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What Is a Celebration of Life Ceremony?

Celebration of life ceremonies, the unique alternative to traditional funerals, have been around for several years and have been growing in popularity. According to an article by BBC News, a survey of 2,000 people suggested that 54% wanted their funeral to be a “celebration of life.” And 48% said they wanted it to incorporate their favorite “hobby, color, football team or music.”

So, what’s the difference between a celebration of life and a traditional funeral, and why are they so popular compared to their traditional counterpart? We provide some insight into these questions and some tips on planning your own celebration of life ceremony, below.

Celebration of Life vs. Traditional Funeral

A celebration of life, as the name implies, is meant to be a joyful event rather than a mournful one, and is held either in place of or after a memorial service. This is often at the request of the deceased loved one before he or she died. These ceremonies typically don’t include an urn or casket and are not typically held in funeral homes or religious buildings.

A celebration of life is more of a party than a somber occasion and is less likely to follow the format and conventions of a traditional funeral service. You can expect a celebration of life to be more casual, as friends and family speak of the positive aspects of their loved one’s life and reminisce on special moments and memories.

Tips to Plan a Celebration of Life Ceremony

When it comes to planning a celebration of life ceremony, the possibilities are endless—and there typically aren’t any requirements or restrictions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

How

How will you honor and celebrate the life of your loved one? Some of our favorite ideas include:

• Creating a memory jar or board

• Watching a remembrance video

• Listening to their favorite songs

• Crafting a memory quilt from their clothing

• Reading favorite poems, quotes, or literature

As you share memories and stories, it may be helpful to appoint someone to help guide the group and keep things moving. Be sure to also let your guests know:

• What type of attire is appropriate

• If they should bring any items like photos or mementos

Who

Who will you invite to help celebrate the life of your loved one?

To narrow your guest list, consider:

• The size of your venue

• Whether to keep the event limited to close family or open it to friends and the wider community

Where

Unlike traditional funerals, celebration of life ceremonies offer flexibility in location. Once your guest list is set, look for a venue that fits the number of attendees. Possibilities include:

• A home

• A park

• A restaurant

• A place meaningful to your loved one

Above all, remember the true meaning behind this ceremony—to celebrate the life that was lived by your loved one. If you find that you’re hitting roadblocks while planning your celebration of life ceremony, please feel free to reach out to our team. We are always available to offer support and guidance.