What is a celebration of life instead of a funeral?

A celebration of life service is a type of end-of-life ceremony where people come together to celebrate the unique life of the deceased. Celebrations of life are commonly held after physical remains have been cared for through burial or cremation.

Is celebration of life and funeral the same thing?

A celebration of life ceremony acts as an alternative to a traditional funeral ceremony. It achieves the same purposes as a traditional funeral by gathering family and friends to pay tribute to the deceased.

What does it mean to have a celebration of life?

Celebrations-of-life are just that: a time people come together more to celebrate the unique personality and achievements of the deceased than to merely witness or mark the change in their social status.

What is typically done at a celebration of life?

A celebration of life can include readings, poems or prayers, but it's more likely that what you'll see and hear are guests telling funny stories about happy times or sharing touching memories of the loved one lost. In these looser settings, it's good to assign someone to be the emcee for the event.

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

Wakes. Typically, wakes are held before a funeral or celebration of life, and provide an opportunity for people to visit the deceased's body. They're usually held at a church or funeral home, are open to the public and allow people the opportunity to pay their respects to the deceased's family.

The difference between a "celebration of life" and a funeral service

Why do people have celebration of life instead of funeral?

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.

What do you do at a celebration of life party?

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.

Who attends a celebration of life?

A celebration of life is a love-filled event meant to remember and honor a loved one who's recently departed. Unlike a conventional funeral or memorial, it is meant to be a joyous occasion that incorporates goodwill and comfort. When a loved one exits the world, friends and family hold an event to honor the deceased.

What color do you wear to a celebration of life?

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.

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

What is another name for celebration of life?

According to Wikipedia, “A memorial service (or celebration of life) is a funerary ceremony that is performed without the remains of the deceased person.” However, popular culture in North Carolina may often use the term “Celebration of Life” to speak of an actual funeral with the body present.

Is the body present at a celebration of life?

The focus at a celebration of life tends to be sharing happy memories of the deceased. This does not mean that there are no tears shed during the service, but they tend to be less formal occasions than a traditional funeral. Most of the time, a body is not present at a celebration of life.

Is a celebration of life a drop in?

While a funeral is usually held in a church or a funeral home, a celebration of life takes place in a more relaxed environment. The event is commonly held in a home or in an outdoor location, such as a beach or a park. The timing for a celebration of life service may also be more flexible than with a funeral.

How do you set up a celebration of life?

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.

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.

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.

Do you have a eulogy at a celebration of life?

There is not a specific way to talk about the death of someone that will make everyone feel better during a celebration of life event. The best thing that someone can say during a speech or eulogy is using words to show that you care or that may be helpful in some way to the mourners.

How do you welcome someone to a celebration of life?

For example, you might start out like this: “I would like to welcome you to this celebration of the life of (NAME), who (passed, entered into rest, went to be with his beloved wife Glenda, went to be with his Savior) on (date).

What should I bring to a celebration of life?

What should a female wear to a celebration of life?

Because most celebrations of life steer clear from the color black, it's important to dress in a lively fashion. If the family gives a dress code (e.g. black true, casual, etc.), make sure to stick to that. If not, it's better to err on the side of caution by wearing respectful, conservative clothing.

What do you wear to a celebration of life at someone's home?

The best attire for a celebration of life gathering held in a church or family home is a casual but stylish dress or pants with a flowy blouse, flats, or conservative heels. This attire would also be appropriate for a pot-luck or informal banquet celebration of life gathering.

Can I wear bright colors to a celebration of life?

1. Wear bright colors! A celebration of life party typically has brighter colors and is a wonderful way to celebrate the life of the deceased, so it's only fitting that your outfit reflects this. If anything, dark colors might be inappropriate in such an atmosphere.