Funerals vary as much as the people who hold them and those they’re meant to honor, but one feature many share is a heartfelt eulogy. If it falls to you to compose a eulogy, you might worry about how best to convey your affection and grief through words while commemorating the life and achievements of your loved one. Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind while writing a eulogy to make it as meaningful and memorable as possible.

How to Write a Eulogy

1. Reflect on the Departed

Before writing, think back on the events and qualities that made the life of your departed loved one unique. It may help to read old letters or messages, speak with friends and family who knew the deceased, or look through memorabilia such as newspaper articles or military decorations. Also, reflect on their personality traits and think of a few anecdotes that illustrate them particularly well, such as charitable work demonstrating their selflessness or heartwarming stories of their interactions with you and others.

2. Know Your Time Limit

Funerals generally take place within a predefined time period, with segments of time allotted for each element, including the eulogy. If you’re not in charge of planning, ask the person responsible how much time you can expect to have in which to speak. A good rule of thumb is that a 1,000-word text should take just under seven minutes to read aloud. Structure the length and pace of the eulogy accordingly to avoid taking up too much time.

3. Keep It Polite

In general, it’s wise to keep humor to a minimum and avoid sharing potentially embarrassing or private details about a departed loved one in a eulogy. Don’t discuss perceived faults or personal failings, bad habits, and private difficulties with family or friends, nor should you comment on their life choices.

When you need compassionate professional help for planning a funeral for a loved one, reach out to Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home Inc. in Canandaigua, NY. For over a century, this family-owned funeral home has helped families throughout the area give their departed relatives and friends dignified, meaningful farewells through well-planned funerals, burials, and cremations. They can also help with details like eulogy writing, flower selection, and more. Call (585) 394-4280 to speak with a helpful representative, and visit their website to learn more about how they can help.