential details (date, time, place of funeral) must be identical everywhere to avoid any confusion.

The advantage of modern online platforms

Digital solutions like Wolky offer specific benefits that go well beyond simply publishing an announcement:

Durability and permanence: Unlike a newspaper that ends up in the bin after reading, the online notice remains accessible indefinitely. Loved ones can return to it months or years later to pay their respects, consult ceremony details or reread shared tributes.

Interactivity and participation: Modern platforms enable loved ones to:

• Leave condolence messages

• Share memories and anecdotes

• Add photographs of the deceased

• Express their support to the family

This participatory dimension transforms the notice into a true collective memorial space where everyone can contribute to honouring the deceased.

Ease of sharing: In a few clicks, the notice can be shared by:

• Email for targeted distribution

• WhatsApp to quickly inform family groups

• Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networks

• SMS with the direct link to the notice

Universal accessibility: The notice can be consulted 24/7, from any device (computer, smartphone, tablet) and from anywhere in the world. This accessibility is particularly valuable for loved ones living abroad or in different time zones.

Optimal value for money: For 180 CHF, Wolky offers a complete solution with national distribution, lasting memorial space and caring support. This is 4 to 10 times cheaper than a traditional newspaper for far superior reach.

To discover concrete examples of death notices published online, consult our death notice gallery and see how other families have chosen to honour their loved ones.