What to say at a funeral when you don't know what to say?

When You Don't Know What to Say at a Visitation
  • My condolences.
  • I'm really sorry you're going through this.
  • Your mom was a wonderful woman.
  • You loved him/her well.
  • I'm thinking of your family during this difficult time.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on krausefuneralhome.com

What are good things to say at a funeral?

Offering Condolences: What to Say at a Funeral
  • “I am so sorry for your loss”
  • “You and your loved one are in my thoughts and prayers”
  • “This is so sad to hear, I'm thinking of you and the family”
  • “If you want to talk at any time, I'm here”
  • “Shocked and saddened by this news if you need anything I'm here”

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on funeralpartners.co.uk

What do you say when asked to say a few words at a funeral?

“I'm so sorry about your loss. [The deceased] was a good person and they'll be very missed.” “Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.” “[The deceased] was a wonderful person and I'll miss them very much.”

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on perfectmemorials.com

How do you write a tribute to someone you don't know?

Keep the Focus on the Person

When writing a eulogy for someone you didn't know well, it can be tempting to simply string together stories that you hear others tell about the deceased. However, resist the temptation to do that. Be sure the heart of the eulogy is about who the person was, not what they did.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sirkecibalikcisi.com

What are some things that you should not say at a funeral?

7 Things to Not Say at a Funeral
  • “They're an angel now.”
  • “I know how you feel.”
  • “They look so good.”
  • “Don't cry” or “Go ahead and cry.”
  • “At least it wasn't worse.”
  • “God is sovereign.”
  • “Let me know if I can help.”
  • What can you say instead?

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on research.lifeway.com

What should I say at a funeral?

19 related questions found

How do you not be awkward at a funeral?

Most People Feel A Little Awkward At Funerals – So What Is The...
  1. Get There On Time. There's nothing more embarrassing than arriving late to a funeral. ...
  2. Mobile Phones Off! ...
  3. Wear Something Subdued. ...
  4. Express Your Condolences.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ajourneywithwings.com

Is it OK not to say anything at a funeral?

Not say or do anything at all

Sometimes when you don't know what to say, you might feel the urge to avoid or ignore the bereaved. While they may not notice in their grievous state, if you are an important person in their life, they most likely will eventually take note.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bakken-young.com

What do you say in a eulogy about a difficult person?

When it comes to delivering a eulogy for a difficult loved one, turning the other cheek is best. Focus on one or two positives that truthfully characterise your relationship with them. Keep your tribute upbeat. Make reading the eulogy a show of your character, poise and strength in difficult times.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on eulogyforlife.com

What do you say when someone you don't know dies?

I didn't know (deceased), but I would love to hear all about him/her when you are ready to speak about him/her. I don't know what you are going through, but I know that I love you and support you. Help me help you. You and (deceased) will always share a bond, and nothing can break that, not even death.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dying.lovetoknow.com

What do you say in a short eulogy?

What should I include in a eulogy?
  • A brief overview of their life, including key milestones.
  • Your favorite memories with them, including a specific anecdote or two.
  • Details about their relationships with close family and friends.
  • Any significant accomplishments related to career, interests, or hobbies.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on betterplaceforests.com

How do you give a eulogy without crying?

How to Deliver a Eulogy Without Crying
  1. Practice. Practice does not necessarily make perfect, but it does make better. ...
  2. Write out the eulogy. Write out the eulogy, word for word. ...
  3. Memorize it. ...
  4. Have a support person. ...
  5. Eat before you speak. ...
  6. Bring a water bottle. ...
  7. Remember to breathe. ...
  8. Remember who the eulogy is for.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on usurnsonline.com

Do you introduce yourself in a eulogy?

Remember to introduce yourself in your speech and who you are in relation to the loved one who has passed. This will help give the audience context and better understand the memories that you are sharing.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on funeralplanner.com.au

Why not to say sorry for your loss?

Why 'I'm sorry for your loss' is not the best thing to say after a death. “I'm sorry for your loss” and “my condolences” are common ways to express sympathy after someone has died—but they can come off as inauthentic or remote, worsening the sense of isolation that most bereaved people feel.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on empathy.com

How do you say comforting when someone dies?

The Right Words of Comfort for Someone Grieving
  1. I'm sorry.
  2. I care about you.
  3. He/she will be dearly missed.
  4. He/she is in my thoughts and prayers.
  5. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
  6. You are important to me.
  7. My condolences.
  8. I hope you find some peace today.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lovetoknow.com

What not to do when someone dies?

Top 10 Things Not to Do When Someone Dies
  1. 1 – DO NOT tell their bank. ...
  2. 2 – DO NOT wait to call Social Security. ...
  3. 3 – DO NOT wait to call their Pension. ...
  4. 4 – DO NOT tell the utility companies. ...
  5. 5 – DO NOT give away or promise any items to loved ones. ...
  6. 6 – DO NOT sell any of their personal assets. ...
  7. 7 – DO NOT drive their vehicles.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on matthewhartlaw.com

What is the best opening line for a eulogy?

How Do You Start a Eulogy?
  • A eulogy is a speech given in honor of a person's life at a funeral or memorial service. ...
  • You could start with something simple like:
  • “My name is __________ , the wife/husband/son/daughter/friend of ___________.”
  • Another idea is to explain how you knew the deceased, or how you first met.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tridentsociety.com

What makes a beautiful eulogy?

The best eulogies are respectful and solemn, but they also give mourners some comic relief. A bit of roasting is fine if it suits who the person was and the family has a sense of humor. Close your eulogy by directly addressing the person who died, something like “Joe, thank you for teaching me how to be a good father.”

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ideas.ted.com

What is the most important message of a eulogy?

A good eulogy highlights the lasting impact of the person on their family and community. Through your speech, you'll have an opportunity to share their unique qualities, as well as the ripple effect of positivity and change they created in the world around them.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on myfarewelling.com

What is considered rude at a funeral?

"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yahoo.com

Is it brave to speak at a funeral?

If you are dreading the moment, you are not alone. You may have heard that public speaking, along with death, are mentioned by many as their biggest fears. So talking at a funeral, where the two come together, is a very brave act indeed!

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thecelebrantdirectory.com

Is it disrespectful to not cry at a funeral?

Is it normal not to cry? It is perfectly normal not to cry when someone dies. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone deals with loss in their own way. It doesn't mean that you don't care, that you are cold, or that you are broken in any way.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on asheswithart.co.uk

What's the hardest part of a funeral?

Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family. A good recommendation is to say something simple such as “I am sorry about your loss”, especially if there are many other guests waiting to share their condolences.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on neilbardalfuneralhome.com

How do you calm anxiety at a funeral?

How do I cope with anxiety at a funeral?
  1. Find a safe space at the service.
  2. Reach out to others, and find a support partner.
  3. Think of this as a way to celebrate your loved one's life.
  4. Accept that no one will judge you for how much emotion you show.
  5. Speak to a funeral director about how you're feeling.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on altysfunerals.co.uk

How do you avoid toxic family at a funeral?

To avoid this unfortunate situation, we have compiled some important information to help you keep the peace at your loved one's final farewell.
  1. Get to know the common sources of funeral-related family conflict. ...
  2. Take steps to minimize the drama. ...
  3. Agree to disagree. ...
  4. Don't bring up old grudges. ...
  5. Listen with respect.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on batchelorbrothers.com

Is it OK to say I'm sorry when someone dies?

“I'm so sorry for your loss,” can say it all. sympathy. him or her happy or return him or her to the way he or she was before the death. If you want to write your condolences, do not put it off.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on michigan.gov