If you are thinking of celebrating life to honor a loved one, check out these service ideas and other useful information about celebrating life.

One of the most significant aspects of bereavement is the end of the process. A celebration of life can provide an important part of this healing and is a tradition that many come to think of as incredibly cathartic. 

What is the Difference Between a Celebration of Life and a Memorial Service?

The difference between a celebration of life and a memorial service can be readily explained by the thought: modern versus traditional.  While there is not really a bad way to say goodbye, there are a few decisions you will need to make. Like how the service you plan to honor your loved one will resemble and feel. 

Of course, there is the more traditional itinerary of a formal commemorative service. Memorial services often have a religious theme or undertone and are generally (but not always) planned relatively soon after the death of your loved one.

Memorial services often have a religious theme or tone and are typically (but not always) planned relatively shortly after the death of the loved one. 

This can be what you want to do. These celebrations tend to truly emphasize the joy that one loved one brings to others. It may be religious too, but it is also common for a celebration of life to have no religious aspect.

Why Choose a “Celebration of Life” Service? 

Many people decide to honor their loved ones with a celebration of life as a way to bring a joyful and unique feeling to the day. Quite often, the personality of the deceased influences the type of celebration or commemoration we choose to have. Maybe you bid farewell to someone who will be remembered for their love of life, who had a very cheerful spirit. Perhaps he or she had said that they did not want a sad or depressing day in their honor.

At times, traditional burials may feel very heavy and dark. If this does not represent how your loved one lived his or her life, or if it does not appear to be the best way to remember them.  Maybe a celebration of life would be better. During service, you can choose to focus on the happiness your loved one has brought to all others. You can make the day one that encompasses all the memories that you will keep forever in your heart.

5 Memorable Celebration of Life Service Ideas

If you have decided that you are surely a celebration of life is the perfect way to honor a special loved one, and say goodbye to them, the next step is to plan the ceremony. 

There is no right or wrong way to do this, especially if you have confidence in your heart on the way. Whether you are looking for a celebration of life ideas or need inspiration, we have found some special and touching ways that you can plan to celebrate a lost life.

1. Share significant memories with one another.

Gatherings of any size, big or small, can be all the more significant stories about the lost loved one can be shared. It can stir up a variety of emotions, from laughter to tears, and promises to have a feeling of healing and closure in the process.

Here are some great ways to spark conversation and make people laugh and share stories: 

• Presentation of a music-driven memory slideshow.
• Without the albums and the photographic albums.
• Have the guests write a quick memento to read out and share with everyone.

2. Set up a garden to celebrate life.

Your loved one did not need to be a gardener to make this sweet idea something that no one soon forgets. The idea is that life is circular and that new growth and new life will continue to take place. Even long after we’ve left, it’s a sentimental, symbolic way to celebrate your beloved.

Ask the guests to bring their favorite seed or seedling with them to serve. Once you come together, plant each other’s contribution into what will be a beautiful garden that commemorates a well-lived life. You can even ask every guest to share a special memento as they plant their seeds or little flower or plant. 

3. Organize a “paddle out” celebration.

Paddle-out ceremonies can be spiritual and beautiful, especially if you honor someone who was a keen surfer or loved the ocean or the beach.

For this floating memorial service, guests paddle surfboards, usually carrying flowers or leis as they form a human circle. If your loved one has been cremated, you may even scatter some or all of his ashes in the water at the ceremony.

4. Use music to commemorate.

Music has a particular way to capture our hearts’ difficult moments. Your loved one does not need to have been a musician for you to focus on the music you use when celebrating their life.

A gentle thought is to ask each guest to contribute a song that is somehow special to their relationship with the deceased. Set up a playlist to play the service based on all input. Take the idea a step further and ask each person to share their reason for the song they selected.

5. Plan a balloon or lantern release 

Lantern launches have become particularly popular in recent years, mainly in Western culture. There is something really magical about letting a paper lantern float away with the thoughts and prayers of your beloved being at the center of liberation. 

Although balloons may have a similar impact, there are environmental concerns about their liberation as a memorial. Lanterns, however, are generally ecologically friendly. 

A release is a beautiful and memorable way to give guests a sense of finality and peace at the end of the celebration.