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Advice on how to write a eulogy

Writing a eulogy can be a very daunting experience, below are some practical tips on what to include.

Home » Advice » The Eulogy
Funeral cortege

A funeral procession is also called a funeral cortege. It is a slow, solemn and respectful convoy of vehicles. The cortege conveys the deceased and mourners from the funeral ceremony to the crematorium or graveside.

The Funeral Cortege

Dressing the deceased

It has become popular to dress the deceased in attire that reflects a personal passion. This might be a hobby, occasion or achievement.  Examples are wedding dresses, football strips, military uniforms, or motorbike leathers. You are also welcome to bring in your loved one’s make-up, perfume, or aftershave.

Guide to Dressing the Deceased

Carrying the coffin

A pallbearer is traditionally one of the people who help to carry someone’s coffin from the hearse to the funeral venue. If they are being buried, this would include the grave. People chosen to do this, or who would like to, are usually close family members and friends.

Guide to carrying the coffin

Alternative funeral Ideas

 It’s often the little things that can make a loved one’s final goodbye or celebration more personal. Allow us to inspire you with some wonderful, unique, and alternative funeral ideas.

Guide to alternative funerals

The funeral reception

The funeral reception, or wake, held after the funeral service can be a traditional or unique affair.  Personalised funerals become more popular. Therefore, people are choosing to use this time to celebrate the life of their loved one rather than mourn their passing.

Guide to organising a funeral reception

Newspaper notices

The newspaper notice or obituary is an important opportunity to publicly announce the death and funeral details. It can also be used to detail where any donations or floral tributes and funeral flowers can be sent.

Guide to writing an obituary

After the funeral

After the funeral, you are not alone. Bennetts Funeral Directors will continue to support you. We offer all our bereaved families practical information and a vast network of bereavement support services.

Guide to bereavement support

Bereavement support

Dealing with loss and bereavement can be a very difficult and confusing time for any individual or family and losing someone we love is probably one of the hardest experiences many of us will ever go through. Our local bereavement support groups, courses, and seminars will guide and support you through your healing process. You are not alone!

Bereavement Support Services

In the past, the eulogy would have been delivered by the religious officiant in the church or chapel, a practice that still continues in more traditional funerals.

However, many funerals now involve some form of personal input from the people present. Members of the congregation might share memories or read poems they may have written or might tell stories. Writing a eulogy might be a daunting prospect, however, a well-written eulogy can bring great comfort to those who mourn and can set the desired tone of a funeral.  Our practical tips will ensure that the eulogy you write will properly encompass the personality and life of your loved one.

Points to consider:

  • When writing a eulogy give a brief history including birth date, place of birth, parents, grandparents, siblings.
  • Where did they grow up? What was their childhood like?
  • Where did they go to school?
  • Professional and career accomplishments?
  • Who did they marry? When and where?
  • Did they have children and grandchildren?
  • How long were they married?
  • Significant life accomplishments.
  • Personal interests, hobbies, achievements.
  • Character qualities, and how they affected other lives.
For many people, close family, friends, and work colleagues, writing and delivering a eulogy is a deeply emotional experience, and though it can be a positive experience for some, it must be remembered that it can be too difficult for others.
Delivering the eulogy on the day can be a little nerve-wracking, we suggest you practice in advance in front of members or your family or friends.
If you are arranging a funeral for your loved one and would like further information about any of our funeral services please do not hesitate to contact us.
Call us on 01277 210104 or 01277 627492, we are here to help.