How to Write a Eulogy for a Father
Writing a eulogy for a father is a beautiful chance to share what your dad meant to you with your loved ones and community. If you’ve never written a funeral speech for a father (which you very likely haven’t), this may feel a little overwhelming, but there’s no need to worry. Most people who write a eulogy are doing it for the first time. Here’s how to feel confident when figuring out the right words to say at a funeral for dad.
How to write a eulogy for father
Unsure where to start? Here’s some simple steps to guide you when writing a eulogy for a dad.
Step 1: Look at some examples
Writing a eulogy for a father from a son may look different and have a different feel than writing a eulogy for a father from a daughter. There may be different qualities that the relationship had, different lessons that were taught, or things that are expressed in the eulogy. Looking at eulogy examples for a father can help you identify what kind of eulogy you like and what kind of tone or style you’d like to emulate. Looking at a sample eulogy for a father will also help you figure out the length that you’re comfortable with (are you interested in writing a short eulogy for your father or a lengthy one? There’s no right answer!). (Most eulogies last 3 - 10 minutes, so you have a lot of room for customization in terms of length.)
Step 2: Read a guide on eulogies
While looking at examples of a tribute for the funeral of a father can help you get an understanding of what to write, an example of a eulogy is only a basis for understanding what a eulogy looks like. While every tribute to a father at a funeral will be unique and based on the life of that individual, reading a guide on how to write a eulogy will give you a better understanding the structure, layout, and foundation of how to write a eulogy will help you deliver a father’s eulogy that they will never forget.
Step 3: Outline the eulogy
Outlining the eulogy is an easy way to get your thoughts in order, identify key qualities you want to cover and get a feel for the way the speech is going to sound when spoken out loud. Brainstorm your thoughts on paper, write down a brief outline, and start working on filling out the outline with the content you want to include.
Step 4: Practice reading the eulogy and request feedback
Once you’ve finished with the first draft of your father’s eulogy, it’s time to get a second opinion. A second opinion can help you identify any glaring issues or errors and can help you feel more prepared when it comes time to pay tribute to your father at the funeral. (Keep in mind that it’s up to you to decide what feedback you’d like to incorporate in your eulogy.)
Step 5: Make any edits necessary
The final step is making any edits necessary to finalize the eulogy you plan on delivering at the funeral. Practice reading the eulogy out loud a few times to prepare yourself for the final speech and have confidence in what you’ve written for your dad.
Can a eulogy be uplifting or funny?
The tone and style of the eulogy is entirely up to you. It can be serious, funny, somber, or even a mix of both. In general, staying true to the personality of the person who passed away and the relationship between you two is a great way to write a eulogy that comes across as authentic. If your dad was a funny person who loved to tell jokes, include some of his favorite bits! If he was a more reserved and serious individual, consider staying true to that when writing his eulogy. Eulogies are not one-size-fits-all and should be customized to fit the relationship you’re describing.
I don’t want to write a eulogy. What should I do?
If you feel like you’re not comfortable with writing the eulogy on your own, you have a few options available to you.
- Consider asking someone else to give the eulogy in your place. Writing and giving a eulogy isn’t a task everyone will feel comfortable with, even if you were incredibly close to the person who passed away. Not feeling able to write or give a eulogy does not mean that you didn’t care about the person.
- Ask someone to write (and potentially even give) the eulogy alongside you. Sometimes teaming up can make the process much more manageable.
- Have a professional eulogy writer write the eulogy for you.
- Say a few words at the event instead of delivering an entire eulogy. Grief and loss can change how people interact with those around them, so if you agreed to write the eulogy but later changed your mind, know that this is completely normal.
Setting up a memorial website is an easy way to share the eulogy you’ve written, organize the funeral, collect memories from others, raise donations, organize RSVPs, and share information on the life of your father or loved one. Ever Loved memorial websites are free, easy to use, and stay up for as long as you’d like them to.
