How to write a eulogy
Finding the words to say goodbye
Worried about writing a eulogy?
We’ve got you covered. Our 7 Step Guide: How to Write a Eulogy is everything you need to write a heartfelt eulogy for your loved one.
Plus, we’ve got a template for you to download and get started right away. You can do this.
Overview of writing a eulogy
Writing a eulogy can be a daunting prospect. Take a deep breath, exhale and follow these steps.
- Refer to our easy 7 Step Guide: How to Write a Eulogy (below)
- Download our ‘How to write a eulogy’ template. MS WORD or PDF
- Write between 500 to 1000 words.
As Henry Ford once said, “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.”
- Target writing between 500 and 1000 words
- 500 words = 3 mins to read
- 1000 words = 7 mins to read
Anecdote = short interesting and positive story about a memorable incident involving your loved one.
Instructions:
- Choose your favorite anecdote from your stand-out moment’s
- Show the true and personal nature of your relationship with your loved one.
Eulogy Script:
_____ (years/weeks/months/days ago) ___________ (name) said/did ________________________________.
Example opening:
Two years ago, the police stopped Mom and I. Yes, I was driving slow. The officer asked if I had been drinking. Before I could ask, “Was my driving that bad?” mum leaned across, looked up at the officer and said, “No, she hasn’t been drinking, but she’s got pot plants in the trunk.”
To this day I still laugh about my car being searched for illicit drugs. The astonished look on mom’s face was priceless.
For all those who knew mom, her love for gardening was as legendary as her green thumb. She welcomed new plants into the garden with as much excitement as a newborn grandchild.
On the day my car was searched, mom was only trying to share her ‘potted’ plant joy with the officer.
That was my Mom; always looking for a way to add sunshine to someone’s day.
Instructions:
Introduce yourself as not all attending the service may know you.
Eulogy Script:
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m __________’s (name) daughter/son/wife/husband.
__________ (name) touched the heart of all those she met, and I thank you all for being here to honor her/him.
At such a difficult time, it’s essential to take comfort from the happy memories we all have of ________ (name).
I’m sure ______(name) would remind us all to take comfort from these memories.
Example:
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Dorothy’s third daughter and youngest child. Although I sometimes wonder. Unlike mom, I’m a plant torturer.
Mom – Dorothy – touched all our hearts in her own special way. I thank you for being here to honor her. I’m sure mum is looking down from heaven’s garden saying thank you too. But she would also remind us to take comfort from the happy memories we share. She won’t want us to feel sad.