Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, but writing a eulogy allows you to honour their memory and celebrate their life. White Lady Funerals recognise the importance of the eulogy and have put together some tips to help you create a truly fitting tribute to your loved one. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of writing a eulogy, incorporating advice from White Lady Funerals and providing realistic examples to help you through this challenging time.
Are you struggling to write a meaningful eulogy during this difficult time? Our professional eulogy writing service can help you honour your loved one in less than 48 hours, with no additional stress. We help you preserve the legacy of a cherished life, in your time of grief. Find out more →
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Purpose of a Eulogy
- Bearing This Purpose While Writing Your Eulogy
- 1. An Introduction
- 2. Personal Stories and Memories
- 3. Including Humour
- 4. Quotations, Poems, or Songs
- 5. Offering Gratitude
- 6. Concluding the Eulogy
- The Structure of a Eulogy
- Sample Eulogy for a Friend
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the Purpose of a Eulogy
A eulogy is an opportunity for you to:
- Share your loved one's story
- Highlight their achievements
- Acknowledge the impact they had on others
Bearing This Purpose While Writing Your Eulogy
When writing your eulogy, make sure your words are sincere and reflect the true essence of your loved one. This will help your audience feel connected to the deceased and provide comfort during a difficult time.
The Structure of a Eulogy
Following a structure when writing a eulogy will make your speech more organized and easier to deliver. A standard eulogy usually consists of the following sections:
1. An Introduction
Need a Eulogy?
Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One
Begin your eulogy with an engaging and heartfelt introduction that clearly states who is being eulogized and your relationship to them. This will set the tone for the rest of the speech.
2. Personal Stories and Memories
Share personal stories and memories that illustrate your loved one's qualities and achievements. Be sure to involve anecdotes from other people as well, so that the eulogy is a true reflection of the deceased's impact on others' lives.
3. Including Humour
Incorporating humour can help to lighten the mood and create a balanced and authentic representation of your loved one. Include funny anecdotes or quirks that highlight their personality.
4. Quotations, Poems, or Songs
Including quotes, poems, or song lyrics that your loved one appreciated or that remind you of them can add depth to your eulogy and create a meaningful tribute.
5. Offering Gratitude
Take a moment to thank everyone who was involved in the deceased's life, such as family, friends, or caregivers. This will help bring a sense of closure to your eulogy.
6. Concluding the Eulogy
End your eulogy by summarizing the essence of your loved one and expressing your hope for their legacy to live on. This conclusion will serve as a heartfelt final tribute.
White Lady Funerals How To Write A Eulogy Example:
Sample Eulogy for a Friend
Introduction
Good morning, my name is [Your Name], and I am honoured to stand before you today to celebrate the life of my dear friend, [Deceased's Name]. We have all gathered here to remember the happy memories, the laughter and the love we shared with him.
Personal Stories and Memories
I first met [Deceased's Name] in college, where we bonded over our shared love of music and late-night conversations. He was always there to lend a listening ear or share words of wisdom, which I will forever cherish. I know many of you have similar memories of [Deceased's Name] that are dear to your hearts.
Including Humour
[Deceased's Name] had a remarkable sense of humour. I remember the time he showed up to our Halloween party wearing a handmade superhero costume, which quickly became the talk of the night and had everyone in stitches.
Quotations, Poems, or Songs
One of [Deceased's Name]'s favourite quotes was from John Lennon, who said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." This quote truly embodies the way [Deceased's Name] lived his life — always seizing the moment and making the most of every opportunity.
Offering Gratitude
On behalf of [Deceased's Name] and his family, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was part of his life, especially his devoted wife, [Wife's Name], and his loving parents, [Parents' Names]. Your love and support meant the world to him.
Concluding the Eulogy
As we say goodbye to [Deceased's Name], let us remember his boundless energy, infectious laughter, and the impact he had on our lives. May we be inspired to honour his memory by living our lives to the fullest and cherishing those around us. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that pays tribute to a deceased person, typically presented during a funeral or memorial service. It shares memories, expresses condolences, and reflects on the life and impact of the individual who has passed away.
Who usually writes a eulogy?
Eulogies can be written by close family members, friends, or anyone who had a significant relationship with the deceased. Sometimes, a member of the clergy or a professional eulogist can be involved in writing or delivering the eulogy.
Can a eulogy include humor?
Yes, if it suits the personality of the deceased and is appropriate for the audience, a eulogy can include humor. It's important to handle it sensitively and ensure it is respectful and fitting for the occasion.
How long should a eulogy be?
A eulogy typically lasts between 5 to 10 minutes, equating to about 500 to 1000 words. It's important to consider the overall structure of the service and any time constraints that may be in place.
Is it alright to read a eulogy?
Absolutely. Many people read their eulogies to help maintain their composure and ensure they don't forget any important points or memories they want to share.
What should I include in a eulogy?
A eulogy often includes an introduction, details about the person's life such as their family, career, and hobbies, personal anecdotes, their character traits, their impact on others, and a conclusion that offers comfort or a farewell message.
How do I start a eulogy?
Begin with an introduction that includes your relationship to the deceased and a brief thank you to the attendees for coming to honor them. It can be helpful to open with a memorable story or quote that sets the tone of your reflections.
How do I write a eulogy if I'm not a good writer?
Focus on your heartfelt memories and express genuine feelings. Simplicity can often be more moving than elaborate language. There are also templates and professional services that can help guide you through the writing process.
Should I share emotional parts of their life in the eulogy?
It's important to be selective and sensitive when deciding to include emotional or challenging parts of the person's life. Aim to handle such topics with care, ensuring that the memories you share respect the dignity of the deceased and the feelings of the attendees.
How can I get past writer's block when writing a eulogy?
Take your time, talk to others who knew the person, reminisce about old photos, and write down any memories that come to mind, however disjointed. You can also take breaks and revisit the writing with a fresh perspective.
Can I include quotes or poetry in a eulogy?
Yes, integrating quotes, poems, or religious texts that meant something to the deceased or that illustrate aspects of their life and beliefs can add depth and resonance to a eulogy.
Is it necessary to mention the cause of death in a eulogy?
No, it is not necessary to mention the cause of death in a eulogy unless you feel it's important or relevant to the celebration of their life. The focus should be on honoring the person's life and legacy.
What tone should I aim for in a eulogy?
The tone of a eulogy should reflect the essence of the person being remembered. While it is an occasion marked by sadness, the tone can also be uplifting, celebratory, or even humorous if it matches the individual's character.
How can I make my eulogy memorable?
Include personal stories or anecdotes that capture the uniqueness of the deceased. Speak from the heart and highlight the qualities and memories that were cherished by you and others.
How do I practice delivering a eulogy?
Practice reading the eulogy aloud multiple times. Consider the pace, tone, and where you might need to take a moment for composure. If possible, rehearse in front of a trusted friend or family member for feedback.
How do I handle my emotions while delivering a eulogy?
Allow yourself to express emotions, but also prepare by having tissues on hand and a glass of water nearby. Pausing to take deep breaths can help you regain composure if needed.
What if I become too overwhelmed to continue?
If you're unable to continue, it's perfectly acceptable to ask someone else to take over reading your eulogy. You can plan for this possibility in advance by choosing a backup reader.
Is it okay to include acknowledgments in a eulogy?
Yes, recognizing those who were especially close to the deceased or who provided significant support during their life or illness is entirely appropriate within a eulogy.
Can I use visual aids or props during a eulogy?
While not typical, if a visual aid or prop is strongly connected to a story or point in the eulogy and enhances the message, it can be appropriate to include, as long as it respects the tone of the occasion.
What should I do with the eulogy after the funeral?
After the funeral, you might choose to keep the eulogy in written form as a personal memento, share it with family and friends, or incorporate it into a scrapbook or family history project.
Can I receive professional help with writing a eulogy?
Yes, there are professional writers and services that specialize in helping individuals craft meaningful eulogies that honor the lives of their loved ones.
Writing and delivering a eulogy is a way to honour your loved one and pay tribute to the positive impact they had on the lives of others. We hope this guide from White Lady Funerals has provided you with valuable insight and support during this challenging time. Please feel free to share this article with those who may benefit from it, and don't hesitate to explore our other guides on Eulogy Assistant to help you during this process.