Celebration of Life Announcement
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Time to read 6 min
The loss of a loved one is always difficult, but a Celebration of Life provides an opportunity to honor the person in a meaningful way. Writing an effective announcement is a critical step in ensuring that everyone who cared for the departed can participate in this uplifting event.
What Is a Celebration of Life Announcement?
A Celebration of Life announcement is usually written but is sometimes oral. It is shared with family, friends, and the larger community to inform them of an event intended to honor and celebrate the life of a deceased individual. It serves as an official notice to invite people to come together and remember the person who has passed away, often in a setting that reflects the person’s interests, character, and wishes.
How is this different from a funeral announcement?
A funeral announcement usually focuses on the somber aspects of death through the schedule of traditional services. In contrast, a Celebration of Life announcement emphasizes the joyous aspects of the departed’s life. A major difference is that the event tends to be less formal.
Is the announcement the same as an invitation?
Not quite—an announcement is a general notice, often made publicly, whereas a Celebration of Life Invitation is a more personalized request, asking someone to attend the event. Invitations often follow the initial announcement and contain more detail.
Types of Celebration of Life Announcements
There are two main ways to deliver Celebration of Life announcements: on paper and digitally.
Paper Announcements
This is the more traditional type of announcement. Paper announcements are printed and mailed out to recipients. They may include artistic elements like a photo, custom typography, and personal details about the departed.
Digital Announcements
Digital announcements have gained popularity among the technologically savvy. It’s easy to create an elegant design and to disseminate announcements quickly to reach a wide audience in a short amount of time. Methods to release digital announcements include:
Email
Social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Memorial website updates or blog posts
Digital invitations via platforms like Evite or Paperless Post
Community or group chat messages (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Details to Include in an Announcement
There are a few things to include in a Celebration of Life Announcement.
Key things to include:
The full name of the departed
Date of birth and date of passing
Location, date, and time of the Celebration of Life
Brief biography or description of the departed
Contact information for RSVPs and queries
Whether an RSVP is required
Optional things to include:
Theme or special focus of the event (e.g., a balloon release, music night)
Dress code, if any
In lieu of flowers, preferred charitable donations
Details about virtual attendance options
Celebration of Life Announcement Examples
Celebration of Life Template for a Mother
In Full Bloom: A Day to Honor Linda Marie Thompson
Dear Beloved Family and Friends,
The sunflowers in the field stand tall and radiant, reminding us of the joy and warmth Linda brought into our lives. Her laughter was our daily sunshine; her love, our perennial bloom.
Please join us in a garden of memories and love as we celebrate the radiant life of Linda Marie Thompson.
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Thompson Family Garden, 123 Sunflower Lane
Dress Code: Floral Prints and Vibrant Colors
Bring your favorite story, poem, or song that reminds you of Linda. We'll share these as we surround ourselves with the blooms she loved so dearly.
Virtual attendance via Zoom is also available for those who cannot make it in person.
Please RSVP by October 1st. For more details, reach out to Jessica Thompson.
Let's honor Linda in a setting as vibrant and warm as the life she led.
With Petals of Love,
The Thompson Family
Celebration of Life Template for a Father
Sailing Towards the Sunset: A Celebration of Life for James 'Jim' William Harrison
Ahoy Family and Friends,
Like a seasoned sailor navigating the Seven Seas, Jim Harrison guided us through life's complex waters with wisdom, love, and a sense of adventure.
Set your compasses and join us as we hoist the sails for an afternoon voyage to celebrate the remarkable life of our Captain, Jim.
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Harrison Family Lakehouse, 789 Nautical Drive
Dress Code: Nautical or Marine-Themed Attire
Prepare to cast your favorite "Jim-isms," tales, or sea shanties into the gathering. We'll collect these pearls of wisdom in a commemorative treasure chest.
For those who can't sail with us in person, we'll provide a livestream via Zoom.
Please drop your anchor and RSVP by November 5th. For more details, navigate to Phillip Harrison.
Let's celebrate Jim in a way that honors his spirit—full sails, open hearts, and a horizon filled with cherished memories.
Anchored in Love,
The Harrison Family
Celebration of Life Template for a Grandparent
Cookies & Wisdom: A Gathering to Celebrate Eleanor 'Nana' Rosewood
Greetings Beloved Clan,
Nana Rosewood's kitchen was more than a place for cookies and casseroles—it was a sanctuary where generations found kindness, advice, and, of course, her famous chocolate chip cookies.
Let us come together in a garden filled with the scent of rosewood and freshly-baked cookies to honor the woman whose life recipe was a blend of love, wisdom, and a dash of mischief.
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Rosewood Family Garden, 456 Serenity Lane
Dress Code: Garden Party Attire
Please bring your cherished 'Nana-isms' or recipes inspired by her to add to a memory scrapbook we'll compile for all of us to share.
If you can't join us in the garden, a virtual pot of tea will be brewing via Zoom for remote attendance.
Kindly RSVP by October 15th. For more details, contact Jane Peterson.
Join us to celebrate a life as rich as Nana's signature cookies.
Sweetly Yours,
Jane Peterson
Celebration of Life Template for a Young Person
Press Play: A Level-Up Celebration for Alex Jordan Smith
Hey Everyone,
In the game of life, Alex was our superstar player—always scoring points for kindness, unlocking levels of creativity, and reminding us that life is better when you're part of a team.
Join us for an epic gathering as we press 'play' to celebrate Alex's high-score life.
Date: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: The Smith Arcade, 321 Gamer Lane
Dress Code: Gaming or Pop Culture Merchandise
We'll have consoles set up for multiplayer games, a photo booth with Alex's favorite game characters, and a graffiti wall for everyone to tag their most cherished memories of him.
For friends who can't attend in person, we'll be live streaming on Zoom.
Please RSVP by September 22nd. For more info, hit up Tracie Smith.
Let's gather, level-up, and remember the joy Alex brought to our lives.
Game On,
The Smith Family
Celebration of Life Template for a Small Child
In the Spirit of Play: Celebrating Oliver 'Ollie' Moon's Life
Dear Loved Ones,
In his short time with us, Ollie taught us the magic of simplicity—how a cardboard box could become a castle and how a smile could brighten even the cloudiest day.
Please join us in a colorful world where imagination takes flight as we honor the joy and love that Ollie Moon sprinkled into our lives.
Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Moon Family Park, 789 Rainbow Road
Dress Code: Bright Colors and Costumes Encouraged
We'll have arts and crafts stations, story-time corners, and a bubble celebration as we share our favorite 'Ollie Moments.'
For those who can't attend in person, we'll be sharing live through Zoom.
Kindly RSVP by September 24th. For more details, contact Deborah Shannon.
Let's fill the air with the laughter, imagination, and youthful spirit that Ollie so generously shared with us.
With Hugs and Bubbles,
The Shannon Family
Celebration of Life Invitations
A Celebration of Life invitation is a more personalized version of the announcement: it directly asks someone to attend the celebration and usually includes a personal note or memory.
What information to include:
All the key details found in the announcement
Specifics about any roles the invitee might have (e.g., speaker, performer)
Personalized messages or anecdotes
How to create one
In an invitation, use much of the same information as the announcement but add some personal touches. You can use design software or just simple word processing tools to create the invitations and then send them out digitally or print them. Some people opt for custom-designed invitations that encapsulate the personality of the departed.
Software you can use to design your invitations includes:
Canva: Allows you to design from scratch or use pre-existing templates, then download or directly email your design.
Paperless Post: Offers a range of templates, including options for memorial events and Celebrations of Life.
Evite: Provides free and premium digital invitations that you can customize and send via email.
Greenvelope: Specializes in eco-friendly digital invites with a sophisticated look.
Crafting a Celebration of Life announcement is not just a logistical necessity but a heartfelt endeavor to honor the life and legacy of a loved one. It's the first, crucial step in bringing people together to remember and celebrate a life well lived.