How to Plan a Celebration of Life

When planning a celebration of life, it is important to ask and answer questions with family members. This can be done multiple times to explore various ideas.

Who will be invited? When planning your celebration of life, it is important to consider the number of guests you want to invite. Start by writing down the names of everyone you think would want to attend the event, and then set it aside. You can always add new names to the list as you go along. This will help you determine the when, where, and how of the event.
Where, and when, should the event take place? Here's where your imagination is tempered by any scheduling or travel-related issues facing those who will be invited. Be sure to check in with out-of-town relatives and friends about their situation before settling on these critical details.
Who will orchestrate or conduct the event? If your loved one was religious, you may opt to have their pastor or church minister perform these tasks. However, many families today hire a non-denominational celebrant to oversee the celebration of life.
Who wishes to speak at the event? It is common for family members or friends to express their wish to give a short presentation at a celebration of life. However, sometimes you may need to ask individuals if they would be willing to share their thoughts and feelings publicly. It is important to choose those people who had a close relationship with the deceased and have something significant to contribute.
What group activities would be appropriate? We've heard some exciting celebration-of-life ideas over the years. This question involves thinking about what your loved one liked most about their life and gives everyone a remarkable space to share memories, laugh, and even cry together.
What food or beverages should be served? When planning a celebration of life, the food you serve can be tailored to the theme of the event or based on the favorite dishes of your loved one. The choice is entirely yours, and we have even witnessed "potluck" celebrations of life where guests sign up to bring specific foods and beverages.
What readings and music should you include? Music is an essential part of life for many individuals, and celebrating life is the perfect occasion to exhibit the significant music that was a part of your loved one's life. However, if your loved one did not appreciate music (and many people don’t), it might be more fitting to recite selected spiritual passages or excerpts from literature.
What details of your loved one's life do you want to share with guests? Not every biographical detail needs to be highlighted; rather you're trying to capture their essence by telling revealing anecdotes or stories. Sometimes you can reveal their character by detailing one short moment in their life experience.
What decorations will you have? Many families create a tribute video and use it as the centerpiece of the event. Others choose to use a memory table of photographs and other memorabilia instead.

We're Here to Advise, Assist, and Guide You

Please contact us to learn the details of our memorial service planning process.