5 Ways to Celebrate the Life of a Deceased Loved One

Saying good-bye to a loved one is never easy––and there are many ways to celebrate the end of someone’s time on earth. Traditional funerals and memorial services are common ways to prepare a loved one for final rest. A celebration of life service is a way for family and friends to pay tribute in an even more personal manner.

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

A funeral and a celebration of life service both pay tribute to someone who has died. A funeral service is typically more immediate after death, and commonly includes traditional elements such as a viewing at the funeral home, a formal service with speakers and a gathering at the burial site. A celebration of life, however, may be held at time of death or sometime after, similar to a memorial service but with a more celebratory overtone and allows friends and family to honor the life of their loved one in a uniquely personal way.

How do you celebrate the life of a deceased person?

By allowing some time to pass between the time of a person’s passing and a celebration of life service, there’s more time to grieve and heal, notify guests who live further away and plan a celebration that honors the deceased. Celebration of life ceremonies are only as limited as your imagination and can range from quiet gatherings to full-blown parties. Here are five celebration of life ideas:

  1. Create a video or slideshow featuring special moments and loved ones. This can be presented on a large screen or looped over and over for guests to watch throughout the celebration of life service.
  1. Ask attendees to share their favorite memories with a prepared or impromptu speech, photos, videos or even just one-on-one conversations.
  1. Invite guests to make a donation in the deceased’s name to their favorite charity, organization or scholarship fund.
  1. Plant a tree in their memory at a local park or send guests home with seed packets to plant in their own yards to keep the celebration of life ongoing.
  1. Have a release ceremony—bubbles, butterflies or floating lanterns are beautiful, and environmentally-appropriate, ways to celebrate the life of a loved one.

Southern Cremations and Funeral Services Celebration of Life Planning

Creating a unique celebration of life service is one of the most rewarding ways to memorialize and recognize the life of a loved one. For assistance planning a traditional funeral, memorial service or celebration of life, please contact one of our compassionate directors. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you in your immediate time of need and into the future. Visit our website to contact us or call our location nearest you: Marietta, GA (770) 637-1664; Covington, GA (770) 824-0294; or Fairburn, GA (770) 728-6486.

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