Tell them how much the deceased meant to you, or your favorite memory of them. If you didn't know the deceased well, express how you're honored to be able to participate in celebrating someone they loved so much.
Celebration of Life Toasts
“The best is yet to come.” – Anonymous. “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln. “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.” – Anonymous.
For example, you might start out like this: “I would like to welcome you to this celebration of the life of (NAME), who (passed, entered into rest, went to be with his beloved wife Glenda, went to be with his Savior) on (date).
Regardless of the life service you are having, a family member or best friend will be the master of ceremony. A eulogy will be given and this can be formal or informal. Additional ways to honor the deceased can be a funny story or specific memories shared of the life being celebrated.
In a tribute, write about the person's best qualities and successes in life. Share how they changed your life or made you a better version of yourself. Summon admiration for their life's work and what it meant to them.
The concert was a tribute to the musician. Yellow ribbons were tied on trees as a tribute to the soldiers at war. an event at which artists and musicians paid tribute to the famous composer The country was forced to pay tribute. The ruler paid a tribute every year.
A good eulogy is usually between 3-5 minutes long, but can be as long as 10 minutes. This should be more than enough time to include everything you want to say about your loved one, but not so long that you risk losing people's attention.
The average eulogy is three to five minutes. It's not uncommon to have multiple eulogists, so be concise in your remarks.
Celebration speeches are commemorative or ceremonial speeches which pay a tribute as a sign of respect, admiration or praise for a person. Birthdays, anniversaries and weddings are common events for such a speech. These are not only informative, they provide some biographical content.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone.” “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.”
You can preface your introduction with “I have some great family memories of [name] that I would like to share.” Or, for example, if a family member was known for something they did in their life that was family-oriented, you could start with, “I remember when [name] was the family's biggest cheerleader.”
Almighty God, we rejoice in your promise of love, joy and peace. In your mercy turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life, and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven; through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who died, rose again and lives for evermore.
If you're speaking at a funeral, remind them how the deceased person brought everyone together. Open with your relationship with this person, and talk about your loved one's role in your life. A good way to start is with a personal story. Humans naturally are drawn to stories.
A celebration of life has more permissible color and style options than a traditional funeral. It's okay, encouraged even, to wear something other than dark colors. Light and bright colors like pink, green, red, or yellow are appropriate. The style is also more casual than formal.
A celebration of life differs from a funeral in that it's often a more casual and less structured service. Many families consider a celebration of life to be more of a relaxed and party-like atmosphere with guests attending to celebrate a life well lived.
In a eulogy, do not say anything about the person's cause of death, grudges and old grievances, arguments, character flaws, family rifts, or negative memories. Instead, share good memories and leave it out when in doubt.
Say your name, explain your relationship to the person who died, and express your condolences. If certain family members want to talk more with you, be prepared to stay and chat. You can share a memory of the person who died or simply tell the family how much the person who died will be missed.
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. Poems, stories, or songs written by the departed.
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening, Thank you to each and every one of you for being here with us today. We are very pleased to be able to welcome those of you that have been with us for a long time now as well as those who are new to the (group/community/association etc.)