Writing a eulogy for a loved one is a daunting task. Given the solemnity of the occasion, you might ask yourself, "Can a eulogy be funny?"
When including humor, you want to be sure to follow a few specific guidelines. We’ll walk you through how to keep your eulogy lighthearted and provide some respectful but funny examples to inspire you.
Key Takeaways
Infuse humor into your eulogy by sharing lighthearted stories about the departed.
A funny eulogy must be respectful and tasteful. Avoid any disrespectful content.
To ensure your eulogy strikes the right balance, consider your audience and balance humor with reverence.
When Can a Eulogy Be Funny?
While writing a eulogy, you may come up with a phrase or joke you think people would like, but you might wonder if it's appropriate to include it.
There's no rule against making a eulogy funny. In fact, a touch of humor can lighten the atmosphere, particularly during memorial services. Shared laughter can also help in the grieving process and encourages attendees to open up about their own memories of the deceased.
Physiotherapist Tracey Hawthorn of Kelowna, B.C., notes: "You don't want a person to focus on their pain because that's what they do all the time, so you want to find other things, and humor is a good one."
The key to writing a funny yet respectful eulogy is balancing humor and respect just right.
Instead of jokes, use phrases and moments of irony to make people chuckle. Recount funny memories or stories about the deceased. If you're second-guessing a joke or something you think is funny, it’s best to leave it out.
Tips for Writing a Funny Eulogy
Here are some tips to help you write a eulogy that's both humorous and respectful:
Accommodate Your Audience
It's essential to remember who will be hearing your eulogy. The audience will often consist of family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. Be sensitive to their feelings and relationships with the departed, as well as their cultural and religious backgrounds.
If you're unsure about whether a certain piece of humor is appropriate, ask for advice from a close family member.
Gather Stories
One of the best ways to add humor is to share funny stories about the deceased. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for their favorite humorous anecdotes. This not only adds a touch of lightheartedness but also makes the eulogy more personal and relatable.
Highlight the Deceased's Humor
If the departed was known for their wit or humor, don't hesitate to highlight this in your eulogy. Sharing their jokes or humorous actions can be a fitting tribute.
Balance Humor and Respect
Above everything else, remember you’re writing a eulogy, not a comedy skit. Find the balance between being funny and being respectful. One way of doing this is by focusing on good memories of the deceased's life. Your eulogy should provide comfort to those who are listening.
Practice Your Delivery
Humor often relies heavily on delivery. Practice your speech to ensure your tone is light and respectful, not sarcastic or unkind.
10 Funny (and Respectful) Eulogy Examples
Example 1
Anyone who knew my dad knew how much he loved practical jokes. I remember when I was 12 years old, and the entire family gathered around for Christmas. Thinking it would be a good idea, Dad decided to [tell the funny story].
Example 2
We're gathered here today to celebrate the life of a man who was such a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, we used to joke he was born holding a football in one hand and a beer in the other.
Example 3
I remember the first time I met Alice. I was at this book club meet-up. I didn't know anyone there, and I hadn't read the book either. Alice, who was sitting across from me, must have noticed how unhappy I was and mouthed [insert joke]. From then on, we were best friends.
Example 4
Soccer practice will never be the same without Ben. Rain or shine, he would be there with a smile and joke. "Come on boys, let's [Insert phrase]," he'd always say.
Example 5
If John were here today, he'd take one look around the room and say [insert funny line]. I can't recount how many times I heard that joke in the time I had the honor of knowing him.
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Example 6
I'd like to finish off my eulogy today with a quote that reminds me of Adam, and if you knew Adam, too, you'll see why. [Insert funny or relevant quote]
Example 7
We'll all miss many things about Sarah. From her famous cakes, her infectious laugh and even her singing. You know what I mean if you've heard her at karaoke!
Example 8
John was never good at sports, but that never stopped him from having a good time on the golf course. I'll always savor those afternoons spent with him on the green, especially that one time we [insert funny story].
Example 9
I remember one night, Mark and I were sitting outside when he turned to look at me and, out of the blue, said, "Anna, at my funeral, can you please [insert fun request]?"
Example 10
Ladies and gentlemen, I am so honored to stand before you and pay tribute to my father, Greg. Much to my mother's displeasure, he was always a bit of a prankster. I'll always remember [tell a funny story].
Mistakes to Avoid When Incorporating Humor in Your Eulogy
When you’re writing your eulogy with some humor in it, avoid making these common mistakes.
Using Crude and Harmful Humor
Ensure the humor is not crude or harmful. Avoid making tasteless jokes about death, the circumstances around the deceased's passing, religion and different cultures.
Crude and/or harmful humor is inappropriate for a eulogy, and the family members of the deceased may find it hurtful.
Too Much Humor
Avoid adding too much humor to your eulogy, as people will find it very difficult to relate to what you are saying.
The audience is there to celebrate the life of the deceased, not to listen to your jokes. Adding too much humor into your eulogy can end up disrespecting the deceased and their family.
Disrespect
If not done properly, adding humor to your eulogy can actually come across as rude rather than funny. Avoid making jokes at the expense of the deceased and the family, as this is highly disrespectful.
Controversial Topics
When you’re putting a eulogy together, steer clear of talking about any kind of controversial topic. This includes sensitive details about the deceased's passing, personal happenings or stories of the family, as well as controversial topics like politics. This can make the audience feel very uncomfortable and cause great distress.
Mentioning Long-Held Grudges
It's perfectly natural for people to have disagreements with friends and family members, which often can result in grudges. However, eulogies are not the time nor place to air these out. Your eulogy is a way to honor the deceased and their life, not bring up bad memories or negative feelings. It’s in poor taste to mention grudges in your eulogy and can embarrass the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good opening line for a eulogy?
A good opening line in a eulogy is to start by introducing yourself and telling the audience what your relationship is with the deceased.
How long is too long for a eulogy?
Avoid speaking for more than 10 minutes, which is typically too long for a eulogy.
How do you read a eulogy without breaking down?
Eulogies can be difficult to read when you are emotional. Try taking deep breaths and reading slowly to avoid breaking down.
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