Obituary vs Eulogy: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between obituaries, eulogies, and death notices helps you choose the right format for honoring your loved one. Each serves a unique purpose in the memorial process and reaches different audiences.
At a Glance: Three Types of Memorial Writing
Obituary
Written tribute that announces death and celebrates the person's life story
300-800 words (newspaper varies)
General public, community members, distant relatives and friends
Published within days of death, before or after services
Eulogy
Spoken tribute delivered at funeral or memorial service
3-7 minutes (500-1200 words)
Service attendees (family, friends, colleagues)
During funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service
Death Notice
Brief announcement of death with essential service information
50-150 words
Community members who need basic information
Published immediately after death
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Obituary | Eulogy | Death Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Announce death and celebrate life in writing | Honor and remember the deceased through spoken word | Simply announce the death and basic service information |
| Audience | General public, newspaper readers, online visitors | Funeral/memorial service attendees | General public, brief notification |
| Length | 200-800 words typically | 3-7 minutes spoken (500-1200 words) | 50-150 words |
| Timing | Published after death, before or after service | Delivered during funeral/memorial service | Published immediately after death |
| Content Style | Factual biography with personal touches | Personal memories, stories, and emotional tribute | Basic facts and service information only |
| Who Writes It | Family members, funeral home, or professional writer | Close family member, friend, or religious leader | Family member or funeral home |
| Publication | Newspapers, funeral home websites, online memorial sites | Spoken at service, sometimes published later | Newspapers, online announcements |
| Cost | Often paid placement in newspapers | No publication cost (part of service) | Usually free or low-cost |
When to Use Each Format
Use an Obituary When:
- You want to share a complete life story
- Publishing in newspapers or online
- Reaching a broad community audience
- Including detailed biographical information
- Announcing services to the public
- Creating a permanent written record
Use a Eulogy When:
- Speaking at a funeral or memorial service
- Sharing personal memories and stories
- Comforting grieving family and friends
- Representing the family's voice
- Creating an emotional connection
- Honoring specific relationships or bonds
Use a Death Notice When:
- Budget constraints limit longer obituaries
- Family prefers privacy
- Quick announcement is needed
- Service information is the priority
- Simple notification is sufficient
- Testing newspaper placement before full obituary
Content and Features
Obituary Features
- Full name, age, and date of death
- Biographical information and achievements
- Family members (survivors and predeceased)
- Service information and memorial requests
- Personal interests and community involvement
Common Examples:
- • Newspaper obituaries
- • Online memorial websites
- • Funeral home websites
- • Social media announcements
Eulogy Features
- Personal stories and memories
- Character traits and values
- Impact on speaker's life
- Shared experiences and anecdotes
- Message of comfort and remembrance
Common Examples:
- • Funeral service speeches
- • Memorial service tributes
- • Celebration of life presentations
- • Religious service remembrances
Death Notice Features
- Name, age, and date of death
- Service date, time, and location
- Immediate family information
- Basic funeral arrangements
- Contact information if needed
Common Examples:
- • Newspaper death announcements
- • Online death notices
- • Community bulletin boards
- • Church newsletters
Writing Tips for Each Format
Obituary Writing Tips
- Write in third person and past tense
- Include specific dates, places, and achievements
- Balance personal details with privacy concerns
- Follow chronological or thematic organization
- Include all important family relationships
- Proofread carefully for accuracy
Eulogy Writing Tips
- Write in first person (your relationship to the deceased)
- Include specific stories and personal memories
- Practice speaking aloud before the service
- Keep it genuine and from the heart
- Prepare for emotional moments while speaking
- End with comfort or inspiration for attendees
Death Notice Tips
- Include only essential information
- Keep language simple and clear
- Double-check all dates and locations
- Include contact information if needed
- Be consistent with name usage
- Verify service details before publishing
Common Questions
Can you have both an obituary and a eulogy?
Absolutely! They serve different purposes. An obituary provides written documentation for the public, while a eulogy offers a personal spoken tribute during the service.
Who typically writes each one?
Obituaries are often written by family members or funeral directors. Eulogies are usually given by close family members, friends, or religious leaders. Death notices can be written by anyone who needs to announce the death.
How long should each format be?
Death notices are brief (50-150 words), obituaries vary widely (200-800 words), and eulogies should be 3-7 minutes when spoken aloud (500-1200 words).
What if I'm on a tight budget?
Start with a free death notice for immediate notification. You can always publish a full obituary later or online. Eulogies are part of the service and don't require additional publication costs.
Ready to Create Your Memorial Content?
Whether you need an obituary, eulogy, or death notice, our tools and guides can help you create meaningful tributes that honor your loved one's memory.