Ways to Make a Celebration of Life Ceremony Meaningful

When someone you love dies, the first word that comes to mind might not be “celebration”. However, for many, a celebration of life is a beautiful alternative to a funeral that will help you and your family remember and honor your late Loved One’s life in an uplifting manner.

Whether you’re choosing to plan a celebration of life for someone you loved, or they left you strict orders to have a party in their memory once they died, you can make this gathering meaningful and unique in a number of ways, including:

Give Jewelry to the Family

While dress codes for life celebrations are often different and less casual than funerals, one thing that will be appreciated by those who loved your late family member is Jewelry engraved with their fingerprint. Consider gifting all of the immediate family members a piece of Fingerprint Jewelry—like a Charm, Lapel Pins, or even Ring—that they can wear during the celebration.

This will help them to feel connected to the deceased and help guests to immediately recognize those who were closest to your shared Loved One. Plus, your family can continue to wear the Jewelry for years to come, and even pass it down—along with the stories it tells—to new generations.

Have Friends Share Eulogies

Eulogies are a traditional aspect of funerals and celebrations of life—but they’re typically given by immediate family members. However, they can be even more powerful when infused with personal anecdotes and reflections from friends. Inviting close friends to share their memories during the event lets everyone hear different facets of your Loved One’s personality. It can be both heartwarming and healing to hear how they touched others’ lives, showcasing their humor, kindness, or passions.

Encourage speakers to share stories, not just about the accomplishments, but about the little moments that made your Loved One who they were. Consider creating a comfortable environment for sharing, like a circle of chairs or cozy seating, which can help ease nervousness and foster an atmosphere of warmth and connection.

Hold it in a Unique Place

Choosing the right venue for a celebration of life can significantly affect the tone of the event. Instead of a traditional funeral home, think outside the box and opt for a location that held meaning to your Loved One. This could be a beach where they spent summers or the downtown bowling alley they frequented every Wednesday.

A special location often evokes cherished memories and creates a more personal atmosphere. The setting can inspire storytelling, laughter, and even communal activities that reflect what your Loved One enjoyed the most. Choosing a unique venue not only honors their life but can also uplift those in attendance, reminding them of the joy your Loved One brought to their lives.

Hand Out Favors

When you think of a funeral, you don’t typically think about gift bags, but handing out favors can be a thoughtful gesture and meaningful way to have others carry your Loved One’s legacy with them after the ceremony ends.

Personalized favors can be anything from seed packets with your Loved One’s favorite flowers to prayer cards to an engraved Keychain. Each favor acts as a tangible reminder of the event, a conversation starter, or a way to prompt memories each time it’s seen.

Decorate with Personal Treasures

We all have collections of things we love, whether books, guitars, artwork, or yard gnomes. Consider decorating the celebration of life venue with your Loved One’s treasures and trinkets to help enrich the atmosphere and evoke memories for those who attend.

The decorations should reflect the essence of your Loved One, creating a space that’s not only filled with memories but also celebrates the joy they brought to all. After the ceremony ends, encourage friends to bring home one of the treasures, so that your Loved One’s memory can be shared with all who knew them.

Celebrate Your Loved One’s Legacy

Celebrations of life turn a somber time into a joyous occasion that remembers someone who meant so much to you. Continue this, even after the ceremony, by taking time to reflect on the happy memories you shared. While tears are still sure to be shed, they’ll be joined by smiles as you think about all of the wonderful days you had together.

Please know we’re thinking of you and wishing you the best on your journey to healing.