How to write a eulogy
Need help with writing a eulogy? Although many consider it an honour, being asked to write and deliver a eulogy can be anxiety-inducing. But don’t worry. We’ve covered everything you need to know in this guide.
Find out how to write a eulogy below.
What is a eulogy?
A eulogy is defined as a piece of writing or a speech which praises someone who has died. Eulogies are given at funerals or memorial services to commemorate the life of a loved one.
Think of it as a way to highlight the person’s achievements, share memories and provide comfort for those who are grieving.
What to write in a eulogy?
Sitting down to write a eulogy can be overwhelming. So, it’s helpful to break it down into chunks. This way, you can get all your ideas down in one place before crafting them into a fully formed speech.
Feeling stuck? Here are some eulogy ideas and themes to consider:
Biography
A good place to start when writing a eulogy is to think about their life from a biographical perspective. Make a note of their year of birth, parents, siblings, where they grew up and their childhood education. You could also include any significant historical events that took place during their birth year at this point.
Memories
Do you have any cherished memories with the person who died? Consider including a variety of memories. Happy times on holiday over the years? Jot them down. Funny moments? If appropriate, the attendees will appreciate a smile or chuckle during the speech.
In addition to personal memories, it’s important to chat with their close friends and family. Write down any fond memories of theirs to include in the speech and ensure you don't miss out on any key memories from important relatives.
Personal traits
It’s also sweet to link their positive traits to the memories you share. This way, you can naturally demonstrate their best traits through their actions over the years.
Think about how they impacted your life, and the lives of their loved ones, in a positive way. But as well as this, acknowledge their personality as an individual. What was it that made them unique? Was it their kindness? Their quick wit? Their determination?
There’s a whole host of notable qualities worth mentioning in a eulogy.
Milestones
As well as their childhood, it’s nice to mention their key milestones in life. If they were in a long-term relationship or marriage, retell their love story. How did they meet? Did they travel? Where did they end up? Did they become a parent? These are all key milestones to consider when writing a eulogy.
Achievements
Similarly, people often include the achievements of the person who died in their eulogy speech. Highlight any significant moments in their career, academic achievements, or hobbies they excelled in. For example, if they were a talented musician, achieved a PhD or worked in a senior position, make sure to celebrate their talents.
Religious passages
If the person who died wasn’t religious, feel free to disregard this section. But if they were religious, their family may be comforted by a religious reading. If you’re unsure, just check in with the family first to get a good grasp of their wishes.
Structuring a eulogy
Written down some notes on the points we’ve just mentioned? It’s time to put it all together.
Remember to think of the eulogy as a story. Aim for a clear beginning, middle and end. Connecting positive traits and memories is a good move. You may also want to pull out one (or more) themes and remember to set the tone.
We’ve included a rough eulogy structure for you to work with below:
Beginning: Introduce yourself and your connection to the person who has died. Acknowledge the attendees and set the tone of the eulogy.
Middle: Now is the time to share their life story. You could do this chronologically, starting with their early years and making your way through. Alternatively, this is where your key themes could influence the structure of the eulogy. Include a mix of memories, accomplishments and milestones during this section too.
Conclusion: The final section of the eulogy should nicely wrap up everything you’ve mentioned so far. Share some final reflections, either through a quote, religious passage or a piece of music. Again, express your condolences and offer words of comfort to their family and friends. Say your final farewells to close the eulogy.
Five final tips for writing a eulogy
Take these final considerations into account when writing a eulogy:
- Remember to speak to friends and family
- Find themes
- Think of it as a story
- Use quotes, religious passages or music
- Make it personal and unique to the person who passed away
Taking the time to plan ahead can bring peace of mind. If you're considering options for your own funeral or want to understand how to financially prepare, you can find more information on our funeral plans page.
