Glossary
What is eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech that honors and remembers the person who died, usually delivered at a funeral or memorial service. It is often given by a family member, close friend, or officiant, and may include stories, qualities, and shared memories.
A eulogy is personal rather than procedural — it is the part of a service meant to capture who the person was. There is no fixed length or format; many run three to five minutes, and several people may each speak briefly rather than one person speaking at length.
Writing one often starts with a few concrete memories, a sense of the person's character, and the relationships that mattered most to them. Reading it aloud beforehand helps with pacing, and many speakers keep a printed copy in hand in case emotion makes it hard to continue.
A eulogy differs from an obituary: the eulogy is spoken at the service, while the obituary is a written notice that shares biographical and service details. Some families ask the officiant to weave remembrances into the service instead of, or in addition to, a separate eulogy.
Related terms
Obituary
An obituary is a published notice of a person's death that typically shares biographical details, surviving family, and service information. It may appear in a newspaper or online, and newspapers often charge a fee based on length.
Memorial service
A memorial service is a ceremony to honor someone who has died, held without the body present. Because it is not tied to the body, it can take place days or weeks later, in any location, and is common after direct cremation or immediate burial.
Graveside service
A graveside service is a ceremony held at the burial site, usually just before interment. It may be the only service or may follow a funeral held elsewhere, and is often shorter and more intimate, with readings, prayers, or final words at the grave.
Viewing
A viewing is a gathering, usually before the funeral, where mourners can see the body, often in an open casket, to pay respects and say goodbye. It may involve embalming or refrigeration to prepare and preserve the body for the occasion.
See also
Common questions about Eulogy
Sources
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