How to Write a Eulogy

Posted on July 9, 2018 by McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. under cremation services
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Bethlehem, NY cremation service

Whether you choose to have a funeral or memorial for a loved one, one of the most crucial aspects of it can be to say a few words about the person you have lost. These are called eulogies and they can truly make a difference in the experience of everyone who attends the funeral or memorial. It can, however, seem like a tricky thing to write. It can take time and thought to get it right, but it is well worth the effort. Your loved one deserves a great eulogy and we have some tips that can help.

Decide on Tone

Although a funeral tends to be a somber event, there are some people who specify before they die that they want a celebration of life, not a mourning of their death. This can change the tone of the eulogy you will give. For some of these life celebrations, jokes and funny stories can be a great way to start the eulogy. If the funeral is a more traditional one, you will want to write a different kind of eulogy, so it is important to settle on the tone first.

Speak with Family and Friends

It is a great idea to speak with family and friends, especially other people who will be giving eulogies at the service. This can help you find your voice. If you are planning on telling a certain story about the deceased, it can also be a good idea to see if anyone is planning on using that same story. Speaking with family and friends will also provide you with a sense of what the person meant to them, too.

Brevity is Key

It can be tempting to write at length about someone you loved, but it is much more impactful if you give a short eulogy. This can mean condensing some information or focusing on one aspect of your loved one’s personality. People have short attention spans, especially those dealing with grief, so keep it brief.

Uplifting Closing

You want to leave the mourners with a sense of hope. This is the reason many people choose to close their eulogies with a poem or a saying that brings that kind of solace. There are a number of websites that can help you choose the right poem, and even Bethlehem, NY cremation service providers and funeral homes can help if you are not sure where to start looking.

Writing a eulogy does not have to be a complex, stressful process if you take time with it. Most people try to put something together in a few hours and end up making it more difficult for themselves. Keep brevity in mind and look for a way to end the eulogy on a more positive or uplifting note, even if the eulogy was very somber. If you are not sure how to go about this, contact McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. at 208 N Allen St, Albany, NY 12206. Reach out to us at (518) 489-0188.

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