Writing a Eulogy: Simple, Caring Guidance from Minge Funerals
A eulogy, at its core, is a speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service to honour the life of a loved one. But in truth, it is so much more than that. It is a heartfelt moment to reflect on the life lived, the love shared, and the profound impact your loved one had on everyone around them. It is a chance to evoke laughter, spark nostalgia, and share stories that will stay with those who listen, allowing them to remember not only the person who passed but the essence of who they were.
While it can feel like a daunting task, especially during a time of grief, remember that there is no perfect way to write a eulogy. Each eulogy is a deeply personal tribute to your loved one, and what matters most is that it comes from your heart.
At Minge Funerals, we have supported and guided countless families and friends of loved ones during their time of grief. We understand how difficult this part of the process can be, so we have created some gentle guidelines to help you shape a eulogy that reflects your loved one.
Start from the beginning
Every life is a story. Begin by reflecting and sharing on your loved one’s journey from the very start. What were they like as a child? Where did they grow up? What were their early passions and dreams?
By sharing details from their formative years, including childhood, schooling, and early work, they often reveal moments and experiences that shaped who they became. When writing, you might find inspiration in family photo albums, school reports, or stories shared from other family members, or which have been passed down through generations.
Include meaningful memories
Every life is a collection of cherished moments. Recall personal stories, big or small, that illustrate their unique personality or the bond you shared with them. These could be a family holiday, a running joke, a quiet moment of kindness, or a lesson they taught you that you will never forget.
These anecdotes not only bring comfort but also help those listening connect, remember, reflect, and smile through their tears.
Personalise it
Do not be afraid to bring their personality and essence into the eulogy. What made your loved one them? Was it their laugh, their loyalty, or the way they made everyone feel welcome? Perhaps they had a hobby that brought them joy or a favourite saying that summed up their outlook on life.
Share their values, their quirks, their passions. The more personal the tribute, the more it will resonate with those gathered to pay their respects.
Reflect on what made them unique
Consider incorporating touches that hold meaning for your loved one into your eulogy. For instance, you could share a favourite poem they loved, a song lyric that resonated with them, or a quote from a book they cherished. These elements can stir powerful memories and connect the audience more deeply with the person you are honouring and remembering.
Time your speech
A good guideline is to aim for a eulogy that lasts approximately 5–10 minutes, which is typically under 1,000 words. This length allows you to speak meaningfully without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Remember, your words do not have to be long to be lasting.
Ask for help
Grief can be overwhelming, and it is important to remember that you are not alone. Seeking support, whether from a family member, friend, or a professional, can ease the emotional burden of writing and delivering a eulogy by helping you reflect on meaningful memories together.
Sharing the speech with someone else ensures the tribute is a collective reflection of your loved one’s life, allowing others to contribute their memories while offering emotional support through the process.
A final thought
At Minge Funerals, we are here to support you through every step of this journey. If you need assistance in preparing a eulogy or would like someone to review it with you, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are honoured to help you share your loved one’s story with warmth, dignity, and care.
We have also created a Guide to Writing a Eulogy.
Remember, writing a eulogy is more than just recounting a timeline. It is about sharing who someone was and the mark they left on the world and everyone’s heart. There is no need for perfect prose or poetic language; authenticity is what matters most.
