Obituary vs eulogy: what's the difference?
An obituary is a short written death notice published in a newspaper or online to announce the death and share funeral details. A eulogy is a longer spoken tribute delivered aloud at the funeral or memorial service. The obituary informs the public; the eulogy honors the person in front of gathered family and friends.
Purpose
An obituary announces a death to a wide audience and gives practical information: who died, when, and where the service will be held. A eulogy is not an announcement — it is a personal speech that celebrates the person's life and character for the people already present at the service.
Length and format
Obituaries are concise, usually 200 to 500 words, and are written to be read. Eulogies run longer — often three to five minutes when spoken, roughly 500 to 750 words — and are written to be heard, with room for stories, humor, and emotion.
Who writes each
A family member, funeral home, or newspaper staff typically drafts the obituary. A eulogy is usually delivered by a close family member, friend, or officiant chosen to speak at the service.