How to Write a Eulogy
If you have been invited to services at funeral homes in Murfreesboro, TN., you may have been asked to give a eulogy. While this can be a great honor and chance to help the family, if you have never had to write a eulogy before, it can be a very intimidating task. You want to make sure you give respect to your loved ones and honor their memory, but how do you know what to say? Or how long the eulogy should be? What information should be included?
Don’t worry. We are going to explore these questions and more so that you can have the confidence you are delivering a moving eulogy that honors your loved one’s life.
What is a Eulogy?
In very simple terms, a eulogy is a spoken tribute given to the deceased. It is a remembrance of their life and memory and a chance to highlight their unique qualities and personality. It is normally given by a family member or close friend and can be given at the wake, the funeral service, or a special memorial service.
How Long is a Eulogy?
Honestly, the eulogy can be as long or short as you want it to be. A good rule of thumb is to not go over ten minutes due to the fact that is when most people’s attention span stops. If you want people to really listen to what you are saying, keep it between 5-10 minutes.
What Should I Say?
Deciding what to say is the hardest part for most people. To make this easier, follow this simple outline:
- Beginning:
- Opening: this could be with a poem or scripture
- Include names the deceased went by (including any nicknames)
- If you choose, you can include the cause of death
- Briefly explain your relationship to the deceased
- Middle – This is where you highlight their life. Things to include could be:
- Their accomplishments
- Any major life events such as marriages
- Share any causes they stood for
- Favorite memories
- What effect they had on others
- Any other special moments or events
- Ending
- Summarize the deceased’s life.
- You could add a closing poem, lyric, or scripture
- Thank everyone for coming
Final Thoughts
Try not to “get into your own head” too much when it comes to writing your eulogy. Find a quiet place, remember your loved one and write from the heart. Be honest and authentic with your feelings and the memories and words will come. Remember, this is not about you, it is about honoring your loved one and letting people see the side of them that you saw.
While attending services at funeral homes in Murfreesboro, TN. is never an easy time, know that there are people here to help you. If you have questions or need any additional help with a eulogy, contact the caring staff at Cremation Society of Tennessee. They are always available to talk with you one-on-one and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
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