Simply Cremation
What is a Celebration of Life Ceremony?
As more Americans move away from traditional funerals, cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, offer families alternate ways to honor the departed. One of those options is a Celebration of Life Ceremony.
Key Takeaways:
- A celebration of life ceremony is a gathering for friends and family who are grieving to celebrate the life of the person who has died.
- The main purpose of a celebration of life is to let people say goodbye and remember the person who has died.
- Celebrations of life can also be held after someone dies from natural causes, like an illness or accident.
- A celebration of life is usually an informal event that focuses on remembering the person’s life.
Here is everything you need to know about it and whether it is suitable for you and your loved one.
A Celebration of Life ceremony, like a funeral, is about honoring a person after their death, with one distinct difference. The ceremony is about celebrating their life instead of mourning the passing.
That’s not to say people are not allowed to grieve. It is okay to cry and console one another. However, greater focus is given to the positive aspects of the deceased’s life by sharing memories and stories.
In terms of structure and formality, COLs are equally as flexible as traditional services. They can be simple, informal gatherings, well-choreographed spectacles, or something more in the middle.
Either way, they still serve the same purpose – to help the family and the community to accept and honor the death of their loved ones.
Difference between a Celebration of Life and a Funeral
Despite the similarity in purpose, there are three main differences between a celebration of life and a funeral.
The first is timing. A COL can happen weeks or months after the death, unlike a standard funeral. That also means the body is typically absent. However, it is not uncommon for cremated remains to be present.
Secondly, the mood and tone are mixed. Not entirely somber. Not completely all laughter and storytelling. Usually more of the latter than the former, though. As a result, the vibe is customarily more relaxed than a funeral.
Thirdly, there is more room for personalization in COLs than in a funeral. It is practically endless. Some personalization ideas range from playing the deceased’s favorite songs and bands to creating a theme for the celebration based on their sports team.
Should I choose a COL for me or my loved one?
A traditional funeral or memorial service is formal and structured. So, if that is your thing, go for it. If it isn’t, consider a Celebration of Life ceremony.
You should also consider it if you are not a member of any religious community or prefer a lighter approach to final farewells. And if you are a non-traditionalist, you can take advantage of COL’s flexibility to provide the perfect farewell for your loved one.
However, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can incorporate elements of a traditional service into your Celebration of Life ceremony and vice versa. Just make sure the mixture matches the deceased’s preferences and personality.
Ideas for a Celebration of Life Ceremony
One defining benefit of Celebrations of Life is endless freedom. There is no religious guideline or social expectation to follow. Thus, you can do anything you want, as long as you are not breaking the law.
Here are some ideas:
- Play a video slideshow
- A memory table of their hobbies and passions
- Keepsakes
- Make a guest scrapbook
There is no limit to whatever idea you might have, and none is too much. Reach out to us at Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements. We can handle your cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, and help you bring your Celebration of Life plans to life after. Call us now or stop by our location to talk to our brilliant staff.
