If you were recently asked to give a eulogy at a funeral, you might be wondering what you should write. After so much time spent with the departed, you might be struggling to boil it all down into a short speech. However, with a bit of preparation and advice, you can put together a touching, heartfelt memorial. To get started, consult the following guide. 

How to Write a Beautiful Eulogy

1. Start With the Basics

Funerals honor the life of those lost, and anyone seeking to pay homage may choose to attend—even if they didn’t know the deceased very long. When constructing your eulogy, start with the basic information about the departed to provide a bit of insight into who they were. You can start with their name, the age at which they passed, where they lived, and their family roles; for example, were they a sibling, parent, or spouse? 

2. Share a Unique Anecdote

If you were chosen to give a eulogy, chances are you shared a special connection with the departed. To highlight this relationship and how they were important to you, share a sweet anecdote or story from your time together. Depending on the deceased’s personality, you can choose something silly, inspiring, or heartfelt. Try to avoid anecdotes that pertain to inside jokes or that might offend surviving family members; these likely won’t resonate or land well with the audience. Instead, choose a story that anyone could appreciate and understand.

3. Talk About How They Impacted You

Once you’ve given a bit of background on the departed, talk about how their life and legacy impacted you and those around them. For example, if they were involved in charity work, you can talk about some of the actionable steps they took throughout their life to benefit others. If they loved to crack jokes, share how they were always there to keep you smiling when things got tough. 

For all your funeral planning needs, turn to the compassionate professionals at Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH. Since 1938, this family-run business has helped create touching memorials to honor the lives of those lost. Visit their website to learn more, and call (513) 661-4059 to speak with a team member today.