Planning a Celebration of Life
It's really a process of asking–and answering–questions. Sit down with other family members, at least once—but maybe even more than once—to explore the celebration of life ideas which arise from answering these questions:
- What type of service do you want? You may be thinking, "Celebration of Life" because you want a service different than the funeral services you have attended in the past. Typically funeral services tend to have a religious aspect but what if that is not right for your loved one? Planning a celebration of life will take some input on your part in deciding what elements will go into remembering the life.
- 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 attend. Be sure to check in with out-of-town relatives and friends about their situation before settling on these critical details.
- Who will help plan and conduct the event? If your loved one was religious, you may opt to have their pastor or church minister perform these tasks. However, some families today do not have someone that they can call on to conduct the service. We now have on staff, a certified Funeral Celebrant, trained in helping you plan a meaningful life remembrance and leading the service.
- Who wishes to speak at the event? Many times family members or friends will be very direct about their desire to make a short presentation at the celebration of life; other times you need to come out and ask folks if they would be willing to publicly share their thoughts and feelings. Either way, you'll want to select those people who have shared a close relationship with the deceased and have something meaningful to contribute. Opening the floor to everyone may result in an awkward silence or an unsolicited documentary that goes on too long, so having a plan is probably the best course of action.
- What group activities would be appropriate? Maybe, it's for everyone in attendance to wear attire that would reflect your loved one's favorite team or hobby. Appropriate activities would only be limited by your imagination.
- Will food or beverages should be served? The desire to provide food and beverages for guest would likely depend on the venue selected for the event. In many cases, the celebration service at the funeral home is followed by an informal off site gathering at a home or other appropriate venue.
- What readings and music should you include? Music is an integral part of life for many people, and a celebration of life is the perfect event in which to showcase the meaningful music of your loved one's life. But, if your loved one didn't appreciate music (and lots of folks don’t), it may be more appropriate to read chosen spiritual selections, 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 items of remembrance will you display? Many families have us create a tribute video and show it during the event. Others choose to use a memory table of photographs and other memorabilia instead.
Let Us Help with the Celebration of Life
We know that's a lot to think about. But we urge you to take your time; be thoughtful, and do not hesitate to pick up the phone & call us. Let's talk about your loved one's life; share some stories with us. We're confident that, together, we can come up with the perfect celebration of life event to suit your needs and expectations.