How to Write a Eulogy – A Guide to Creating a Meaningful Tribute

How to Write a Memorable Eulogy

If you’ve been asked to write a eulogy, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. It’s a deeply personal task, and while it can be challenging, it’s also a meaningful way to honour someone’s life. Please note: not all celebrants allow eulogies during the funeral service, so be sure to ask for permission in advance.

Understanding Eulogies

A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral to pay tribute to the deceased. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “to speak well of.” A eulogy typically lasts three to four minutes and can be a mix of emotions—sadness, humour, reflection, and celebration.

It’s not a biography, but a personal reflection. You don’t need to cover every detail of the person’s life—focus on what mattered most to them and to you.

Examples of Famous Eulogies

Some eulogies are remembered for their emotional power:

• Jawaharlal Nehru at Mahatma Gandhi’s funeral: “The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere.”
• Abraham Lincoln on Henry Clay: “Who can realise that never again that majestic form shall rise in the council-chambers of his country…”
• Ronnie Corbett on Ronnie Barker: blending humour and warmth, including the famous “four candles” reference.

Poetry can also be powerful. In Four Weddings and a Funeral, John Hannah’s reading of W.H. Auden’s Funeral Blues is a memorable example of how verse can express grief.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Eulogy

Here are some practical tips to help you write and deliver a eulogy with confidence and care:

Use Personal Memories

Draw from your own experiences and stories. You can also ask others to contribute: “Uncle Joe told me…” adds warmth and connection.

Choose a Theme

Focus on one or two aspects of the person’s life—perhaps their love of sport, devotion to family, or passion for a cause. Show how these shaped their character.

Be Honest, But Kind

A eulogy isn’t a place to highlight flaws, but you don’t need to pretend they were perfect either. If needed, offer context: “He fought his temper, but he was sometimes on the losing side.”

Include Poetry or Quotes

If a poem, song lyric or quote meant something to the deceased or their loved ones, include it. Avoid clichés like “We are gathered here today…” or “She was a friend to everyone.”

Mention Achievements and Quirks

Celebrate both the big milestones and the little things—like their fondness for collecting beer mats or their love of Maeve Binchy novels.

Prepare Your Delivery

Write your eulogy in a format that suits you—either full script or prompt cards. Practice reading it aloud. Speak naturally and don’t worry about perfect grammar.

Stay Composed

Have water nearby. If you become emotional, pause and take a breath. Your audience understands—they’re grieving too.

End with a Farewell

You might close with a personal goodbye, a piece of music, or a reading that was meaningful to the deceased. If you choose music or a poem, explain why it matters.

Final Thought

William Cowper once said, “Grief is itself a medicine.” Writing and delivering a eulogy can be part of the healing process—for you and for everyone listening. Remember, your words don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be sincere.

Would you like help creating a printable eulogy template or linking this guide to the RIP.ie funeral planning section?