πŸ“ Obituary & Tribute Writing Guide

A compassionate, step-by-step guide to honor a life well-lived

What style of tribute are you writing?

Obituary

Traditional published obituary for online publication

Eulogy/Speech

Spoken tribute for funeral or memorial service

Memorial Program

Written piece for service programs or memorial displays

Online Tribute

For funeral home websites, social media, or memorial websites

What tone would you like to achieve?

Formal & Traditional

Respectful, conventional language following traditional obituary format

Warm & Personal

Heartfelt, intimate tone that captures personality and relationships

Celebratory & Uplifting

Focusing on joy, accomplishments, and positive memories

Spiritual & Reflective

Incorporating faith, hope, and spiritual perspective on life and death

What length are you aiming for?

Brief & Concise

Essential information only (100-200 words)

Moderate Length

Balanced coverage of life and personality (200-400 words)

Comprehensive & Detailed

Thorough life story with rich details (400+ words)

πŸ“‹ Information Gathering

Let's collect the essential information you'll need. Don't worry if you don't have everything right now - you can fill in details as you go.

Essential Information Checklist

Tip: Gather information from family members, friends, and personal documents. Don't hesitate to ask others for their favorite memories or important details you might have missed.

πŸ—οΈ Structure & Outline

Based on your preferences, here's the recommended structure for your tribute:

Writing Tip: Start with the most important information and work your way to supporting details. This ensures the essential elements are included even if space becomes limited.

✍️ Writing Your Tribute

Now let's write each section step by step. Use the templates below as starting points and personalize them with your loved one's unique details.

βœ… Review & Finalize

Before you finalize your tribute, let's review it together to ensure it captures everything important.

Final Review Checklist

  • All essential facts are accurate (names, dates, places)
  • Spelling and grammar have been double-checked
  • The tone feels appropriate and consistent
  • Important relationships and survivors are mentioned
  • Key accomplishments and character traits are highlighted
  • Service information is clear and complete
  • The piece honors the person's life and legacy
  • Family members have had a chance to review
Your Completed Tribute
Final Tip: Remember that this tribute is a gift to both your loved one's memory and to everyone who knew them. It doesn't have to be perfect - it just needs to come from the heart and honor their life with dignity and love.