How do you plan a celebration of life instead of a funeral?

What is the procedure for a celebration of life?

Display a photo memory board, a memorial table or a memorial DVD of images of your loved one doing what they enjoyed most. Photos, which capture a moment, often spark conversation and bring up forgotten memories. A balloon release is often a feature of a celebration of life ceremony, and a beautiful gesture.

How do you plan a casual celebration of life?

Can you hold a celebration of life?

Because a celebration of life is often held after the remains of the deceased are buried or cremated, this type of ceremony can be held any time after the passing of the individual. It allows for more time to plan a special event. Some families hold celebrations of life up to a year after the death of their loved one.

How do you memorialize someone without a funeral?

How To Plan A Celebration of Life - Start HERE!

What is the alternative to having a funeral?

An alternative funeral is anything considered a non-traditional celebration of someone's life. It could be something as simple as a direct cremation or ceremony without a minister, or something more unusual like an alternative burial like a woodland or sea burial.

What are alternatives to funerals?

Should you serve food at a celebration of life?

Food and beverages to serve

Food and drinks are an important part of any event. Food brings people together and can create opportunities for guests to share memories with one another.

Do you serve food at a celebration of life?

What you serve may depend on the theme of your celebration of life, or may be based on your loved one's favorite dishes. It's entirely up to you; we've even seen "pot luck" celebrations of life where guests actually sign up to bring select foods and beverages.

What is the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?

A celebration of life differs from a funeral in that it's often a more casual and less structured service. Many families consider a celebration of life to be more of a relaxed and party-like atmosphere with guests attending to celebrate a life well lived.

Do you decorate for a celebration of life?

One of the most important aspects of the celebration of life ideas is the decorations that you choose to use at the life celebration. Common decorations include mason jars, butterfly memory cards, memorial tree, flowers, pictures, a garden, and other ideas that you think would best fit the theme of your service.

What does a woman wear to a celebration of life?

Proper Celebration of Life Attire for Women

Most celebration of life ceremonies tends to avoid the color black. Instead, opt for lively colors, such as blues, pinks, greens, or yellows. Thanks to being more casual, you can wear jeans (as long they're not distressed jeans), day dresses, and flowing tops.

How do you invite someone to a celebration of life event?

Kindly RSVP on [phone number] by [date] for catering purposes. #4 We are so grateful to have the ability to gather all those dear to [name]. We invite you to a celebration of the life he lived to the fullest on [date] at [time] at [location]. Please call or text us at [phone number] to let us know if you can attend.

When should you have a celebration of life?

1. Timing. A memorial service or celebration of life can be held any time after death. You may choose to make arrangements immediately, though it is also acceptable to wait several weeks or even months.

Is a celebration of life a funeral?

Celebrations of Life. Funerals and celebrations of life have much in common. Each is a gathering of people who share a common loss. A funeral is more rooted in tradition, while a celebration of life is more informal.

How do I plan a small memorial service?

Do you have cake at a celebration of life?

In a celebration of life ceremony, people meet up to grieve a lost loved one in a more uplifting manner than a traditional funeral. At a celebration of life, people might dress in bright colors, share stories about the deceased, or gather in an unconventional location. They might even eat cake or other desserts.

Is alcohol served at a celebration of life?

Celebrate Life

It's fine to serve alcohol at a funeral, but you should be aware of how it will affect your guests. Keep the points above in mind to ensure that your funeral plans are what you want.

What do you say to a family at a celebration of life?

Do you bring flowers to a celebration of life?

As a general rule, it is best not to bring flowers to a celebration of life event unless specifically requested by the family members. Instead, you can send an arrangement privately to their home, along with any condolences.

What kind of food is served at a celebration of life?

Is it weird to not have a funeral?

It's perfectly acceptable to not have a funeral. There's no legal requirement for you to have one — it's up to you how you'd like to be memorialized.

What is the cheapest alternative to a funeral?

Cremation

Cremation is far more affordable than a traditional funeral. Its costs are often 10% of what you'd expect to pay for a conventional burial. That's why over 53% of Americans now choose cremation. Cremation involves placing the deceased within a cremation container.

What is a non-religious funeral called?

A non-religious funeral is sometimes known as a celebration of life or a humanist funeral. However, a celebration of life ceremony can still have religious readings and hymns if requested.

What if I don't want to be cremated or buried?

Biodegradable Tree Urn

Created from natural, eco-friendly materials that contain no preservatives, turning your loved one's ashes into a tree only requires a biodegradable urn. Place the cremated ashes in the urn capsule, add soil mix and a seed/tree sapling, then plant the urn in a meaningful location.