A where to have a celebration of life beautiful alternative to the traditional funeral or memorial service. Unlike a typical event, it isn’t burdened by social expectations and can be shaped around the unique lifestyle and personality characteristics of your loved one.
The type of food served can also reflect your loved one’s interests. You can choose to have a potluck, hire a catering company, or offer buffet-style food.
A Place That Was Special to Your Loved One
When choosing a location for your celebration, consider the things that were important to your loved one. For example, if your loved one was a big sports fan, you might want to host the event at the stadium where their team played. If your loved one enjoyed traveling, you could have the ceremony in a place that brings back memories of their favorite destination.
Another thing to keep in mind is how the venue will fit with your loved one’s interests and personality characteristics. For instance, if your loved one was an avid collector, you may want to display some of their prized items.
Another idea is to have a music element that is meaningful to your loved one. You might include a playlist of their favorite songs or allow guests to add their own favorites for an event-wide playlist. You can also opt to host a memory share or tribute video during the ceremony.
A Place That Reflects Your Loved One’s Values
A celebration of life can be held almost anywhere that reflects your loved one’s personality and lifestyle. For example, a museum can be a wonderful setting for a memorial for someone who was an art, history or science lover. Similarly, an event at a wine bar or vineyard can celebrate a love for music, wine and/or culture in a unique way.
Incorporate the person’s interests into the event by including photos of them, displaying memorabilia and showcasing their passions. Many families also include personal touches like a memory board, where guests can write and pin their favorite memories to it.
Allow guests to share stories about your loved one, whether they are funny anecdotes or heartfelt eulogies. This is a special way for people to connect and remember them, and it will help others find solace in the shared experience.
A Place Where You Can Share Stories
A major part of a Celebration of Life is talking about the deceased’s experiences and sharing recollections. The location you choose for the event can play a big role in this aspect of the service. For example, if your loved one was an avid hiker you may want to hold the event at their favorite hiking trail. This will allow attendees to take a walk while reminiscing and also enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Similarly, if your loved one was a huge fan of the ocean, holding their memorial at a beach allows guests to experience the beauty and power of the sea. It can also be a perfect place for scattering their ashes.
Aside from your venue selection it’s important to consider who will orchestrate the event and lead the service. This can be family members who wish to speak or a non-denominational celebrant. You will also need to decide what rituals you wish to incorporate.
A Place Where You Can Eat
A celebration of life is a unique opportunity to honor your loved one for the person they were. By considering their personality traits and interests, you can find the perfect place to host your memorial service.
If your loved one enjoyed traveling, consider holding the event at a destination that holds significance for them. This allows guests to share their own travel memories and experiences while reminiscing about your loved one’s adventures.
If your loved one had a passion for music, a party venue like a club or restaurant could be the perfect spot to hold a celebration of life. Turn up the music, light up the dance floor, and let everyone have a good time remembering your loved one. As an added touch, give everyone a bag of flower seeds that they can take home and plant in memory of your dearly departed. This will be a beautiful reminder of their legacy long after the celebration is over.