When someone passes away, terms like obituary and eulogy often come up and you might ask: “What is the difference between obituary and eulogy?“
They’re related, but they serve very different purposes.
Obituary vs Eulogy: What’s the Difference?
An obituary is a written public notice of death, while a eulogy is a spoken tribute at a funeral.
Here is a quick list of key differences between obituaries and eulogies that makes it easy to remember
| Obituary | Eulogy |
|---|---|
| Written | Spoken |
| Public announcement | Personal tribute |
| Published (online/newspaper) | Delivered at funeral |
| Informational + brief | Emotional + narrative |
| Often written by family or funeral home | Usually given by someone close |
You can have both, only one of them, or even none. Let’s look at them in a bit more detail next.
What Is an Obituary?
An obituary is a written notice announcing someone’s death, usually published online or in a newspaper.
An obituary typically includes:
- Name, age, and date of death
- Key life milestones (career, family, achievements)
- Funeral or memorial details
- Sometimes a short personal message
It’s public-facing and informational, but can still include a personal tone.
💡 We have written a great guide on how to write an obituary, which you should check out!
What Is a Eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech given at a funeral or memorial service to honor and remember the deceased.
A eulogy is more personal and emotional. It often includes:
- Stories and memories
- Personal reflections
- Character traits and impact
- A message to those attending
Unlike an obituary, it’s spoken -not published- and usually delivered by a close family member or friend.
With Meolea, you can select preferences for your own eulogy in your funeral wishes or get help creating one for someone else!
Do You Need Both?
Most families use both an obituary to inform and a eulogy to remember but there is no requirement for either.
The obituary helps others know what happened and when the service is. As such it isn’t just a matter of remembering but also has very practical purposes.
Most people want to publish an obituary for someone they care about, and nowadays, you can do so both online and offline with ease.
A eulogy often feels a bit more difficult for people as it involves speaking about a lost family member or friend in a time of grief. Its goal is to help people connect, reflect, and say goodbye.
Planning both in advance can reduce pressure on your family during a difficult time.
Don’t feel pressured into creating an obituary or eulogy if it doesn’t feel right for you. Decide for yourself if you feel up to the task and whether the person would have wanted this. Meolea can help you with this and make it simple.
Can You Write Your Own Obituary or Eulogy?
Yes, writing an obituary and eulogy in advance ensures your story and wishes are clearly communicated.
Many people now draft their own obituary, leave notes or a full eulogy, and store both with important documents. This avoids guesswork and ensures your voice is preserved.
💡With Meolea, you can store your obituary, funeral wishes, and personal messages in one place and decide who can access them when needed.
How Meolea Helps
Meolea gives you a structured way to prepare and makes all these tasks stress-free:
- Write and store your obituary
- Leave guidance or a full eulogy
- Add funeral wishes and instructions
- Share access with your family
Everything is organized, secure, and ready when it matters.
Obituary vs Eulogy: FAQ
What is the main difference between an obituary and a eulogy?
An obituary is a written public notice of death, while a eulogy is a spoken tribute at a funeral.
Is a eulogy the same as an obituary?
No, a eulogy is spoken and personal, while an obituary is written and informational.
Who writes an obituary?
Usually family members or the funeral home, but many people now write their own in advance.
Who gives a eulogy?
Typically a close family member, friend, or sometimes a religious leader.
Should I prepare an obituary in advance?
Yes, preparing an obituary ahead of time can reduce stress for your family and ensure accuracy. Meolea lets you create an obituary for yourself and loved ones in minutes.
Meolea makes End-of-Life Planning and Legacy Management super simple! In 5 minutes you can start making preparations and invite your family members.