Planning a Celebration of Life: Ideas for Saying Goodbye

4 May 2023
 Categories: , Blog

Share

Losing a loved one is perhaps the most difficult thing you will ever experience, but planning a celebration of life can help you and your family say goodbye in a meaningful and memorable way. A celebration of life is a more positive and uplifting way of remembering a loved one's life rather than focusing on their death. Below are some ideas to help you plan a celebration of life that truly honours your loved one.

Choose a Unique Venue

While a traditional funeral service may be held in a church or funeral home, a celebration of life can be held in a variety of unique venues. Think about the person you are celebrating and their interests. Did they love the beach or a local park? Was there a favourite restaurant or bar they always frequented? Choosing a unique venue can add a personal touch to the celebration and help especially honour their life.

Incorporate Personal Touches

In addition to choosing a unique venue, incorporating personal touches into the celebration can help make it feel more meaningful. For example, displaying photographs or personal items that belonged to the person being celebrated, playing their favourite music or serving their favourite food or drinks can all help bring their personality to life and make the celebration feel more personal.

Create a Memory Table

A memory table is a table or area set up at the celebration where guests can leave photos, notes or other items in memory of the person being celebrated. This allows guests to participate in the commemoration actively and provides a meaningful way for them to express their condolences and memories.

Consider a Balloon or Lantern Release

A balloon or lantern release can be a beautiful and symbolic way to say goodbye to a loved one. Guests can write messages or memories on balloons or lanterns and release them into the sky, symbolising the release of the loved one's spirit and their journey to the afterlife.

Encourage Storytelling

Sharing stories and memories can be a therapeutic way for family and friends to say goodbye and honour the life of the person who has passed away. Encourage guests to share their favourite memories or stories, or consider setting up a designated area where guests can record or write down their memories to share with the family.

Conclusion

A celebration of life can be a beautiful way to say goodbye. By choosing a unique venue, incorporating personal touches, creating a memory table, considering a balloon or lantern release and encouraging storytelling, you can create a celebration that truly honours your loved one's life and legacy. For more info, speak to a funeral director today.