What's the Difference Between an Obituary and a Eulogy?
I've Been Asked to Give the Eulogy. Do I Just Copy the Obituary?
An obituary announces a death, lists some events of the deceased’s life, and provides details about the upcoming funeral or memorial service. Obituaries are typically found in newspapers or online, and they are relatively structured. The deceased’s name, date of birth and death are listed first. Also included is a list of those who are survived by the deceased. Following this, the family typically includes major details from their life, including their education, family, children, career and more. The obituary ends with details of the funeral or memorial date and location, as well as any additional details, like a request for donations or no flowers. Other details may be added at the family’s discretion, but most obituaries follow this basic template.
A eulogy is a speech given to honor the life of the deceased, given usually at the funeral or memorial service. A family member or friend typically delivers the eulogy, as they had a personal relationship with the deceased and knew them well. Eulogies tend to be about remembering the legacy of the deceased and celebrating their life. 10 minutes is a good length of time for a eulogy; any longer than that and guests may find their attention wandering. There’s no template or order to a eulogy, and they are meant to be positive and used to remember the deceased in the best light. Any duplication of facts expressed in the obituary can usually be avoided, as most guests have already read it and usually don’t need those facts repeated. The deceased’s memory and best attributes are celebrated in the eulogy.
Have you had the honor of delivering a eulogy? Do you have any tips to share?
