Help writing a eulogy, in your own words

What we need from you

Nothing has to be polished. Most people give us a few lines about who the person was, one or two memories, and something they used to say. Every question can be left blank. If you're writing with family, you can come back to it as many times as you need; your answers save as you go.

What you get

• The eulogy, written in the first person, in two tones (warmer and storytelling, or calmer and more formal) at the length you chose.
• A large-print reading copy with marked pauses, for the day itself.
• Editable text, PDF and Word files, and seven days to ask for changes (shorter, simpler, less formal) or edit any line yourself.

What we never do

We never add a memory, a date, a job, a place or a name that you didn't give us. If something is missing, the eulogy simply doesn't mention it. If you tell us there are subjects to avoid, such as how they died or a family difficulty, they're left out completely.

Who it's for

Children, grandchildren, siblings, partners and friends, and anyone asked to "say a few words". If you're speaking for a particular person, these pages go into more detail: a mother, a father, a grandmother, a grandfather, a brother, a sister, a friend.

If you'd rather write it yourself

That's often the best eulogy of all. Our step-by-step guide to writing a eulogy covers structure, length, how to start and end, and how to get through reading it, with no sign-up.