How to Write a Eulogy for Your Godparent - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Writing a eulogy for your godparent can feel like a big ask emotionally and practically. A godparent often lives somewhere between family and friend. They might have been a mentor, a second parent, a rebellious influence, or a very steady presence. This guide helps you sort what to say, how to say it, and how to deliver it without overthinking. We explain terms you might not know, give multiple example eulogies you can adapt, and include fill in the blank templates you can steal and edit.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about a godparent at a funeral, memorial, celebration of life, or graveside service. Maybe you were chosen because you were closest, maybe because you were the one who lived nearby, or maybe because you are the one who can hold a room. You might be close in age to your godparent or decades apart. There are examples for short and long speeches, funny memories, sentimental moments, and complicated relationships. Use what fits.

What is a eulogy and how is it different when the subject is a godparent

A eulogy is a speech that honors someone who has died. It focuses on memory, personality, values, and the small stories that make a life feel personal. An obituary is a written notice that lists basic facts and service information. A eulogy is not a biography. It is a selection of meaningful moments.

When the person you are honoring is a godparent you might feel an extra mix of affection and responsibility. Godparents often have a spiritual or symbolic role. They may have been part of rites of passage like baptisms or confirmations. They may have shown up for holidays and phone calls. Decide whether you want to emphasize the spiritual role, the friendship aspect, or the mentorship angle. All are valid.

Terms you might see and what they mean

• Godparent A person chosen to support a child spiritually or morally. The role varies by family. Sometimes it is a formal religious role. Other times it is a family friendship that promises care and guidance.
• Obituary A written announcement of a death that usually includes biographical facts and funeral details.
• Order of service A printed plan for the event that lists songs, readings, speakers, and timings.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that emphasizes stories, photos, and sometimes music over ritual.
• Pallbearer Someone chosen to help carry the casket. Often family or close friends fill this role.
• Officiant The person conducting the service. This could be a clergy member, a celebrant, or a friend leading the ceremony.
• RSVP Short for the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It is used on invites to ask people to confirm attendance.

How long should a eulogy for a godparent be

Short and focused usually works best. Aim for three to seven minutes for one speaker. That is roughly 400 to 800 spoken words. If multiple people are speaking coordinate so the overall service stays on time. A single, honest five minute story can be more meaningful than a long list of accomplishments.

Before you start writing

Getting started can feel like the hardest part. Use this quick plan to gather material and pick a direction.

• Check timing Ask the family or officiant how long you should speak and where you fit in the order of service.
• Decide tone Do you want the speech to be tender, funny, solemn, or a mix? Match the tone to the godparent s personality and the family s wishes.
• Collect memories Ask siblings, cousins, or close friends for one memory each. These small contributions often provide the best anecdotes.
• Pick three focus points Choose three things you want people to remember. People remember small lists better than long narratives.
• Choose a closing Think about whether you want to end with a poem line, a prayer, a short quote, or an invitation to share stories.

Structure that works

Use a simple structure to keep your speech tight and memorable.

• Opening Say who you are and why you are speaking. Offer one sentence that sets the tone.
• Life sketch Give a brief overview of the godparent s life as it matters to your story. Focus on roles not a full CV.
• Anecdotes Share one to three short stories that reveal character. Keep them specific and sensory.
• Lessons or traits Summarize what they taught you or what people will miss about them.
• Closing Offer a goodbye line, a short quote, or an invitation to remember or light a candle.

How to pick the tone

Your godparent might have been playful, strict, spiritual, or quietly present. Match the tone to them and to the crowd. If your godparent loved a laugh include a light joke. If they were a serious person keep it calm and sincere. When in doubt check with a close family member.

Anecdotes that work for godparents

Good stories are small and concrete. They show the person rather than tell about them. Here are the types of stories that land well.

• Ritual stories like the way they always brought a certain dessert to holidays.
• Mentorship stories where they gave a piece of advice that changed how you act.
• Funny rules they enforced like calling family by nicknames only they used.
• Unexpected kindness like a time they covered your rent or showed up when you needed company.

Examples you can adapt

Below are full example eulogies in different tones and lengths. Replace bracketed text and tweak details to make the speech yours.

Example 1: Short and tender two to three minute version

Hello everyone. My name is Maya and I was lucky enough to have Luis as my godfather. He showed up like clockwork with the loudest laugh and the smallest pieces of advice that somehow always landed.

When I was a teenager and the world felt huge he would call and say do one brave thing today. It could be as small as answering an email or as big as asking for help. That little prompt kept me moving forward in tiny steps. He loved old vinyl records and made the best grilled cheese on the planet. He taught me that comfort is both a sandwich and the willingness to sit with someone in silence.

What I will miss most is his curiosity. He asked questions about your hobbies like they were the most interesting thing in the world. If you want to honor him, tell someone about the thing you love and ask them about theirs. Thank you.

Example 2: Celebration of life tone with humor

Hi, I am Ben and I am Claire s godson. Claire had three rules. Number one was do not buy the cheap coffee. Number two was never leave a dog in a car. Number three was always bring cookies. She kept a stash of cookies like a squirrel and she shared them just enough to make you feel seen and cared for.

She also had a zero tolerance policy for boring small talk. If you started to drone on she would interrupt with a story that made you laugh and remember something better. She taught us to live a little louder and to bake better. We are going to miss her cookies and her soundtrack and the way she made every gathering feel like an event. Please laugh with us today. She would have expected nothing less.

Example 3: Complicated relationship, honest and respectful

My name is Jordan. My godmother, Adele, was a complicated person. She could be blunt and she could be kind in ways that surprised you. Growing up I sometimes resented her frankness. Later I realized she wanted me to be resilient and honest more than she wanted to be liked.

In recent years we found a new rhythm. She softened and I listened. One night she told me the story of how she worried about everything about being a godparent and that she chose me because she wanted someone to be stubborn with. That felt like a weird compliment and also a gift. We did not always agree, but we always tried. I am grateful for that attempt at relationship. Thank you for being here with us.

Example 4: Longer tribute, five to seven minutes

Good afternoon. I am Priya and I was honored to call Ravi my godfather. Ravi arrived in our lives with a suitcase full of mismatched socks and a devotion to terrible puns. He loved being present in small ways. He was the person who drove across town to fix a leaky faucet and then stayed for dinner and asked about your worries as if they were the most important thing.

He worked as a teacher and later as a mentor for kids who needed a steady adult. That patience spilled into every relationship he had. He taught me to read maps, to try new food, and to apologize when I was wrong. Once when I was convinced I could not leave my comfort zone he sat me down and said comfort zones are nice but growth looks better on you. I left convinced and terrified and ultimately grateful.

Ravi also loved ritual. On Diwali he made sure every light in his house had a tiny bulb and a story behind it. He wanted celebrations to feel intentional. He did not need grand gestures. He needed presence. If you want to honor him, show up for someone tonight and ask them how they are actually doing. Thank you.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates to jumpstart your writing. Keep them short and then personalize with one or two stories.

Template A: Short and classic

My name is [Your Name]. I am [Godparent s Name] godchild. [Godparent s Name] loved [one hobby or habit]. They worked as [job or role] and they always made time for [small ritual]. One memory that shows who they were is [brief story]. They taught me [lesson or trait]. We will miss [what people will miss]. Thank you for being here and for holding their memory.

Template B: Funny and warm

Hi. I am [Your Name]. To know [Godparent s Name] was to know that they took snacks very seriously and that they believed bad puns were a form of art. My favorite memory is [funny short story]. Even in small moments they made life feel lighter. We will laugh and cry and share their cookies. Thank you.

Template C: Complicated relationship

My name is [Your Name]. My relationship with [Godparent s Name] was not simple. We argued about [small example] and we made up over [shared activity]. In the end what I learned from them was [honest lesson]. I am grateful for the chance to say thank you and goodbye today.

Practical tips for delivery

• Write like you speak Use simple sentences and natural rhythm. It will sound more honest.
• Print your speech Use large font. Paper is less likely to slip when your hands are shaking.
• Use cue cards Index cards with a line or two per card help you keep your place and make pauses easier.
• Mark emotional spots Put a bracket or an underline where you know you might pause or breathe deeply. That gives you permission to slow down.
• Practice out loud Read it to a friend or record yourself. Practice helps you know where to breathe and where to smile.
• Bring tissues and water Pack both in a pocket or leave them on the podium. Small comforts matter.
• Arrange a backup If you think you might not finish, ask a friend to stand by to finish a closing line for you.
• Mic technique Hold the microphone a few inches from your mouth and speak at a steady pace. If there is no mic project to the back and slow down so everyone can follow.

What to avoid

• Avoid turning the eulogy into an airing of grievances. Honesty is fine. Public shaming is not.
• Avoid reading a long resume of accomplishments without stories that make those facts human.
• Avoid private family jokes that exclude others. Keep the crowd in mind.
• Avoid long poems or readings unless they were especially meaningful to your godparent. Short excerpts work best.

How to include readings, poems, or music

If you include a poem pick a short excerpt of two to four lines. If you include a religious reading confirm it fits the family s beliefs. For music choose songs your godparent loved or a song that captures the tone. Keep music short and place it where it supports the speech such as at the beginning or immediately after a story.

Logistics to check

• Confirm your time limit with the officiant.
• Ask the funeral director about a microphone and where to stand.
• Decide if you will hand out a printed copy or email it to family after the service.
• Check whether the family wants the eulogy to be recorded or shared online.

After the eulogy

People will likely want to talk with you afterward. That is normal and helpful. If someone asks for a copy offer to email it. Some families like to include the eulogy in a memory book or printed program. If you record the eulogy get permission before posting it online. Some families want privacy.

Checklist before you speak

• Confirm time with the family or officiant.
• Print your speech and bring a backup copy.
• Practice three times out loud and note pauses.
• Bring tissues and water.
• Tell a trusted person you might need a moment and arrange a small signal in case they need to step in.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Godparent Someone chosen to support you spiritually or morally. The role varies by family and religious tradition.
• Obituary A written notice announcing a death and often including service details and a brief summary of the person s life.
• Order of service The sequence of readings, music, and speakers at a funeral or memorial.
• Pallbearer A person who helps carry the casket. Often family or close friends are chosen.
• Officiant The person who leads the service. This could be clergy, a celebrant, or a friend.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering focusing on stories, photos, and memory rather than ritual.
• RSVP Short for the French respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It is used on invitations to request confirmation of attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy if I am nervous

Start with your name and your relationship to the godparent. A short opening like Hello my name is [Your Name] and I am [Godparent s Name] godchild gives the audience context and gives you a steady first line. Practice that opening until it feels natural.

How long should my eulogy be

Three to seven minutes is a good target. That is usually 400 to 800 spoken words. If multiple people speak coordinate lengths so the overall service stays within the planned schedule.

Can I use humor in a eulogy for a godparent

Yes. Small earned humor that reveals character is usually welcome. Avoid on the nose or cruel jokes. Test a joke with a trusted family member first.

What if I cry and cannot continue

Pause and breathe. Look at your notes and take a measured breath. If you need help, a designated person can step forward to finish a closing line. People in the room will wait and want to support you.

Should I mention the religious role of a godparent

Only if it mattered to your godparent or the family. If the spiritual role was meaningful include it. If it was mostly symbolic focus on the personal relationship and the lessons you learned.

Can I include a poem or scripture

Yes. Keep it short and confirm the officiant is comfortable with the reading. Short excerpts often work better than long passages.

Is it okay to give a copy of the eulogy to the family or funeral home

Yes. Giving a copy helps the officiant and the organizers. Many families also like to include the text in a printed memorial book or share it with people who could not attend.