One of the hardest parts of planning a funeral is finding the right words to truly honour your loved one.

How do you express what your friend or family member meant to you? It’s even tougher when grief is overwhelming, emotions are all over the place, and your focus is scattered. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you write a heartfelt eulogy, including examples to get you started.

In this guide you’ll find simple tips for writing a eulogy. Along with a eulogy framework to help you through. And finally example eulogies for children, siblings, parents, grandparents and friends.

What is a eulogy?

A eulogy is a short speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, usually given at a funeral or memorial to honour someone who has passed. It’s all about celebrating their life and legacy. The goal is to write something that not only reflects the life they lived but also respects the feelings of those grieving.

Who should share a eulogy?

Typically, a close family member or friend will share a eulogy, but it can also be given by a pastor, priest or officiant. Speaking about someone you love in front of friends and family can feel incredibly daunting. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to ask for support. You don’t have to do it alone – if you want to write the eulogy but fear you might get too emotional, ask someone to join you, ready to step in if needed.

6 Tips To Write A Memorable Eulogy

1. Start with a Personal Connection
   Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the person you're remembering. Share what they meant to you and what qualities stood out the most. This will help you relate with others on the day and bring their stories to life.

2. Highlight the Key Moments
   Like any good story, a eulogy usually has a beginning, middle, and end. It doesn’t have to be an obituary like you’d find in newspapers, but it’s helpful to include some details about their life—like their early years, career, family life, or special interests. Mentioning loved ones by name, especially close family, adds a special touch.

3. Gather Stories to Enrich Your Tribute
   No one sees someone the same way, so gathering stories from a few close friends or family members can make your eulogy richer and more meaningful. These memories can bring out different sides of the person and help strike the right balance. Plus, you might find a perfect story or quote that really captures their spirit.

4. Keep It Concise and Heartfelt
   How long should you speak for? There’s no set rule, but typically, 3-5 minutes works well. Any longer and your message will begin to lose meaning. Just make sure it’s long enough to honour their memory, but not so long that it takes away from the rest of the service. Practice reading it out loud to get the timing right.

5. Be Honest and Real
   You can honour someone’s life without making them sound perfect. Feel free to mention their challenges or imperfections in a kind, loving way. None of us are flawless, and often it’s these human moments that make us love someone more. Don’t be afraid to add a little humour if it feels appropriate – just check in with someone else to get a second opinion before sending it.

6. End with a Meaningful Message
   Landing a eulogy can be a little tricky. You might choose to end with a meaningful quote, a poem, or even a scripture. It doesn’t need to be overly formal; it just needs to feel genuine and heartfelt. You could draw inspiration from famous eulogies or simply trust your gut and choose something that feels right for you and your loved one.

A Simple Eulogy Framework

Using the tips we’ve talked about, you can start to shape your loved one’s eulogy. If you're feeling unsure about how to lay it out, here’s a basic framework to guide you:

Beginning:

• Start by sharing a little about the person who passed away. You might mention any nicknames they had, what they did for work, or the things that meant the most to them.

• Explain your relationship to them and share what they meant to you and others.

• Highlight a few of their best qualities and the values they held close to their heart.

Middle:

• This is a great place for a personal story or anecdote. You can make it funny, from the heart, or even uplifting, depending on the tone you want.

• Dive into the things they cared about most—whether it was their family, friends, pets, or a favourite cause.

• Talk about their biggest accomplishments or meaningful life moments. If they have a partner or children, be sure to mention them, or even speak directly to them here.

• Share what your loved one meant to others. This is also a great spot to include any personal stories or quotes from their friends and family.

End:

• Wrap up the eulogy with a final thought. This could be a phrase your loved one used often or something that connects back to the theme of your eulogy.

• You might want to speak to the loved one you’re honouring, telling them ‘ I love you’ or letting them know something you’ll never forget about them.

• Take a moment to thank everyone at the service for being there.

• Consider ending with a short, meaningful quote, a poem, scripture or even a lyric from their favourite song. It’s a beautiful way to bring a heartfelt speech to a close.

Eulogy for a Parent

Today, we’re here to celebrate the life of my Dad, who was not just a parent, but also my greatest teacher and supporter. Dad was someone who lived with so much love, patience, and a wicked sense of humour. They always knew when I needed guidance, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to listen.

One of my favourite memories is how they always made time for me, no matter how busy life got. Whether it was helping with homework or just sitting together in silence, those moments meant the world to me. They taught me what it means to love unconditionally and to always put family first.

Dad wasn’t perfect, but their imperfections made them who they were – real, compassionate, and fiercely protective of the people they loved. I will miss their laugh, their wisdom, and the way they could make everything seem okay even when the world felt upside down.

Though they’re no longer with us physically, their presence will always be felt in the lessons they taught me and the love they left behind. I’m forever grateful to have had them as my Dad. I love you, and I’ll carry you with me, always.

Eulogy for a Sibling

Standing here today to speak about my Sister feels like an impossible task because how do you sum up a lifetime of memories with someone who was such a big part of your heart?

Growing up with my sibling was a wild adventure. They were my first best friend, my greatest rival, and my biggest supporter. We shared so many moments – both the big ones and the small ones that now feel so precious. I remember how they could always make me laugh, no matter what. Even in our toughest times, their humour could bring light into the darkest of moments.

My Sister had a heart bigger than the world. They cared deeply for those around them and always put others before themselves. They weren’t perfect, but they were perfectly themselves, and I admired them for that.

Losing them feels like losing a piece of myself, but I’ll forever hold onto the joy they brought into my life. I’ll miss our late-night talks, their laugh, and the way they always knew how to make me feel safe. My heart is heavy today, but I’m comforted knowing that the bond we shared will never fade. I love you, [Name], and I always will.

Eulogy for a Grandparent

Today, I want to talk about someone who shaped my life in ways I can barely put into words—my grandad, [Name]. Grandad was a constant source of wisdom, love, and endless patience. They had a way of making everything seem simple, no matter how complicated life got.

I’ll always remember their stories. Whether it was about their childhood, the world they grew up in, or little life lessons sprinkled throughout, I loved listening to every word. They always seemed to have the right advice at the right time. Their home was my safe place, filled with warmth, love, and the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen.

Grandad lived with grace, humor, and a deep love for family. They never asked for much but gave more than anyone I’ve ever known. Their love was quiet, steady, and unwavering, and I’m so grateful for every moment we shared.

Although they’ve left us now, I carry their legacy with me. Every act of kindness, every lesson they taught me, lives on in my heart. Thank you, Grandad, for being the rock in our family and for showing me what it means to live a life filled with love. I will miss you always.

Eulogy for a Child

There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing a child, and standing here today is something I never imagined I would have to do. But in the short time [Name] was with us, they brought so much love, joy, and light into our lives. They were a gift, and every moment we had with them was precious.

[Name] was full of curiosity and wonder, always asking questions and seeing the world with a fresh, innocent perspective. Their laughter was contagious, and their smile could brighten even the darkest day. It’s impossible to describe just how much they meant to me, to all of us.

Though their time here was far too brief, [Name] left an imprint on my heart that will never fade. I will cherish every memory, every hug, and every moment we shared. I miss them more than words can say, but I find comfort in knowing that their spirit will always be with us.

Rest in peace, my sweet [Name]. You were loved beyond measure, and that love will never end.

Eulogy for a Friend

Today, I want to celebrate the life of my dear friend, [Name], who was one of the brightest lights in my life. [Name] was more than just a friend – they were family. From the moment we met, there was an unbreakable bond between us, and I’m so grateful for all the memories we created together.

Whether it was late-night talks, spontaneous adventures, or just sitting together in comfortable silence, [Name] was always there. They had a way of making everyone around them feel special and understood. They listened without judgement, loved without condition, and gave without expecting anything in return.

[Name] wasn’t afraid to be themselves, and I admired their strength, honesty, and the way they faced life head-on. We had our ups and downs, as all friendships do, but through it all, [Name] remained a constant source of support, love, and laughter in my life.

Losing them feels unreal, and the world seems a little less bright without them. But I know that [Name] would want us to remember the good times, to laugh, and to carry on their legacy of kindness and love. I’ll miss you every day, [Name], but I’ll carry you with me always, in my heart.