Tribute writting guide from funeral service company?
Let’s delve into the art of crafting meaningful eulogies with the guidance of our compassionate funeral service company professionals, exploring the duration of eulogies, the number of speakers at funerals, and the integration of multimedia elements to enhance the overall funeral experience.
How Long Does The Average Eulogy Last?
Eulogies are tributes and personal stories told from the point of view of the speaker. Average duration of a eulogy is around 10 to 20 minutes, but there is no right or wrong and times can vary greatly.
The thing about a good eulogy is not how long it goes for, but how appropriate and meaningful it is.
How Many People Should Speak At A Funeral?
Again, there are no rules, but there are considerations. If the overall duration of the traditional funeral service is limited in some way (e.g. chapel booking at crematoriums are normally only for 45 to 60 minutes) then the number of speakers and the time taken by each is relevant. More importantly, the wishes of those closest to the person (and those of the deceased themselves if they left any instructions) should be considered.
The general custom is that at least one person, whether it’s the funeral service company celebrant or a family member or friend, contributes to the service with some form of eulogy. Up to three speakers is not uncommon. More than that number may be appropriate for some services, however, good planning and preparation is normally necessary for this to roll out smoothly.
If there is to be more than one speaker this should be discussed and coordinated with the celebrant or funeral director. The order of speakers needs to be determined as well as the duration of each speaker, and the total time that this will occupy within the service as a whole. Contact our affordable funeral directors for expert guidance and seamless coordination.
As with most things in life, quality most often trumps quantity. Whether there is one speaker or five does not reflect more or less care or express more or less respect. And quality, in this case, means appropriateness and meaning, not how perfect the sentences are. A detailed telling of a life story might be a perfect send off. Equally the reading of a five line short poem loved by the deceased can touch everyone present.
Enhancing Eulogies By Adding Videos, Photos & Beyond
Technology, computers and digital images have changed the way we live and remember life. The use of powerpoint style presentations at funeral service homes is a common practice. Arranging a couple of framed photos of the deceased near the coffin or around the space where the service takes place can be a lovely gesture. Audio/visual tributes are often used now, and the sharing of photos capturing special events or the mood and nature of a person can be deeply meaningful. However, if you are planning on putting together an audio-visual tribute it is important to consider its duration and how and when it is used during the service.
Work with the affordable funeral directors or celebrants to determine a good duration and match the number of images and audio. A common mistake is to have the audio-visual tribute running in the background while people are speaking. This can be (and most often is) distracting, and it does not pay proper respect to either the speaker or the audio-visual tribute. We all have busy multi-tasking lives, but a funeral is a moment when attending to one thing at a time is best. As a general rule, and for an optimal outcome, keep the two separate.
There are a number of different ways to include an audio-visual tribute – here’s one way that works beautifully.
It is a common (traditional) ritual to have a few minutes of quiet during a funeral service to allow for personal reflection. Most people appreciate this, but there are some people who are just not comfortable with silence. Consider using the audio-visual tribute in conjunction with a time of personal reflection.
Have the celebrant introduce this part of the service as a time of personal reflection during which an audio-visual tribute will be played. Be sure to use audio tracks that are calm and relaxed (instrumental is best), and you will have created a valuable moment for those who wish to close their eyes and reflect as well as for those who want to have their memories prompted by images.
P.S. If the deceased loved loud rock and roll, save those tracks for playing on their own during, or at the end of, the service. The meaning of special or favourite music is often lost if coupled with images.
For expert guidance on creating personalised and impactful tributes, collaborate with funeral service homes professionals or celebrants. Consider adding moments of quiet reflection alongside audio-visual tributes to create a meaningful and memorable experience for attendees. Trust Potter’s Field Funerals for expert assistance in enhancing funeral services and creating lasting memories.
Explore more about support our funeral service company can provide on our website or call us at (03) 9568 4047.
Written by Kevin Hartley
About the author:
Kevin Hartley has been involved in every aspect of the funeral industry for 30 years. He focuses now on promoting sustainable funeral practices, natural burial grounds and has a passion for encouraging people to participate in truly meaningful end-of-life practices and events. His writings combine years of practical experience with formal psychological insights.
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