Composing a eulogy for an upcoming funeral can be an emotionally challenging process. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin, or what to say.
To help, we’ve put together our best advice for writing a eulogy for a deceased loved one.
Organise Your Thoughts
Before you dive into writing the eulogy, take some time to organise your thoughts. This can be helpful when it comes to writing the eulogy, and also provide you with further pointers to mention throughout. Start by reflecting over your loved one’s life – their hobbies, greatest joys, and their personality. Did they have a big family? Where did they grow up? What did they do for a living? Jot everything down on a notepad or computer document, as this will come in handy when you start writing.
Ideas For How To Begin The Eulogy
- Say when and where the deceased was born
- Share a quote that reminds you of the deceased
- Open on a phrase your loved one was known for saying
- Introduce yourself and state your relationship to the deceased
- Describe your loved one’s personality
Keep The Eulogy Concise
Even though you may feel you could speak for hours about your loved one, it’s crucial you keep the eulogy within a certain amount of time. So, be sure to check with your funeral director or celebrant how many minutes the tribute should go on for. To make sure your speech stays within the allotted schedule, try timing yourself practising it at home. If it does go over the time-limit and you are struggling with how to shorten it, ask a trusted friend or family member to help you.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Sharing Funny Stories
Don’t feel you can’t recount funny stories or anecdotes about your loved one in their eulogy. In fact, sharing humour and cherished memories is a wonderful way to remember the deceased with a smile. It’s okay to laugh! What’s more, it can be incredibly therapeutic and healing to reflect on happy stories, and may even make you feel more connected to the person you have lost.
For further advice and information, please contact Stanley J Nicholas Independent Funeral Directors.
