To end an eulogy in church with a round of applause

[anahata]

Hi

I'm doing an eulogy next week in church. I'm making notes on what to include. At the end, I was going to ask for people to stand and applaud the friend and his wife for their unconditional love. Is this appropriate? I've never done this before so really don't want to cock it up.

I agree with definitely not asking the widow. Surely no one would actually agree to wanting a round of applause for themselves?

I was at the funeral service for a 25 yo woman recently .
At the end of the eulogy her sister gave there was spontaneous applause which I felt was for the eulogy, for a life well lived and for the family. It was lovely, I felt.
It was not in a church though.

I find this such an awkward, mawkish thing. What exactly is the applause for? I think it's misplaced and gratuitous but, as always, if you speak to the person bereaved, they will be able to give you the steer.

We had this at an industry dinner at Christmas, applause for somebody who had died six months previously. So many felt really awkward, myself included. I hope it doesn't become a 'thing'.

YY to spontaneous applause though, that feels very different. It's this 'staged' audience participation I can't get my head around.

No I wouldn't - it's like applauding hearses as they go past - i really don't like it