How to Plan a Celebration of Life Ceremony

After cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, more people are opting for the joyous mood of a celebration of life ceremony over the somberness of traditional funerals.

It’s hard not to see why. They are tailored to the deceased’s personality and character, and each celebration of life event is different from the next.

Another noteworthy characteristic is there are no rules. If you are planning one for a loved one, it’s up to you to choose what feels right. But you can think of the following as helpful tips to help bring your vision to life.

1. Keep the focus on the departed

When planning an exciting event like this, it is easy for decisions to slip into what you want and wish to see instead of what fits the deceased’s personality or character.

Never lose focus on the point of the ceremony — to celebrate the life of your loved one. Let your choices, especially the most consequential ones, fit into that boundary.

A celebration of life focused on the departed will help friends and family say goodbye and begin the healing process.

2. Choose a special location

The best celebrations of life radiate the person’s life from top to bottom, and the location is an ideal place to start. Where was their favorite place? A stadium? A park? Beach? Theater? Art gallery or restaurant?

Even if your loved one didn’t have a favorite place or it’s inaccessible, you can have the celebration of life in an area that encapsulates something they enjoyed. For instance, if they loved the Phoenix Suns, you could have the party in a sports bar.

3. Have a personalized theme

This doesn’t necessarily mean a dress code or decorative theme. It could be as simple as the activities in the order of events. Activities that capture important aspects of their life, like a hobby, career, beloved entertainer, or their culture.

Personalization can extend to everything from decoration to food and refreshments. So, don’t hesitate to go all the way.

If you have trouble coming up with ideas, reach out to the loved one’s inner circle. They might have great suggestions, and planning the event together can be cathartic for them too.

4. Use photos and videos

A celebration of life is a personalized form of memorial service, but it is a memorial all the same. Don’t forget to display photos and videos of the deceased.

It doesn’t have to be a static image or a video on loop in the front of the room. There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what you prefer, but there are other ways to incorporate it into the ceremony.

For instance, you can brand the funeral party favors with photos of the deceased or have guests paint their favorite looks of the person. You can collect them or have guests “buy” the paintings by donating the money to the deceased’s favorite charity.

A celebration of life is a way to reconnect with all the aspects that define your loved one’s life. Alongside cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, we’ve got experience helping families create celebrations of life. Contact us if you need help crafting the perfect life celebration ceremony for your loved one.