How to write a eulogy for a loved one

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience and if you've been asked to write a eulogy, it can add to the weight of your grief. Although writing a eulogy can be met with mixed emotions, it's a lovely way to honour and celebrate the life of the person you loved.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of writing a eulogy step by step.

Understand the purpose of a eulogy

A eulogy is a speech that is delivered at a funeral or memorial service to honour and celebrate the life of the person who has passed away. It's a nice opportunity to share stories, memories while also offering comfort and support to those who are grieving. When you write a eulogy, you have the chance to provide a tribute that will help loved ones feel connected and supported during this difficult time.

Start with a brainstorming session

Before you write a eulogy, take some time to brainstorm ideas. Think about the person's life, their achievements and the memories you shared. Write down any stories, feelings or thoughts that come to mind, even if they seem insignificant, they all hold special meaning. Doing this will help you organise your thoughts and create a structure for your eulogy. Then when it comes time to sit down and write a eulogy, you'll have a strong foundation of ideas to draw from.

Create an outline

Once you have your ideas, it's time to create an outline for your eulogy. Start by introducing yourself and sharing your relationship with the person who has passed away. Then, share stories and memories that highlight the person's life, personality and achievements. Finally, include some words of comfort to the grieving family and friends. This outline will provide you with a good roadmap to write a eulogy that is both cohesive and engaging.

Write from the heart

When you write a eulogy, it's important to write from the heart. Share stories and memories that are meaningful to you and the person you loved. Don't worry about being perfect either, what's important is that your words are sincere and heartfelt. By writing a eulogy that comes from your heart, you'll be able to create a tribute that is both authentic and touching.

Use humour and lightness

While eulogies are typically sombre occasions, it's a nice idea to try and include moments of humour and lightness. Share stories that showcase the person's sense of humour or personality for this can help soften the mood and offer comfort to all who are grieving. By incorporating moments like these, you can write a eulogy that strikes the perfect balance between celebration and mourning.

Practise your delivery

Once you've written your eulogy, practise delivering it. Read it out loud to yourself or to a friend or family member. This will help you to get comfortable with the words and the delivery. Pay attention to your tone of voice and your body language too for these are also important elements for delivering a eulogy.

Tips for writing a eulogy

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when you write a eulogy:

Keep it brief: A eulogy should be no longer than 5-7 minutes. By keeping your eulogy short and to the point, you'll be able to hold the audience's attention and make your words more impactful.
Use anecdotes: Share specific stories or anecdotes that highlight the person's life and personality.
Be honest: Don't shy away from sharing difficult or challenging aspects of the person's life, but please always be respectful and compassionate.
Use a conversational tone: Write as though you're talking to a friend or family member.
Practise, practise, practise: The more you practise, the more comfortable you'll feel delivering your eulogy.

Writing a eulogy although challenging can be a rewarding and cathartic experience. It's a way to honour and celebrate the life of the person you loved and offers comfort and support to those who are grieving.

Remember to write from the heart, keep it brief and practise your delivery. Your words will offer comfort and solace to those who are mourning and in doing so will help you all feel connected to those you have lost.