Step 1: Where to Start

To truly celebrate a life, it helps to tell their story from the start.

Think about their journey, from their childhood days and formative experiences right through to their final years.

This allows you to weave a rich tapestry of their life.  Different friends and family members knew your loved one at various stages, so sharing insights from different periods offers something new and touching for everyone.

It helps paint a complete picture of the person they were throughout their entire life.

Step 2: Take around 10 minutes

While it might feel like there’s so much to say at their funeral or memorial, keeping your eulogy concise is a sign of respect for those listening.

As a general guideline, aim for your eulogy to be around 10 minutes or less.  This will be about 1,100 words.  Don’t let the word count intimidate you.

Once you start writing and reflecting on your memories, you’ll find that the words begin to flow more easily and naturally than you might expect.

Step 3: Where to find your Guidance

Sometimes, the best way to unlock memories and find the right words is to look for tangible reminders of your loved one.

Browse through old photographs or watch videos – these visual cues can bring back a flood of cherished moments and feelings.

The family will most likely be creating a slideshow for their funeral service, so you might ask to see a few pictures.

Similarly, letters, emails, or even old journals can offer snippets of their voice, their thoughts, and their personality, providing wonderful inspiration for your speech.

These items can spark specific stories or help you recall phrases they often used.

Step 4: It is Personal

The most impactful eulogies are deeply personal, the funeral service and wake are times for sharing those stories.

Take time to reflect on your unique memories and experiences with your loved one.

Don’t be afraid to share a specific story or anecdote that truly illustrates their character, their sense of humor, or their unwavering kindness.

These personal touches are what make the eulogy authentic and resonant.  If it feels natural and comforting to you, you can even address and speak directly to them during your eulogy – it can be a profoundly moving way to express your love and say goodbye.

Step 5: Ask for more help

You don’t have to navigate this process alone.

Contact a close friend or family member who also loved the deceased.

Collaborating with them can be incredibly helpful; you can brainstorm ideas together, share different perspectives, and even help each other craft the speech.

It might also ease your nerves to ask that person to speak alongside you on the day.

Remember, you also have professional support available from us.

Contact us for help

This is the business we’re in, so we’ve got a number of ways we can help if you’re feeling stuck.  Get in touch by phone or email.