Tips for writing a eulogy


A eulogy is the tribute which is given to honour someone's life. Usually a family member or close friend is asked to do this, and there may be more than one tribute in order to cover different aspects of the person's life. 

You can tell stories from your heart that really speak about the personality and the life your loved one. There is no right or wrong way to do a eulogy.

Eulogies may cover everything or a selection of the below:

  • Early childhood
  • School days
  • Career
  • Family life; parents, siblings, marriage, children and grandchildren
  • Personal qualities
  • Hobbies
  • Club memberships
  • Highlights throughout the lifetime

An idea for a eulogy with a difference

Complete the statements below and you'll have a really good picture of someone's personality, their likes and dislikes. You'll not only jog memories, you'll create some laughs, brighten the mood and maybe even surprise a few people.

His/her:

  • Nick name
  • Favourite food
  • Favourite sport
  • Favourite holiday place
  • Favourite book
  • Favourite song or singer
  • Favourite actor
  • Favourite saying
  • Favourite piece of advice
  • Favourite colour
  • Favourite pastime
  • Favourite TV show or movie
  • Favourite pet
  • Favourite joke

Now to balance the books, you might want to add his/her:

  • Most annoying habit
  • Pet aversion
  • Least favourite person on TV
  • Greatest fear
  • Most embarrassing moment