Eulogy
A gentle, step-by-step eulogy you can print on cue cards: a welcome, who they were, a few true stories, what they gave others and a calm farewell.
Speech9 cardsAbout 6 min to speakBeginnerFamily
Celebration of life speech
Cue cards for leading or speaking at a celebration of life: an uplifting welcome, the things they loved, stories and laughter, a toast and an invitation to share.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
Welcome
Welcome, everyone. Today isn't only about saying goodbye to [full name]. It's about celebrating the life [she / he / they] lived.
[First name] would have [loved / hated / laughed at] seeing all of you here.
- 2
Why we're here, and how today works
We'll hear from [names], look at [photos / a slideshow], and then [share food / raise a glass / play their favourite music].
If you'd like to share a memory, [how: the open mic later / the memory book by the door].
- 3
The things they loved
- [A place: the beach, the allotment, a city]
- [A passion: football, jazz, baking, cars]
- [People: grandchildren, the neighbours, the Tuesday group]
You'll see these around the room today.
- 4
A story to make us smile
[A funny, true story that captures their spirit. Let the laughter happen; it's part of the celebration.]
- 5
What they stood for
Under the jokes, [first name] believed in [fairness / family / showing up / adventure].
[A short example of them living that belief.]
- 6
Their own words
[First name] used to say "[a phrase, motto or advice they repeated]".
[A sentence on when they said it and what it meant to the people around them.]
I think that's how they'd want us to leave today.
- 7
It's still a loss
Celebrating doesn't mean we're not sad. We miss [first name] terribly, and that is okay.
Be gentle with each other today, and with yourselves.
- 8
A toast or a moment
Please [raise your glass / join me in a moment of quiet / stand if you can].
To [first name]: [a short line, e.g. "who lived loudly and loved even louder"].
- 9
Over to you
Thank you. Now I'd like to invite [next speaker / anyone who wishes] to share a memory.
[Practical notes: food, where to sign the book, donations in their name, where the ashes or burial will be if public.]
How to use this template
A celebration of life is usually less formal than a funeral and can take place in a hall, a garden, a pub, a beach or a family home, sometimes weeks after the death. This template suits the person hosting the gathering or the main speaker. It sets an uplifting tone without pretending the loss isn't real: a welcome, how the event will run, the things the person loved, a story to make people smile, what they stood for, an honest acknowledgement of grief, a toast or a quiet moment and an invitation for others to share. Fill the brackets with details, and use the practical card at the end for food, donations and anything guests need to know.
Tips
- Decide the running order with the family before you write, so your speech introduces each part clearly.
- Choose a toast that works for everyone, and offer a non-alcoholic option or a moment of quiet instead of a drink.
- If you invite open sharing, have one or two people ready to go first so there is no awkward silence.
- Speak the practical notes slowly; people often miss them when they are emotional.
- Bring a copy of the cards for someone else to read if you find you cannot continue.
- Display photos, objects or music they loved near where you speak, and point to them as you go so the room feels part of the story.
Make it fit
- For a celebration with faith elements, add a short prayer or reading reference on the moment card, chosen with the family.
- For an outdoor event, keep the speech shorter and use a microphone if one is available.
- For a streamed or hybrid event, welcome online guests by name on the first card and tell them how to share a memory.
- If children are present, keep the story card light and explain gently what the gathering is for.
- For a celebration held a long time after the death, acknowledge the time that has passed and thank people for travelling or making the effort to gather again.
Updated October 28, 2026