May 14th, 2026

What to Include in a Eulogy: A Complete Checklist

One of the most common questions people ask when they sit down to write a eulogy is surprisingly simple:

What exactly am I supposed to include?

Because once the blank page is in front of you, uncertainty shows up quickly.

Do you start with their life story?

Do you tell funny stories?

Should you include dates and accomplishments?

How personal should it be?

The good news is that there is no single formula.

But there are elements that consistently help create a eulogy that feels complete.

Free Guide: What to Say in Life’s Most Difficult Moments

---

Start with an Introduction

Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the person.

Keep it simple.

For example:

“For those who may not know me, I’m [Name], and I had the privilege of being [relationship].”

This helps everyone feel grounded from the beginning.

---

Include Who They Were

Move beyond facts and think about personality.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of person were they?
• What stood out about them?
• How would others describe them?

For example:

“They had a way of making people feel welcome wherever they went.”

---

Download the Free Guide: What to Say When Words Are Hard

---

Include Important Life Details (But Don’t Overdo It)

A few life details help provide context.

You might include:

• Where they grew up
• Career or work
• Marriage and family
• Interests and passions

But avoid turning the eulogy into a resume.

Facts should support the story—not replace it.

If you'd like a fuller way to preserve an entire life story beyond the eulogy itself, explore: Life Story & Legacy Book

---

Include One or Two Stories

Stories are often what people remember most.

Choose moments that reveal character.

For example:

• A time they helped someone
• A funny family memory
• A small moment that captures who they were

If you're struggling to gather or preserve those memories, consider: Legacy Letters

---

Include What They Valued

Values tell us something deeper than accomplishments.

Think about:

• Family
• Faith
• Friendship
• Service
• Hard work

You might say:

“What mattered most to them was not success, but people.”

---

Include Their Impact on Others

How did they affect the people around them?

How did they make others feel?

You might say:

“They made people feel important.”

“They always showed up.”

“They brought calm into difficult moments.”

These reflections create emotional connection.

---

Include Gratitude

A beautiful eulogy often includes appreciation.

What are you thankful for?

What gift did this person leave behind?

For example:

“I’m grateful for every conversation, every lesson, and every moment we shared.”

---

Include a Meaningful Closing

Your ending should feel like a gentle landing.

Focus on what continues.

You might say:

“Though they are gone, their influence remains—in our memories, our choices, and our lives.”

---

What You Don’t Need to Include

You do not need:

• Every date and milestone
• Every accomplishment
• Perfect wording
• Length for the sake of length

A meaningful eulogy is about connection—not completeness.

---

A Quick Eulogy Checklist

• ✓ Introduce yourself
• ✓ Describe who they were
• ✓ Include key life details
• ✓ Share 1–2 stories
• ✓ Mention values
• ✓ Reflect on impact
• ✓ Express gratitude
• ✓ End meaningfully

---

Need More Structure?

If you're still staring at a blank page, you don't have to figure it out alone.

You can find additional guidance and examples here: Eulogy Writing Help

---

Get your free guide: What to Say in Life’s Most Difficult Moments

---

A Final Thought

You do not need to capture an entire life.

You simply need to reflect it.

And when you include the pieces that matter most--

You create something people will remember long after the service ends.