Funeral tributes: ideas and examples
Paying tribute to a loved one who has died is a long tradition at funerals and memorial services. A tribute speaks to the life the person led and the relationship you had with them. It can be as simple as a meaningful card or poem, or as formal as a resolution. A tribute becomes a lasting memory for family and friends, so it is worth giving it care. This page lists the most common types of tribute and offers a few short examples you can adapt.
Funeral and memorial tributes are not only for close family and friends. Co-workers, childhood friends and old classmates can also share their thoughts and feelings. Those closest to the person often choose something more personal, such as a eulogy or a video slideshow presentation. Choose the tribute you feel most comfortable giving.
Types of funeral tributes
- Printed tributes and programs: Funeral programs give the details of the service and often include an obituary, poems and photos.
- Chosen theme: Shape the setting and the music around something your loved one enjoyed. A cowboy, for instance, might call for a western-style service.
- Eulogy: A spoken tribute that praises the person who died, usually given by a close family member, a friend or clergy. See how to write a eulogy for a full speech.
- Funeral resolution: A formal written document that honors the person's relationship with God.
- Poem or scripture: Simple prose or verses that express your feelings, helpful when you cannot find the right words yourself.
- Memorial slideshow: A collage of photos and videos that outlines a person's life, usually shown during the service.
- Memorial prayer cards: A keepsake that traditionally has a Bible verse, the person's birth and death dates, a picture and a note from the family.
- Candle: A personalized candle given to an immediate family member, with a theme or photographs of your loved one.
- Story or anecdote: A favorite tale or funny story from the person's childhood, married life or career.
- Journal: Instead of a standard guest book, a tribute journal lets visitors write a short memory or a few thoughts about the person who died.
Short funeral tribute examples
These are fictional samples to show the length and tone. Change the names and details so they are true to your loved one.
A tribute from a husband or wife
Daniel and I were married for forty-one years, and in all that time he never stopped surprising me. He left small notes in my coat pockets. He hummed while he cooked, usually off key. He greeted every stranger like a neighbor. I thought we had more time, and I will miss him every day. But I am grateful for each of those years, and I will carry his kindness with me. Thank you, Daniel, for loving me so well.
A tribute from a co-worker
I worked beside Walter for twenty-two years, and I never once saw him walk past someone who needed help. He fixed the printer nobody else could fix, and he remembered every birthday on our floor. He laughed easily and he listened closely. Our workplace is quieter without him, and kinder because he was here. Walter, you made ordinary days better. We were lucky to know you.
A short graveside tribute
We have gathered here to lay Eleanor to rest. She loved this hillside, and she often said she would like to stay a while. Today we give her that rest, with all our love and with thanks for the years we shared. May she rest in peace, and may we carry her kindness with us.
Want a longer speech? Our sample eulogies include ones for a mother, a father, a grandmother and a friend.
A simple funeral tribute template
Fill in the brackets with your own words, then read it aloud and adjust it until it sounds like you.
[Name] was [your relationship, such as my mother, my friend or my colleague]. I will always remember [one short memory or habit]. [He or she] taught me [one lesson or gift]. What I will miss most is [one small detail]. Thank you, [Name], for [one thing you are grateful for].
Tips for writing a tribute
- Start with one true memory rather than a list of good qualities.
- Speak to the family and, if it feels natural, to your loved one by name.
- Keep it short. A tribute of about 150 to 250 words takes around one to two minutes to read aloud.
- Read it aloud once before the service, and keep a printed copy with you.
- If the words will not come, a memorial poem or a scripture verse can say it for you.
- Many families print a short tribute, or a few lines from it, inside the funeral program.
A tribute is about remembering
Today's services are as much about remembering happy times with a person who died as about saying goodbye. A tribute can comfort surviving friends and family and support them as they grieve. Choose one you are comfortable giving and one that speaks to your loved one's memory.
More help with your tribute
Make a funeral program or keepsake
Our Newest Templates
View Templates
Our templates open in Microsoft Word, and many designs also come in Apple Pages or Canva. Check each template's page for its formats. Every word can be changed, including the title, and you can download right after you order. Questions? Email us and we usually reply within one business day.
