The eulogy is often the moment that defines a funeral or memorial service. It gives shape to grief and helps those gathered to remember, to laugh, and sometimes to cry together.
But when you are already dealing with the emotional and financial weight of a funeral in Australia, the question naturally arises: how much does a dignified eulogy actually cost? Here we compare the three main approaches and share an alternative that many Australians have not yet discovered.
People ask me about the price of a eulogy all the time. Usually something else is sitting behind the question: the worry of having to make yet another decision at a time that is already overwhelming. My honest view: what carries a eulogy is not the budget, it is the willingness to speak honestly about the person you are saying goodbye to. Which of these paths is right for you depends less on the price than on how much energy you have left in this season.
Helen Ashford
Option 1: Hire a Professional Eulogy Writer or Celebrant
A professional eulogy writer or funeral celebrant will meet with the family, either in person or by phone, to gather stories, memories, and details about the deceased. They then write a personalised speech, and in many cases, deliver it at the service as well.
What does it cost? In Australia, professional eulogy writing typically costs between A$500 and A$1,500 or more. A full celebrant package that includes writing and delivering the entire ceremony often runs A$800 to A$2,000+. Prices vary by state, experience, and whether the celebrant also conducts the ceremony.
Time required: Expect a lead time of several days to a week. This means scheduling a consultation, providing information, and reviewing drafts, all while you are trying to manage funeral arrangements and your own grief.
Verdict: Professional and compassionate, but a significant added cost. With the average Australian funeral already costing $8,000 to $10,000, it adds real pressure to an already stretched budget.
Option 2: Write It Yourself (DIY)
Many family members and close friends feel a strong pull to write the eulogy themselves. It is a deeply personal way to pay tribute, and the desire to do it yourself is completely understandable.
What does it cost? Nothing in dollar terms. But the emotional cost is real: trying to find the right words when you are overwhelmed by grief is incredibly difficult. Many people spend days agonising over a eulogy, torn between mourning, funeral logistics, and the demands of everyday life.
Time required: Very high and emotionally draining. The pressure to "get it right" combined with grief often leads to frustration, writer's block, or a speech that does not feel like it does the person justice.
Verdict: Deeply personal and heartfelt, but an enormous additional burden at the worst possible time.
Option 3: AI-Powered Speech Generator
An AI-powered speech generator creates a thoughtful, personalised eulogy based on the details you provide about your loved one. You answer questions about the person, your relationship, and the memories you shared, and receive a complete speech you can edit and make your own. Try it out here.
What does it cost? Just a fraction of what a professional writer charges. A genuine relief when funeral expenses are already adding up.
Time required: Around 15 minutes. You fill in the questionnaire and receive a personalised eulogy almost immediately. Particularly valuable when the funeral is just days away and time is running out.
Verdict: Fast, dignified, and affordable. Real support when you need it most.
The Comparison: All Three Options at a Glance
| Professional Eulogy Writer | Write It Yourself | AI Speech Generator | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | A$500 - A$1,500+ | A$0 (but high emotional cost) | Very affordable |
| Time Required | Several days to 1 week | Days (under heavy emotional strain) | ~15 minutes |
| Quality | Very high | Variable | High & compassionate |
| Personalisation | Yes (after consultation) | Yes (on your own) | Yes (via questionnaire) |
| Availability | Lead time needed, often booked | Immediate, but emotionally hard | Available instantly |
| Emotional Burden | Low (taken off your hands) | Very high | Low |
Which Option Suits You Best?
Professional Eulogy Writer
The right choice if you want someone to take the entire burden off your shoulders, including delivering the speech. Especially meaningful when no one in the family feels able to stand up and speak.
Write It Yourself
A good option if you feel up to it emotionally and have the time. If writing comes naturally to you, you can create something truly personal. For most people, however, it proves overwhelming under the weight of grief.
AI-Powered Speech Generator
The ideal choice for anyone who wants a personal, dignified eulogy but does not have the time or emotional reserves to start from a blank page. The generator gives you a compassionate foundation that you can then personalise with your own stories and touches.
Our Recommendation: Let AI Help You Through
When you are grieving, even forming a clear thought can feel impossible, let alone writing an entire speech. That is exactly where an AI speech generator steps in: it removes the burden of starting from scratch and gives you a framework to build on with your own words and memories.
Focus on what really matters: being there for your family and honouring the life of someone you loved. Try our speech generator and let us support you through this difficult time.