Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional experience, but saying goodbye doesn’t have to be solely a somber occasion.
Many families choose to honor a life well-lived with a celebration of life — an uplifting gathering that reflects the personality, passions, and legacy of the person who has passed.
This Q&A guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding the purpose of a celebration of life to planning each detail.
Q: What is a celebration of life?
A: A celebration of life is a gathering where family and friends come together to honor a loved one’s memory and find comfort in shared stories and connections. Unlike traditional funerals, the focus is on celebrating the person’s life rather than marking their passing.
Although it’s called a celebration, it may still include traditional funeral elements, such as readings from a religious text or formal dress. But it might also have none of these. The structure and tone vary based on the wishes of the family or the loved one and often reflect their personality, interests, and lifestyle.
Celebrations of life tend to include planned activities. For example, if your loved one was an avid chess player, you could organize a fun chess tournament. At the same time, the event should also support the emotional needs of the guests. Think about who will be there, what they need, and how to incorporate those insights into the planning.
Q: How is a celebration of life different from a funeral?
A: A funeral is typically a more formal, somber occasion that centers on the loss itself. The body is often present, and the ceremony usually follows longstanding traditions.
In contrast, a celebration of life has a lighter tone and places more emphasis on honoring the person’s character, passions, and life story. Guests may tell lively stories, dress casually, and participate in themed activities.
Despite these differences, both funerals and celebrations of life serve similar purposes:
Supporting the bereaved family and community.
Publicly acknowledging the death of the loved one.
Surrounding the grieving with caring friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
The choice between the two — or combining elements of both — often depends on personal, cultural, or religious preferences.
Q: Who usually plans a celebration of life?
A: While some people plan their own celebration of life in advance, most are planned by loved ones after someone has passed. The process is similar to planning a party: You’ll need invitations, a venue, food, and activities — but all of it should be designed with your loved one in mind.
Q: What’s the first step in planning a celebration of life?
A: The first step is to focus on the mourners. While the event celebrates the life of your loved one, it also helps surviving family and friends say goodbye and begin the healing process. Think about what will help them remember your loved one in the most meaningful way.
Q: Who should be involved in the planning process?
A: Involve your loved one’s inner circle, which not only helps share the planning responsibilities, but also provides them comfort and a sense of connection. Invite their suggestions, listen to their ideas, and work together. Many people want to help in some way, especially when they’re grieving.
Q: How do you set a budget for a celebration of life?
A: Setting a budget early on will help guide your decisions and avoid unnecessary financial stress. Families typically handle the financial aspect, though friends may contribute or donate.
On average, families spend between $3,000 and $11,000 to host a celebration of life, according to Wedgwood Meetings and Events. Your budget should account for expenses like the venue, food and drink, tributes, decorations, and activities.
You can reduce costs by hosting a potluck instead of hiring a caterer or choosing a more modest venue. The key is to plan a meaningful event without creating financial strain.
Q: How do I choose the right venue and send invitations?
A: The venue should reflect the type of event you’re hosting. Consider size, accessibility, and how well the space can be customized to honor your loved one’s interests. Options might include:
A family home.
A community center or hall.
A garden or park.
A restaurant or clubhouse.
You’ll also need to determine the date and guest list. While funerals are often public, celebrations of life may be private or invitation-only. Typical guest lists include:
Immediate and extended family.
Close friends from various stages of life.
Colleagues or community members.
It’s OK to wait several weeks or even months to hold the event. This gives people time to make travel plans and increases your options for venues and activities.
Q: What should we serve at a celebration of life?
A: Food doesn’t need to be elaborate. Many families opt for a potluck, where attendees bring dishes to share. If your budget allows, you can hire a caterer or host the event in a restaurant where guests can order their own meals.
Serving your loved one’s favorite foods is a thoughtful touch that makes the event more personal and memorable.
Q: What kind of music, readings, or speakers should we include?
A: Choose music that your loved one enjoyed — anything from classical to rock to gospel. If a friend or family member is a musician, invite them to perform.
You can also include readings, poems, or prayers. Some celebrations of life feature shared stories or humorous memories. Consider assigning someone to serve as the emcee to guide the event and ensure everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity.
Q: Should we display photos or videos?
A: Yes. Photos of your loved one — especially those that show them engaged in their favorite activities — should be on display. You can create a memory board, photo table, or slideshow to help guests reflect and connect.
Q: What activities can help make the celebration more personal?
A: Activities should reflect your loved one’s passions and invite guests to participate meaningfully. Ideas include:
Memory boards.
Performing some of their favorite music.
Group storytelling.
Slideshow of pictures.
Planting a tree.
Releasing lanterns.
Playing a favorite game or sport.
These kinds of experiences help bring people together and celebrate the life your loved one lived.
Q: How should we decorate the venue?
A: Choose a theme that honors your loved one — this could be as simple as their favorite color or as specific as their favorite hobby. The décor can be as understated or elaborate as you like.
You might also hire a photographer or videographer to document the event. If that’s not within your budget, ask a friend or family member to help.
Q: How do I organize the flow of the event?
A: Setting an order of events is important, especially if you’ve rented the venue for a specific time. A basic program helps ensure every activity fits into the schedule and helps speakers, caterers, and guests know what to expect.
Q: What are some creative examples of celebration of life events?
A: There’s no right or wrong way to hold a celebration of life. It can be simple or elaborate. Here are a few examples:
Backyard barbecue, tea party, garden gathering, or picnic.
Bucket list party: Complete activities your loved one never got to do, either individually or as a group, and gather later to share stories and photos.
Eternal birthday party: Celebrate their birthday each year with donations to their favorite causes and by sharing memories. Sing “Happy Eternity” instead of “Happy Birthday.”
Scavenger hunt party: Visit their favorite spots with a fun scavenger hunt. Prizes might include small personal items not assigned in a will.
Sports lover party: Host a game or tournament — like a golf match — if your loved one was passionate about sports.
Q: Can someone plan their own celebration of life in advance?
A: Yes. People can leave notes, preferences, or detailed instructions. This removes guesswork and ensures the event reflects their true wishes.
Q: How can Trustworthy help with planning a celebration of life?
A: Trustworthy is a secure digital storage and collaboration platform for your family’s most important documents. It helps you organize and share estate planning records such as wills, trusts, advance directives, and powers of attorney.
You can also use Trustworthy to store a loved one’s wishes for their celebration of life — even before they pass. This ensures their voice is part of the planning. With world-class security protocols and permission controls, only invited people can access this sensitive information.
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