When you’re dealing with a loss, sitting down with a pen and paper and writing a eulogy might not be the first thing on your mind. But actually, writing one can actually be one of the most meaningful ways to honour someone's memory. And while it might feel overwhelming, creating this final tribute can remind you of the good times and help you process your grief. Let’s take a look at how we’d recommend writing one.
A eulogy is typically a speech given at a funeral of a loved one. Whether delivered at a traditional service or in the serene setting of a memorial garden in the UK, your words help paint a picture of the person your loved one was and the legacy they leave behind.
As we mentioned above, sitting down and writing a eulogy might not feel like the most effective way to process your grief or help your loved ones plan a service. But it has its own value; it gives you the chance to share meaningful memories, help others process their grief, and even bring some much-needed laughter to what is usually a sad and sombre event.
Before you get started, take time to sit quietly and reflect on your memories. Remember special moments, funny stories, and the qualities that made your loved one unique. Consider jotting down notes as memories surface – sometimes the smallest details or silly stories can create the most touching tributes.
While you might be the one delivering the eulogy, you can still reach out to family members and close friends, who can give you their own stories, perspectives, and memories. Just make sure you note them down correctly!
Generally, the tone of your eulogy should reflect both the person being remembered and the nature of your relationship. But if you were close enough to be performing a eulogy, you’re likely close enough to include warmth, personality, and even gentle humour - so long as it feels appropriate.
Write from the heart, using your own voice and natural way of speaking. Your genuine emotions will resonate more deeply than formal language ever could, so don’t be afraid to include stories that might make you blub.
While it can be hard to condense everything into a short speech, aim for about five minutes of speaking time. You want people to remain engaged, and this helps ensure emotional impact while also ensuring you can deliver it comfortably.
Rehearse your eulogy several times, marking places where you might need to pause or take a breath. You might also want to heavily practise the areas of your eulogy that could trigger emotions - this’ll helps you maintain composure during the actual delivery.
Speak as you normally would, avoiding stilted or overly formal phrases that might distance you from the person’s loved ones in the audience.
While context is important, keep the focus on your loved one rather than peripheral details or unrelated topics. Focus on what made them shine, and the memories you shared. And if you’re finding it hard to come up with stories or things to talk about, think about your own eulogy one day - what would you want to be included?
At Inspired Meadows, we understand that saying goodbye is just one part of remembering someone special. Our natural burial grounds and burial plots offer a forever home where both you and your loved ones can rest in nature's embrace. With plots ten times larger than standard industry sizes, your family members can visit their own dedicated plot address, knowing it will be maintained in perpetuity with our one-time maintenance fee.
Whether you're planning ahead or making arrangements for a loved one, we're here to help create a lasting tribute in harmony with nature. Reach out to learn more about how Inspired Meadows can be part of your memorial journey.
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