How to Write a Eulogy
Writing a eulogy can be a meaningful way to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. It provides an opportunity to share memories, express gratitude, and offer comfort to others who are grieving. While the task may feel overwhelming, we are here to help guide you through the process. Here are some steps to help you write a eulogy that captures the essence of your loved one:
Reflect on the life of your loved one
Start by taking time to reflect on the life of the person you are honoring. What are the key moments or achievements that defined their life? Consider their values, passions, and the qualities that made them special. You may want to ask yourself:
What made them unique?
What impact did they have on family, friends, or their community?
What are some of your favourite memories with them?
Organise your thoughts
Once you've reflected on their life, it's time to organize your thoughts. A well-structured eulogy typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion:
Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the deceased. A brief introduction sets the tone for the eulogy.
Body: Share personal stories, memories, and anecdotes that illustrate your loved one’s character and contributions. Focus on specific moments that reveal their personality, sense of humor, kindness, or other traits.
Conclusion: End with a message of gratitude, a final tribute, or a quote that sums up their legacy. You may want to express your hopes for how their memory will live on.
Keep the tone personal and heartfelt
A eulogy doesn’t need to be overly formal—what matters most is that it reflects the personality of your loved one and comes from the heart. Don’t be afraid to include personal anecdotes, humour, or even moments of vulnerability. This is your chance to speak from the heart and share your unique perspective.
Speak to the audience
Remember that the eulogy is for those who are grieving, so think about what might bring them comfort. While it’s important to reflect on your loved one’s life, it’s equally important to speak to the shared loss and offer a sense of connection for those who are mourning together.
Keep it brief and focused
While there’s no set length, aim for a eulogy that is around 5-10 minutes long. This ensures that your message is heartfelt but not overwhelming. Focus on the most meaningful aspects of your loved one’s life, and avoid overwhelming your audience with too many details.
Practice and rehearse
Once you've written your eulogy, take time to practice reading it aloud. This will help you feel more comfortable when delivering it and allow you to make adjustments for flow and clarity. If you're nervous, it's perfectly okay to have a friend or family member read it for you. You can even bring notes or an outline to the service for reference.
Seek support
If you find yourself struggling to write the eulogy or need help with crafting the words, don’t hesitate to ask for support. A close friend, family member, or clergy member may be able to offer assistance or help you refine your message.
Remember, it's okay to be emotional
Writing and delivering a eulogy can be an emotional experience. It’s okay to show your feelings during the service, as it’s a natural part of the grieving process. Sharing your grief can help others feel less alone in theirs. A eulogy is a beautiful way to honour the memory of a loved one and provide comfort to those in attendance.
