Sympathy Cards Guide: How To Choose One & What To Write
Adam Binstock
Looking for the perfect Sympathy Card for your loved one or friend? In this guide we'll talk about which card to choose and how to write a message.
Collection: Celebration Of Life Planning
Welcome to our Celebration Of Life Planning Resource- a collection of useful tips for embracing the memory of someone special in a personal, meaningful, and creative way.
It is our mission to help you cherish the life of your loved one, honor enduring legacies, and nurture healing.
Below you will find our memorial and grief experts share their experience, advice, and research for celebrating the life of your loved one in a positive and healing way.
What Is A Celebration of Life?
A celebration of life is a unique and personal ceremony that honors the life of a loved one.
Instead of the rituals and customs associated with traditional funerals, a celebration of life usually has a postive and uplifting tone.
Another big difference is flexibility. A celebration of life can be formal or informal, religious or secular, and it can take place soon after death or weeks or even months later. It can also be held anywhere.
If you're interested in finding out more about these ceremonies, we recommend reading our guide about What is a celebration of life?
Why Choose a Celebration of Life?
Uplifting Tone
Remember your loved one in a joyous & loving way.
It's more personal
Create a ceremony to appropriately celebrate their life.
More Flexible
Choose a time, place, and theme that works for your family & friends.
Less Formal
Create a program and dress code that is appropriate for your loved one.
Planning a Celebration Ceremony
If you have the honor of planning a Celebration of Life Ceremony for your loved one, you might be a little overwhelmed about how to start.
To help you get started, our memorial experts have prepared a series of planning resources around program templates, ideas for venues, party themes, decorations, and much more.
Celebration of Life Planning Resources
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Ceremony Planning Checklist
START PLANNINGNot sure how to start planning a Celebration of Life Ceremony? In this guide, we give you a step by step list of everything you need to do to start planning the perfect ceremony for your loved one. Start working through each decision you need to make today.
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Celebration of Life Program Ideas
SEE OUR PROGRAMSIf you're looking to create a Celebration of Life Service that is deeply personal & meaningful for your loved one, choosing the right elements is key. In this guide will give you all the ideas & examples for you to design the perfect program.
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Unique Ceremony Venues
SEE OUR IDEASWas your loved one a person that was larger than life? Give them the perfect send off with one of these unique places to hold a Celebration of Life Ceremony. Here are 15 favorite ideas to say good bye to your loved one.
Celebration of Life Ideas
Are you looking for some thoughtful and meaningful ways to pay tribute to your loved one?
To give you some inspiration, we've put together a list of some ideas that you can use to celebrate the life of your loved one.
From a memory table to a balloon release, we're sure you'll find something perfect.
Traditional Funerals Vs Celebration of Life Ceremonies
If you're curious about a celebration of life, you're probably wondering how the ceremony is different from a traditional funeral service. And the answer might surprise you. The differences between the two memorials can be very little or night and day. If you want to know the key differences such as tone, location, and timing, you can read through this article.
Celebration of Life Etiquette: What Should You Expect?
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Common Etiquette
SEE OUR GUIDEIn general the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and more positive. However you should always attend a celebration of life with respect and sensitivity.
Find out everything you need to know before attending a ceremony.
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What Should You Wear?
SEE OUR GUIDENot sure what to wear to a Celebration of Life Ceremony? Don't make these common mistakes when dressing for these events.
In this article, our experts discuss what is appropriate, what not to do, and we provide lots of examples of the perfect outfit.
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What Should You Say?
SEE OUR GUIDEIf you're like most people, knowing what to say and what not say at a Celebration of Life Ceremony can be confusing.
In this article, our experts give examples on what to say to a grieving family and also discuss what to include in a speech.
What To Bring To A Celebration Of Life?
If you haven't been to a celebration of life ceremony before, you're probably not sure what's the right thing to bring. In this article, we discuss what type of gifts, food, and sympathy cards are appropriate to bring.
Latest Articles About Celebration of Life
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30 Unique Sympathy Gift Ideas That Will Bring Comfort To Someone At Loss
Adam BinstockSearching for a sympathy gift that will help someone going through a difficult time? Here are some unique ideas that are great for all types of people.
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Celebration Of Life Poster Board Ideas
Adam BinstockWant to decorate your Celebration of Life Ceremony with a Poster Board? Here are some fantastic ideas for all types of celebrations.
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Celebration of Life Poems For All Types Of Ceremonies
Adam BinstockNeed some heartfelt celebration of life poems for your ceremony? Here is our list of poems for all types of memorials.
FAQ About Celebration Of Life Memorial Services
How long does a celebration of life last?
A Celebration of Life ceremony time can vary, but it typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours. The actual length can differ based on cultural, personal, and logistical factors.
Is it inappropriate to wear black to a celebration of life?
While black is traditionally associated with mourning in many cultures, wearing it to a celebration of life is not inherently inappropriate. However, it's essential to consider the wishes and cultural practices of the deceased's family, as some might prefer guests to wear colorful or casual attire to reflect the celebratory nature of the event.
Do you bring flowers to a celebration of life?
Bringing flowers to a celebration of life is generally not a great idea. Sending flowers to the family before or after the event is more appropriate. It's a good idea to check any invitations or announcements related to the event or ask the family or organizers in advance, as some may specify preferences or suggest alternatives, like making a donation to a specific charity in lieu of flowers.
Can the memorial service be a religious or spiritual event?
Yes, a celebration of life can be a religious or spiritual event. While it often has a more secular or informal tone than traditional funerals, it can incorporate religious or spiritual elements, readings, and rituals based on the beliefs and preferences of the deceased and their family. The format is flexible and can be tailored to honor the individual's life in a way that feels most appropriate to the loved ones.
Is it OK not to attend a celebration of life?
Yes, it's OK not to attend a celebration of life. People may have various reasons for not attending, such as personal obligations, emotional difficulties, or geographical constraints. If you can't attend, it's considerate to send a message or card expressing your condolences or sharing a memory, so the family knows you're thinking of them.
Who should speak at the celebration service?
At a celebration ceremony, speakers often include close family members, friends, and sometimes spiritual or religious leaders. Colleagues or others with a special connection to the deceased might also share memories or reflections. The selection of speakers varies based on personal and cultural preferences.
Do you bring gifts to this type of memorial service?
Gifts are usually not expected, however it's a nice way to pay tribute to the grieving family.
You might consider bringing a sympathy card, sympathy gift, or making a memorial donation.
It's always best to consider any specific wishes or guidelines provided by the family or event organizers.