Eulogy Examples & Tips: How to Write a Meaningful Eulogy With Templates

Writing a eulogy can feel like trying to hold grief, love, and public speaking all in the same hand. You might be thinking, I do not want to mess this up. You will not. A eulogy is not a performance. It is a human moment. This guide gives you clear structure, real eulogy examples you can adapt, and fill in the blank templates that help you get words onto the page even when your brain feels foggy. We will also explain terms you may see at funerals and memorials so nothing feels confusing or intimidating.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone who needs to write or deliver a eulogy. Maybe you are the best friend. Maybe you are a sibling who got nominated because you can talk without totally falling apart. Maybe you are the adult child who is emotionally wrecked but still wants to do this right. Maybe your relationship was complicated and you want to be respectful without pretending it was perfect. You are in the right place.

This guide works for:

• Funerals with a traditional, formal tone
• Memorial services held weeks or months later
• Celebrations of life that feel more casual and story based
• Graveside services where you have to keep it short
• Religious services and non religious services

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a speech that honors someone who has died. It is usually shared during a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. A eulogy often includes a few key life details, a couple of stories, and a closing line that says goodbye in a way that feels true.

A eulogy is different from an obituary. An obituary is a written announcement of a death and typically includes facts like birth date, survivors, and service information. A eulogy is personal. It sounds like a real person talking about a real person.

Quick terms you might hear

• Officiant The person who leads the service. This could be a clergy member, celebrant, or a family friend.
• Celebrant A trained person who leads a ceremony that may be non religious or customized to the family.
• Order of service The schedule of what happens and when. Think of it like a program for the event.
• Pallbearer A person who helps carry the casket during a funeral service.
• Wake A gathering for friends and family to visit, share food, and remember the person who died. Sometimes it happens before the funeral, sometimes after.
• Visitation A time when people can come pay respects, often at a funeral home, sometimes with the casket present.
• Memorial service A ceremony held without the casket present. It can be held soon after the death or later.
• Celebration of life A gathering that focuses on stories, photos, music, and a more upbeat feel. It can still include tears, it just leans toward celebrating.
• RSVP A request to respond to an invitation. It comes from French and basically means please reply.

How long should a eulogy be

Aim for three to seven minutes. That usually equals about 400 to 900 spoken words depending on your pace. If you are one of several speakers, shorter is often better. A tight, meaningful eulogy lands harder than a long one that starts to drift.

Useful rule: one or two stories is enough. You are not trying to cover everything they ever did. You are trying to give people something true to hold onto.

Before you write, do this quick prep

When you are grieving, writing gets easier when you reduce decisions. Use this mini checklist before you start typing.

• Confirm your time limit Ask the officiant or funeral director how long you should speak.
• Pick a tone Tender, funny, reflective, grateful, a mix. Make sure it fits the room and the person.
• Ask one or two people for a memory Text a sibling, friend, coworker. Ask for one story and one trait.
• Choose three focus points Three is the magic number for structure. For example: fierce loyalty, love of cooking, and the way they showed up for people.
• Collect small details Favorite sayings, a signature outfit, a go to snack, a ritual, a song they always played.

Relatable example scenario

Imagine you are writing about your aunt who always brought a literal trunk of snacks on road trips. Everyone laughed about it, but it was her way of caring. That is the kind of detail that instantly makes a eulogy feel real. It turns “she was generous” into “she loved you so much she packed emergency pretzels for your emergencies that never happened.”

A simple eulogy structure that works every time

If you are staring at a blank page, use this structure. It is flexible and it keeps you from rambling.

• Opening Who you are, your relationship, and one line that sets the tone.
• Life snapshot A brief overview of their life in a few sentences. Keep it human, not resume style.
• Two stories Short stories that show character. Specific beats generic.
• What they taught you A few lessons or traits people will remember.
• Goodbye A final line, a thank you, a short reading, or an invitation to remember.

How to start a eulogy when you feel nervous

Your opening is your anchor. Keep it simple. You are not auditioning. You are giving context and taking a breath.

Opening lines you can copy

• Hello everyone. My name is Jordan, and I am Sam’s best friend. Today I want to share a few stories that show how Sam made ordinary days feel lighter.
• Hi. I am Mia, and I am Elena’s granddaughter. I am grateful you are here to hold her memory with us.
• Good morning. I am Chris, and I had the honor of being Pat’s partner. I want to talk about the way Pat loved people with a full heart and zero hesitation.
• Hello. I am Alex, and I am one of Michael’s coworkers. It turns out work can feel like family when someone like Michael is in the room.

Relatable example scenario

If you are terrified you will cry immediately, build a steady opener. For example: “Hi, I am Nina. I am Rob’s sister. I wrote this because I love him and because he deserves to be remembered out loud.” That sentence gives you purpose and buys you a second to breathe.

How to write the life snapshot without turning it into a biography

The life snapshot is a quick overview. You do not need every job, every move, and every achievement. Include what matters for the story you are telling.

Think in roles, not bullet points.

• Who were they to people
• What did they love
• How did they spend a normal weekend
• What made them unmistakably them

Life snapshot templates

• Simple [Name] was born in [place] and built a life that was full of [people, passions, values]. They were the kind of person who [specific habit that shows character].
• More detailed [Name] grew up in [place] and later made a home in [place]. They worked as [job or role], and they loved [hobby]. More than anything, they were [relationship roles], and they showed love by [how they loved].

Stories that land: how to choose the right anecdotes

People remember stories because stories give the room a shared image. The best eulogy anecdotes are short, specific, and kind. They do not need a dramatic plot twist. They just need a moment that reveals who the person was.

Pick stories that do one of these things

• Show what they cared about
• Show how they treated people
• Show a quirky habit everyone recognized
• Show a lesson they lived, not just preached

Mini anecdote examples

• Every time I visited, she handed me a container of leftovers like it was a sacred ritual. It was not just food. It was her way of saying you are safe here.
• He never came to a party empty handed. He would bring a weirdly perfect snack and then quietly do the dishes at the end like it was his job.
• When she laughed, she threw her head back like the world had just told her the best joke. That laugh made everyone else feel like they were allowed to relax.

Using humor in a eulogy without making it weird

Humor can be a gift because it gives the room oxygen. The goal is warm and recognizable humor, not roast comedy.

Good humor is usually

• Based on a real story
• Affectionate
• Easy for a mixed audience to understand
• Followed by a sincere line that grounds the moment

Safe humor examples you can adapt

• He had one setting on his phone volume, maximum. If you called him, the whole neighborhood knew.
• She could make friends in a checkout line. I used to think it was embarrassing, and now I realize it was a superpower.
• They were the kind of person who planned a trip like it was a mission. Color coded spreadsheets, backup snacks, and a strong opinion about where to park.

Relatable example scenario

Say you are speaking about your friend who was obsessed with sending voice notes that were basically podcasts. You can say: “If you ever got a voice note from Taylor, you know it came in chapters.” Then you follow with sincerity: “But Taylor did it because they wanted you to feel included in their day. They made friendship feel active.” Funny, then meaningful.

How to write a eulogy for a complicated relationship

Not every relationship is neat. You do not have to pretend it was perfect. You can be honest and still be respectful. A eulogy is not the place for private grievances, but it can include complexity in a calm, dignified way.

Three options that work

• Focus on truth you can stand behind Name one or two traits or moments you can honestly claim.
• Acknowledge complexity briefly Then pivot to what you learned or what you hope for the family.
• Keep it short A short eulogy can be powerful and appropriate.

Lines for complicated dynamics

• My relationship with [Name] had difficult chapters. Still, today I want to honor the parts of them that were real and the lessons that stayed.
• We did not always understand each other, but I know [Name] cared in the ways they knew how.
• In the last [time period], we found more peace than I expected, and I am grateful for that.

Relatable example scenario

Maybe your dad was emotionally distant, but he always showed up when your car broke down. You can say: “My dad was not a talker. He was a doer. If you needed help, he was there with tools and a quiet kind of love.” That is honest and still respectful.

What to avoid in a eulogy

• A long list of achievements with no stories If you mention an award or milestone, add one line that makes it human.
• Private details that could hurt people If you have to wonder whether it is appropriate, skip it.
• Inside jokes no one understands If you include one, add a quick explanation.
• Turning the eulogy into your own life story It is normal to mention your connection, but keep the focus on the person who died.
• Pressure to be perfect A sincere eulogy with a shaky voice is still a good eulogy.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

These are complete sample eulogies. Copy them, edit them, and make them sound like you. Replace the bracketed parts with your details.

Example 1: Classic eulogy for a beloved friend, about 4 minutes

Hello everyone. My name is Dani, and I was lucky enough to be Chris’s friend for fifteen years. Thank you for being here today. It means a lot to Chris’s family, and honestly, it means a lot to me.

Chris was the kind of person who made you feel like you belonged. They could walk into a room of strangers and somehow leave with three new friends and a plan for brunch. Chris grew up in [place], made a home in [place], and built a life around people. Work mattered to Chris, sure, but the real priority was connection. They showed love by showing up.

One story that feels like Chris is from a random Tuesday. I texted them that I was having a hard day, and I did not even ask for help. Ten minutes later, Chris was at my door with coffee and the exact snack I liked. They said, “I am not leaving until your face looks less like that.” It made me laugh, which was the point. Chris did not fix problems by giving speeches. Chris fixed problems by being present.

Chris also had a very specific kind of chaos. If you ever went anywhere with Chris, you know we were either painfully early or sprinting. There was no in between. But even that was part of the charm because it was never selfish. It was Chris caring intensely about the people in the plan.

Chris taught me that love is a verb. It is the call you make. It is the meal you drop off. It is the way you remember someone’s mom’s surgery date. Chris made people feel held.

We will miss Chris’s laugh, the way they narrated their life like a sitcom, and the way they could make an ordinary night feel like it mattered. I am heartbroken, and I am grateful. Chris changed my life. Thank you, Chris, for loving us so loudly. We will carry you with us.

Example 2: Short modern eulogy, about 90 seconds

Hi everyone. I am Jay, and I am Morgan’s younger sibling. Morgan had a gift for making people feel comfortable. They were funny in a quiet way, and they were loyal in a real way. If you were in Morgan’s circle, you knew you were in it for life.

Morgan loved late night drives, spicy food, and sending memes at the exact right moment. They also had this calm presence that made everything feel more manageable. When I was anxious, Morgan did not try to talk me out of it. They just sat with me until my breathing slowed down.

We are here because Morgan mattered. Thank you for coming to remember them, to support our family, and to keep their name in the room. We love you, Morgan. We will miss you every day.

Example 3: Eulogy for a grandparent, warm and story driven, about 5 minutes

Hello. My name is Leila, and I am [Name]’s grandchild. I want to thank everyone for showing up today. It is a lot to be here, and it also feels right because [Name] would have loved seeing this many people together.

[Name] was born in [place] and lived a life that was built on steady love. They were a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, and the kind of person who remembered birthdays without needing a reminder. [Name] had routines that made life feel safe. There was always coffee at the same time, the same chair in the same corner, and an open door that made you feel welcome.

My favorite thing about [Name] is that they had a practical kind of magic. If you showed up hungry, you were fed. If you showed up sad, you were listened to. If you showed up unsure of yourself, [Name] found a way to remind you who you were.

I keep thinking about the way [Name] cooked. It was never about fancy recipes. It was about care. They would say, “Eat, then we will talk,” like nourishment was step one and emotions were step two. It was a love language. I learned that from them and I hope I keep living it.

[Name] also had a sense of humor that was gentle but sharp. They would make a small comment under their breath that made the whole room laugh, then act like they had no idea what happened. It was iconic.

Today, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being the kind of person who made family feel like a place. Thank you for the lessons you taught without making a big speech about them. Thank you for loving us in ways we can still feel. We love you, [Name]. We will carry you with us.

Example 4: Complicated relationship, honest and respectful, about 3 minutes

Hello everyone. My name is Sam, and I am [Name]’s child. Thank you for being here today and for supporting our family.

My relationship with [Name] was not simple. We had seasons that were close and seasons that were distant. I am not going to pretend otherwise. But I also know that a person is more than one version of themselves, and today I want to honor the parts of [Name] that were real and the ways they shaped my life.

[Name] was determined. Sometimes that determination showed up as stubbornness, and sometimes it showed up as courage. They did not back down easily. As I got older, I realized how much strength it takes to keep going when life has been heavy. I can respect that.

In the last [time period], we had more honest conversations than we had in years. There were apologies. There was quiet. There were moments that felt like repair. I will always be grateful for that time.

Today, I want to say goodbye with dignity. I hope [Name] has peace. I hope our family has healing. And I hope we can keep remembering the full truth with kindness. Thank you.

Fill in the blank eulogy templates

These templates are designed to be copy and paste friendly. Fill in the blanks, then read it out loud and edit until it sounds like you.

Template A: Classic balanced eulogy

Hello everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I am [Name]’s [relationship]. Thank you for being here to honor [Name] today.

[Name] was born in [place] and built a life full of [people, work, passions]. They loved [hobby or interest], they had a soft spot for [small detail], and they were known for [recognizable trait].

One story that captures [Name] is [short story with a beginning, middle, and meaning].

[Name] taught me [lesson or value]. We will miss [what people will miss]. I love you, [Name]. Thank you for loving us.

Template B: Short and simple under two minutes

Hi everyone. I am [Your Name], and I am [Name]’s [relationship]. [Name] was the kind of person who [one true trait].

I will always remember [specific small memory]. That moment is how I will carry them.

Thank you for being here today. Please keep sharing your stories about [Name]. It helps more than you know.

Template C: Light humor with heart

Hello. I am [Your Name], and I am [Name]’s [relationship]. If you knew [Name], you probably remember [quirky habit].

One time, [short funny story]. That story makes me smile because it shows [what it reveals about their character].

[Name] also gave us something deeper. They taught us [lesson]. We will miss them, we will laugh about them, and we will keep loving them out loud.

Template D: Complicated relationship, respectful and honest

Hello everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I am [Name]’s [relationship]. Thank you for being here today.

My relationship with [Name] had both closeness and distance. I want to honor the truth without causing harm.

One thing I can say with honesty is that [Name] was [true trait]. I saw it when [brief example].

Today, I say goodbye with respect. I hope for peace for [Name], and I hope for healing for everyone who loved them.

Practical tips for delivering a eulogy without falling apart

You can be emotional and still deliver a strong eulogy. Here are realistic tips that help in the moment.

• Print it in large font Paper is often easier than a phone when your hands shake.
• Double space your text It helps you find your place quickly.
• Mark pauses Put “pause” in parentheses where you want to breathe.
• Practice out loud Silent reading is not the same as speaking.
• Bring water Dry mouth is real when you are nervous or crying.
• Choose one person to look at A supportive face can steady you.
• Give yourself permission to stop Pausing is not failing. It is human.
• Have a backup reader Ask someone you trust to be ready to step in if needed.

Micro script for when you start crying

If you need words for the moment, you can say: “Thank you for your patience. I just need a second.” Then breathe, sip water, and continue. People will wait. Most people in that room have been there.

How to include a quote, poem, or prayer without making it too long

Short is powerful. Choose a few lines, not a full page. If you include a poem or prayer, pick one that matches the person and the family’s comfort level.

• Choose two to six lines that feel true
• Introduce it with one sentence about why you chose it
• Credit the author if you know it, but do not stress if you do not

Relatable example scenario

If your mom loved gardening, a short line about seasons and growth can land beautifully. If your friend loved music, you can quote one clean line from a song they loved, but keep it short and make sure it is appropriate for the room.

Checklist before you stand up to speak

• Confirm your time limit with the officiant or funeral director
• Print two copies of your eulogy
• Practice your opening at least three times out loud
• Mark your pauses and emotional spots
• Bring tissues and water
• Tell your backup reader where to jump in if needed
• Take three slow breaths before you begin

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech that honors the person who has died, shared at a funeral or memorial.
• Obituary A written notice of a death that usually includes biographical facts and service details.
• Officiant The person leading the ceremony.
• Celebrant A professional who leads a personalized ceremony, often non religious.
• Order of service The schedule of events during a funeral or memorial.
• Pallbearer A person who carries or escorts the casket.
• RSVP A request to respond to an invitation, meaning please reply.
• Visitation A scheduled time for friends and family to come pay respects.
• Wake A gathering for remembering the person who died, often with food and stories.

Frequently asked questions

What should I include in a eulogy

Include who you are, your relationship, a short life snapshot, one or two stories, and a closing goodbye line. The best eulogies include specific details that make the person feel present in the room.

How do I write a eulogy if I have no idea where to start

Start with three words that describe them, then add one story for each word. For example, “loyal, hilarious, determined.” That becomes your structure. Use a template from this guide and fill in the blanks.

How long should a eulogy be

Three to seven minutes is a good target. If multiple people are speaking, aim closer to three to five minutes so the service stays on time.

Is it okay to read a eulogy from paper

Yes. Most people read a eulogy. Print it in large font and double space it so it is easy to follow. Reading does not make it less heartfelt.

Can I use humor in a eulogy

Yes, as long as it is kind and recognizable. Use humor that comes from real stories and that would not embarrass the person who died. Follow the laugh with a sincere line to keep the tone grounded.

What if I cry and cannot finish

Pause, breathe, and take a sip of water. If you cannot continue, it is okay to ask a backup person to finish for you. Planning a backup is a thoughtful move, not a pessimistic one.

How do I write a eulogy for someone I did not know well

Focus on your honest connection and what you observed. Ask close family or friends for one story and one trait. You can also share what you learned about them through others, as long as you keep it respectful and accurate.

What is the difference between a eulogy and an obituary

An obituary is written and usually includes formal facts and service details. A eulogy is spoken and focuses on stories, personality, and the emotional truth of who the person was.

Should I include religious content

Only if it fits the person and the family. If the family is not religious, you can keep it secular with a poem, a quote, or a simple goodbye line. If it is a religious service, check with the officiant about what fits the ceremony.