Honouring a Life: A Guide to Writing a Eulogy

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences we face in life. As we navigate through the grief and sorrow, we often find solace in celebrating the life and memories of the person we have lost. One way to honour their legacy is by delivering a heartfelt eulogy. While the task may seem daunting, writing a eulogy can be a cathartic and meaningful process. In this blog post, we will guide you through crafting a eulogy that truly captures the essence of your loved one, in six easy steps.

1. Reflect on their life: Take some time to reflect on the life of the person you are eulogising. Consider their accomplishments, passions, and the impact they had on others. Think about their personality, values, and the memories you shared. These reflections will serve as the foundation for your eulogy, allowing you to create a genuine and personal tribute.
2. Structure your eulogy: A well-structured eulogy helps you organise your thoughts and ensures your message flows smoothly. Start with an introduction that captures the audience’s attention and sets the tone for your speech. Then, move on to the body of the eulogy, where you can share anecdotes, stories, and memories that highlight the person’s character and achievements. Finally, conclude your eulogy by summarising their impact on others and expressing your thoughts.
3. Share personal stories: Personal stories are the heart of a eulogy. They allow you to connect with the audience and paint a vivid picture of the person’s life. Choose stories that showcase their unique qualities, sense of humour, or acts of kindness. Be mindful of the tone and emotions you want to convey, ensuring that your stories balance celebrating their life and acknowledging the moment’s grief.
4. Include meaningful quotes or poems: Incorporating meaningful quotes or poems can add depth and resonance to your eulogy. Look for passages that align with the person’s values, beliefs, or favourite sayings. These words can provide comfort and inspiration to those in attendance, while also serving as a reminder of the person’s impact on others.
5. Be wary of time: A shorter succinct and concise eulogy has a much better impact than an overly detailed rambling book of anecdotes that were funny on the day but may not translate well over time. Unfortunately, all ceremonies are constrained to a finite length of time – maybe some of the stores (or the details) could be saved for the wake?
6. Practice and deliver with sincerity: Once you have written your eulogy, practice delivering it aloud. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and emotions. Remember, the goal is to convey your love and respect for the person you are eulogising. Speak from the heart, allowing your genuine emotions to shine through. While it may be challenging, delivering a eulogy can be a healing experience for you and the audience.

Writing a eulogy is a powerful way to honour and remember a loved one who has passed away. It allows us to celebrate their life, share cherished memories, and find solace amid grief. By reflecting on their life, structuring your eulogy, sharing personal stories, including meaningful quotes, and delivering with sincerity, you can create a heartfelt tribute that pays homage to their legacy. Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and let your love for the person guide your words.

At Wealden Funeral Services, our fully trained and qualified civil celebrant Lynne Worrell is always on hand to guide you to ensure that the service truly reflects the person you are saying goodbye to and is presented in a tone that you are comfortable with.  Lynne is always happy to read the eulogy on the family’s behalf during the service, and we understand how difficult this can be for some.