Understanding Eulogies: Who, What, and Why
- Kate R.
- Apr 1, 2024
- 2 min read
What is a eulogy?
A eulogy, or funeral speech, is a speech given at a funeral by someone who knew the person who has died. If you are asked to give one, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the person, by giving a short speech about their life and what they meant to you. It’s regarded as an honor to be asked to give a eulogy for a loved one or friend and if you’ve been asked, a sign that you played an important part in that person’s life.
If you’re feeling anxious about the responsibility of getting it ‘right,’ remember that every eulogy is meant to be unique. Although there are guidelines you can follow, writing a eulogy is also about things that come from the heart.
Who gives a eulogy at a funeral?
Usually, the one chosen to give a eulogy at a funeral is someone close to the person who has died. Often children will give a eulogy at their parents' funerals and husbands or wives will give a eulogy at their partners’ funerals. Sometimes the occasion might be too overwhelming for the person closest to them to perform a eulogy, and they may ask another loved one to give a eulogy in their place.
What is the purpose of a eulogy?
The eulogy at a funeral is a way for someone who is close to the person who has died to sum up their life, remind people who have come to mourn about the character of that person, and pay respect to them.
What should be included in a eulogy?
A eulogy can include anything that you think is important. You may want to keep it mostly fact-based, written in chronological order with a small personal note of remembrance at the end. Or, you could base it on personal anecdotes and stories that capture the personality of your loved one. These might even be more lighthearted anecdotes, which often helps the assembly feel more at ease. If you think that a certain story is the most appropriate, as someone close to the person who has died, you’re probably right. Your own and other people’s memories could not only provide things to talk about, but inspire a way of summing up at the beginning and end of the eulogy who they were and what they meant.
Why is a eulogy important?
Hearing a eulogy gives people a way of remembering the important parts of the person they’ve come to mourn. A well written eulogy should not only sum up a person’s life, character and impact; but, if possible, it should shed light on less well-known aspects of that person.
How long should a eulogy be?
Normally, a eulogy will be around three to five minutes long and take no longer than ten minutes. As to how many words a eulogy should be, that may depend on how quickly you talk. A funeral eulogy of between 500 and 1000 written words will take from around three and a half to seven and a half minutes to speak. Some funeral venues allocate a specific period of time for a funeral. The funeral director should be able to advise you, if you ask how long a eulogy should last, as part of the order of service.
Hire Me to Write the Eulogy
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Eulogy Writer?
Hiring a eulogy writer can reduce your stress dramatically. This is important since this is probably already a very stressful time for you, your family, and your friends. After answering questions here and having a brief phone conversation, you will receive a beautifully written tribute in a timely manner. You will be able to focus your attention on connecting with family and friends, other aspects of the service, and can be confident that the eulogy will express your message and memories.
More Benefits of Hiring a Eulogy Writer
Your loved one is honored with a beautiful, well-written eulogy
You have one less thing to stress about as the funeral approaches
Your time is freed up to help you focus on what matters most
Should You Hire a Eulogy Writer?
Are you worried about being able to write a beautiful eulogy within the needed time frame?
Are you a strong writer? If not, how long will it take you to find and review the resources you need?
Will hiring a eulogy writer increase your confidence in delivering the eulogy?
If you are worried about the eulogy, are short on time, and want a beautifully written
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