When a loved one passes, the need to say goodbye and commemorate their beautiful life is very important to the healing process. Funerals are a traditional and honorary way to leave the deceased at peace. Formal etiquette and traditions can help put everyone at ease during a difficult time. More unique memorialization ceremonies are gaining popularity, such as cremation services or ash scatterings. These provide more freedom in personalizing the experience tailored to your special person. Alternative to the somber tones of a traditional service, some choose a Celebration of Life. It can be in conjunction with a funeral or cremation service, or an individual event. Celebrations of life are filled with joy, appreciation, love, and laughter of the deceased’s precious life. 

Celebrations of life are centered around the personality and passions of those who've passed. Planning one can be less stressful than the funeral or cremation service, as many find the joy and love felt at the event brings unforgettable peace. They are not usually held at accustomed funeral homes or church, but a family members house, park, garden, or rented venue. Families may choose to have one a few days after the funeral, or annually on the anniversary of death. Celebrants can also be hired to assist in planning the details and leave stress off the family. 

Creating the most meaningful and special celebration includes many parts. The best part, however, is that it is completely up to you. Customization of the event should be made in the entirety of your beloved. Planners often ask important people in the deceased's life to give speeches. This can include positive stories, thoughts, or whatever creates meaning and fills them with love. Other activities can include a lantern release, bike ride, fundraiser, group walk, concert, anything that feels appropriate. Personalization can go further to include floral arrangements, food and beverage, and t-shirts or memorabilia. 

Thespruce.com offers a list of ideas on their website, 

• Ask people to speak about their experiences with the deceased. 

• Encourage the sharing of some humor as well as poignant situations.

• Share memories by asking people to bring photos and mementos.

• Release butterflies to commemorate the release of a person’s pain after a lengthy illness.

• Make a memory book or box and ask everyone to contribute a picture or item.

• Craft a memory quilt with squares of fabric from the person’s clothing.

• Purchase packets of the person’s favorite flower or vegetable seeds, and ask everyone to plant them in honor of the deceased.

• Play a video or slide show of the deceased having fun at different times of his or her life.

• Ask people to jot down a memory of the person on a card and put it in a jar. Later, read these memories aloud or put them together in an email that you send later.

• Make a playlist of the deceased person’s favorite music for everyone to enjoy. 

• Hold a candle-lighting service.

Sit down with friends and family and plan what is the best way to celebrate the deceased. Decide together who will be invited by writing a list with contact information. Pool ideas of appropriate venues and their logistics. Think about what activities you’d like to take place and who would like to speak. Making the process a group effort will be less stressful and bring connection to all the special people in the deceased life. We hope if you decide to host a Celebration of Life, it is filled with love, light, laughter, joy, and remembrance.