The loss of a loved one is overwhelming, from making funeral arrangements to planning the memorial service. At Beecher & Bennett, a funeral service company that has been serving South Central Connecticut for more than 100 years, the experienced staff wants to take the stress out of the funeral arrangements so you can focus on grieving and celebrating the life of your loved one.

One thing that feels nearly impossible is summing up someone’s life in a eulogy. But with Beecher & Bennett’s help planning the funeral service, you can take the time needed to write a memorable eulogy. Here are some simple steps the caring and compassionate staff at Beecher & Bennett recommend to prepare a eulogy to remember:

• Seek Inspiration: Look through old photos, tell stories with family members, and take time to reflect on your memories of your loved one. A good eulogy is a positive eulogy.
• Find Your Voice: Decide your tone for the piece. Do you want to give a short biography or the person, or do you want to present a slice of the person’s life? No matter which you choose, your eulogy can be thoughtful, humorous, or heartfelt.
• Create An Outline: Organize your thoughts into main ideas. Decide what will be the opening, middle, and closing. Don’t forget to welcome people in the beginning and acknowledge everyone’s loss in the end.
• Write The Eulogy: Use your outline as a guide. If it helps, think of your eulogy as a letter to your loved one. Feel free to include quotations or poems that remind you of the person. Write conversationally, and be concise. A good eulogy is typically three to five minutes long.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Practicing will help you feel calm and confident on the day of the memorial service. Practice in front of a mirror, and try to memorize parts of your speech so you can exchange eye contact with the people at the funeral service.

Nothing about losing a loved one is easy, but Beecher & Bennett is here to help. For more information about the services offered by Beecher & Bennett, from funeral arranging to planning the memorial service or cremation, visit their website or call the Hamden funeral service company at (203) 288-0800.