Losing a loved one is a difficult emotional experience, but a funeral doesn’t have to be somber memorial. Plenty of people would rather be remembered with a party, and a celebration of life is an upbeat alternative to a traditional funeral. It brings friends and family together for sharing and caring with favourite food, flowers, music, decor and more.
Whatever your loved one’s interests or personality, a well-planned celebration of life is a customised event informed by the things that made a person special. It’s a personal and uplifting occasion where tears and laughter are equally welcome.
What makes a great celebration of life? Gardenia Funerals outline the essentials for planning a beautiful and fitting tribute.
Traditional funeral or celebration of life?
There are two basic types of memorial services: a traditional funeral and the more modern celebration of life.
A celebration of life is a bit like a party with a purpose—and that purpose is to remember a loved one in a personal, festive or fun way. The location can be a funeral home with a reception space, a place of worship, a family member’s house or a place that was special to the loved one being celebrated. Sometimes a casket is present, but often a celebration of life takes place weeks or months after burial or cremation.
Celebrations of life can be modest or elaborate. Some retain the elements of a more formal occasion, while others are very casual. A more traditional family might include some of the more traditional elements of a funeral and supplement them with a few festivities. By contrast, some secular families want a huge and literal party, while others want an intimate, easy, no-ritual reception. It’s all a matter of personal preference.
Modern funeral homes are often designed to host contemporary celebrations, with groups gathered together at round tables, as opposed to sitting in pews, and food and beverages shared at catered receptions. Other indoor venues include restaurants, bars, and private homes. Beaches, parks, farms, and shady spots among the trees are also lovely places to host celebrations. Really, anyplace meaningful to the person who has passed is fair game for a celebration of life.
The point is for guests to be together for community and healing conversation. They laugh, talk, remember, cry and comfort one another. The events are often themed to showcase a passion—and they always are intended to help guests reflect on good and cherished times while making a wonderful new memory.
Rather than a religious leader, a funeral celebrant, family member, friend or other individual might oversee a celebration of life. Services usually reflect the beliefs of the person being celebrated—whether religious, secular or spiritual in nature.
Dependent on religious or cultural beliefs, a traditional funeral service usually lasts a short time, say an hour or two. A celebration of life can also be held in an hour—though if you wish to include food, drinks, music and more, it often lasts longer.
What about celebration of life decorations?
A theme typically informs the decor, and that theme can be something as simple as a favourite colour or a hobby. A remembrance table filled with photos and mementos may set the tone. From there, the imagination is the limit. Our professionals deck out a room in hot pink, or put down a dance floor, hang up a mirror ball and turn a space into a disco. We’ve even transformed a reception space into an art gallery and held an English tea in a flower-festooned courtyard.
What do people wear to a celebration of life?
Black is traditional, but not so with a celebration of life. The theme might dictate what people wear. So could the season. Maybe all the guests don team colours or a custom tee. Maybe everyone wears a pop off red. Some celebrations might call for costumes. Shorts and sundresses are more appropriate for a summer barbecue than suits and heels. Whatever the case, make sure to inform your guests about the attire that is expected in advance.
What kind of food is served at a celebration of life?
Food and drink is nearly always at the centre of any kind of celebration, and a celebration of life is no different. Sharing a meal or raising a glass with family and friends brings comfort and joy. Gardenia Funerals locations offer catered receptions from a local provider. In some cases, families may bring in their own food and drinks. If Dad loved Chinese takeout, then surely egg rolls are in order. If your family marked every special occasion with food from a certain Italian restaurant, we can handle the lasagna. If your uncle had a signature drink, be sure to serve it at his celebration of life.
What’s the best music for a celebration of life?
It’s said that music makes the world go round. It can certainly help create an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere. Plus, playing a loved one’s favourite songs can help stir memories and foster connection among guests. Some families hire a single musician. Others ask for a six-piece band. A DJ feels right for certain celebrations, and a personalised playlist keeps costs down.
Readings, prayers and eulogies at a celebration of life?
A celebration of life can include these elements, but it’s more likely that what you’ll see and hear are guests telling funny stories about happy times, or touching memories of the loved one who was lost. In these looser settings without a typical “run of show,” it’s good to assign someone to be the emcee for the event. This ensures that everyone is given an opportunity to share their story, without any one person dominating the conversation.
What are celebration of life mementos?
Small takeaways—tokens of remembrance—are a nice final touch at a personalised gathering. If Dad was an avid golfer, send guests home with personalised golf balls. If Mother was the world’s greatest cook, have her recipes laminated and presented in pretty recipe boxes. If Aunt Betty was known far and wide for her chocolate chip cookies, we’ll see that every guest has a half dozen for the car ride home. These kinds of little touches make an event particularly memorable for guests.