Monday, 6 June 2022

When a loved one passes away, we want to pay tribute to their life in a meaningful way. For loved ones, honouring cherished memories and accomplishments is an important part of the grieving process. This step helps commemorate their legacy in a way that feels true to their memory and the values they had. Writing a eulogy is a beautiful way to share these pivotal moments with the people that loved the person who has passed away.

What is a eulogy?

A eulogy is a remembrance speech that family members, close friends, or colleagues give during a funeral or memorial service. Sometimes just one person gives a eulogy, and other times multiple people are chosen to share their memories and stories.

Writing a eulogy is a challenging task after losing someone dear to you. Remember that what makes eulogies beautiful is their opportunity to bring comfort to those family and friends who share your grief while keeping the legacy of your loved one alive.
Try not to feel daunted, anyone can write a great eulogy. The key is to write something genuine that comes from the heart.

What should I include in a eulogy?

Every eulogy is unique, but these topics will help you draw inspiration:

• If you could say only three things about them, what would you say? This can really help focus your speech. Think about everything that they were to you, and how they impacted your life.
• What made them special? Any favourite pastimes, interest, likes and dislikes?
• What are the highlights of their life story? Draw on memories of their life, including having children or scoring the winning goal – anything that made them truly happy.
• Ask siblings, friends, and family about times they shared and times they would have been proud of

Eulogies are typically between 5-10 minutes spoken, or about 750 – 1,000 words written. When you sit down to write your first draft, write as you talk, and let the words come naturally. The most important part is to focus on how and why they were important to you; eulogies don’t need to be polished and perfect.

Writing a eulogy for someone dear to you can be an extremely emotional process, but also a beautiful and cathartic one. It’s a chance to reflect on treasured memories from over the years and keep those memories alive.

The day of the memorial service or funeral can be difficult for many reasons. Saying goodbye to a loved one is hard enough but delivering a speech in front of people can also cause stress. When speaking, make sure you take time to pause and catch your breath. It’s common to speak quickly when we’re nervous, so take time between sentences and paragraphs so people can reflect on what you’ve said. Don’t let fear overcome the love you shared with your loved one. After working hard on your eulogy, you are ready to read it aloud.

If you’re beginning to think about your end-of-life options, Australian Heritage Funerals is here to guide you. Whether you’re interested in a Guardian fixed price payment funeral plan or want to know more about arranging a funeral, you can book an appointment with us on 1800 118 188, we’re here to help.