Why More People Are Choosing to Pre-Record a Eulogy

In moments of loss, words often fail us. Standing before a room full of grieving friends and family, trying to hold back tears while speaking about someone you loved deeply—it’s one of the hardest things anyone can do.

That’s why an increasing number of people are making a thoughtful choice: pre-recording their eulogy instead of delivering it live. Whether it’s due to emotion, distance, or simply wanting to ensure their words are clear and meaningful, more families are discovering the comfort and advantages of recording a eulogy in advance.

In this article, we’ll explore what a pre-recorded eulogy is, why it’s becoming more common, and how it can make one of life’s most emotional moments a little more bearable—even more beautiful.

What Is a Pre-Recorded Eulogy?

A pre-recorded eulogy is simply a eulogy that’s filmed or recorded ahead of the funeral or memorial service. Instead of standing at the podium to speak live, the speaker records their message, often on video, and it’s played during the ceremony.

Some people choose to record their own eulogy before their passing, leaving a message for loved ones to hear in their own voice. Others record it on behalf of a loved one who has passed, ensuring the tribute is heartfelt but not interrupted by overwhelming emotions during the live service.

With today’s technology, creating a meaningful pre-recorded eulogy has never been easier. A smartphone, webcam, or professional videographer can turn a personal message into a lasting, powerful moment.

Why Pre-Recorded Eulogies Are Becoming More Popular

In the past, eulogies were almost always delivered live. But modern life, and modern technology, has changed how we approach memorials. Here’s why more people are choosing to pre-record their tributes:

1. It Reduces Emotional Pressure

Let’s be honest, delivering a eulogy is emotionally draining. Even the most composed speaker can find themselves breaking down mid-sentence. Tears, trembling voices, and pauses are all natural, but for some people, the thought of speaking while grieving feels unbearable.

Pre-recording the eulogy removes that pressure. It gives the speaker time to collect their thoughts, speak clearly, and share their message without the fear of becoming too overwhelmed in front of others.

By recording in a calm, private setting, you can express your emotions freely—cry, pause, or retake sections—without worrying about the audience. The result is often more heartfelt, authentic, and easier for others to follow.

2. It Ensures the Message Is Exactly What You Want to Say

In the rawness of grief, it’s easy to forget something important or stumble over words. A pre-recorded eulogy allows you to craft your message thoughtfully. You can take your time, write it out, record, review, and make edits until it perfectly reflects your feelings.

This means the final eulogy truly honors your loved one the way you intended. Every word, every tone, every pause can be intentional—something that’s difficult to achieve when emotions are high and time is short.

3. It Helps Those Who Can’t Attend in Person

In today’s world, families are spread across cities, countries, even continents. Travel isn’t always possible—especially in sudden or unexpected losses.

A pre-recorded eulogy can easily be shared digitally, whether played at the funeral, streamed online, or posted privately for family members who couldn’t attend. It allows everyone, no matter where they are, to be part of the remembrance.

This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons why recorded eulogies have become so popular since the rise of virtual and hybrid funerals.

4. It Preserves the Tribute Forever

When a eulogy is spoken live, it’s a fleeting moment. People may remember bits and pieces, but the exact words, the tone, the emotion—it’s gone once the service ends.

A recorded eulogy becomes a lasting memory. It can be saved, shared, and revisited for years to come. Family members can rewatch it on anniversaries, birthdays, or quiet days of reflection.

For some, hearing the words again later brings comfort, a reminder of love and connection even as time passes.

5. It Can Be a Personal Message from the Deceased

Perhaps the most touching reason people choose to pre-record a eulogy is to speak their own farewell.

Some individuals, particularly those facing terminal illness or advanced age, record their own eulogy as a way to leave behind final thoughts, gratitude, and love. Hearing the person’s voice—seeing their face one last time—can be deeply healing for their family.

It turns the eulogy into a personal message of hope, humor, or closure. For many families, it becomes one of the most treasured keepsakes imaginable.

6. It Fits Modern, Personalized Memorials

Funerals today are evolving. Instead of somber, traditional formats, many services are becoming celebrations of life—unique, personal, and creative.

A pre-recorded eulogy fits perfectly into this modern approach. It can include photos, music, or even video clips woven into the message. Families often combine the eulogy with tribute videos, creating a multimedia experience that feels more like a story of life than a moment of loss.

In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and beyond, funeral homes and video specialists now offer full-service packages to help families produce professional, high-quality recordings.

7. It Allows Multiple Speakers to Participate

Sometimes, more than one person wants to speak—but time or logistics make it difficult. Pre-recording gives everyone a chance to contribute without lengthening the service or causing scheduling issues.

Family members, close friends, and even distant relatives can record short messages that are later edited together into one cohesive video. This collaborative tribute feels inclusive and meaningful, especially for large families.

8. It Offers Comfort and Consistency

Funeral days can be chaotic. Emotions are high, schedules are tight, and not everything goes according to plan.

A pre-recorded eulogy ensures one part of the service runs smoothly. There’s no risk of forgetting notes, losing composure, or running out of time. It gives the family peace of mind knowing the message will play exactly as intended, even if everything else feels unpredictable.

How to Create a Pre-Recorded Eulogy

If you’re considering pre-recording a eulogy, here are a few simple steps to guide you:

1. Write from the heart. Don’t overthink the structure—speak honestly about what the person meant to you.

2. Choose a quiet, well-lit space. A calm environment helps the video feel intimate and respectful.

3. Record in short sections. It’s okay to pause, breathe, or redo parts.

4. Keep it concise. Aim for 5–10 minutes—long enough to express emotion, short enough to keep the audience engaged.

5. Edit thoughtfully. You can add soft background music, photos, or subtitles if you wish.

6. Test before the service. Make sure the sound and video quality are clear.

Whether you record it yourself or hire a professional, the goal is authenticity—not perfection.

In a Nutshell..

Pre-recording a eulogy doesn’t make it less personal—it often makes it more so. It’s a modern way to express love, gratitude, and remembrance without the weight of public speaking in a moment of grief.

For families, it offers comfort. For the speaker, it provides peace of mind. And for everyone watching, it creates a moment of connection that can be revisited long after the service ends.

In the end, what matters most isn’t how the eulogy is delivered—it’s the message itself. Whether spoken live or played from a recording, those words carry the same love, the same stories, and the same power to honor a life beautifully lived.