Planning a celebration of life planner can be overwhelming and stressful. A professional event planner can help you with everything from selecting a venue to arranging food and activities. They can also handle the details of the memorial service and eulogies.

A celebration of life can take place immediately after a death, or it can be held weeks or even months later. In either case, it’s a good idea to choose a location that is meaningful to the honoree.

Choosing a venue

Choosing a venue for a celebration of life is an important part of the event planning process. It is a chance for family and friends to share memories and love with each other. Unlike a funeral, a celebration of life does not have a set time frame, so it can be held one week or a year after the death.

If possible, choose a location that was special to the deceased. This will add a sense of familiarity and comfort for guests. For instance, if the deceased loved sports, you could host the celebration of life at their favorite football stadium.

Once you have decided on the date and venue, you can start preparing for the celebration of life. Begin by making a list of potential guests and their contact information. This will help you plan the number of guests, which will influence the cost of the event. You should also consider the logistical requirements, such as food, drinks, and rentals.

Organizing the food

Celebrations of life can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like. Unlike a funeral service, they don’t have to follow any strict order of events and can include activities that reflect the deceased’s personality and hobbies. This flexibility allows you to choose a venue that will be meaningful to your loved one, such as a bowling alley or their favorite restaurant.

Many people choose to hire a celebrant for the event, as they can help guide you through the process of planning and organizing the ceremony. They can also offer advice on how to select a venue, food, and entertainment. They can also help you determine how many guests to invite and what type of event to host.

During the event, you can invite family members and friends to share their memories of your loved one. This can be a great way to connect with others and comfort one another. These stories can range from funny anecdotes to heartfelt eulogies.

Organizing the activities

A celebration of life event can be as structured or informal as you want it to be. It may have a specific program with opening remarks, readings or poems, eulogies, and closing thoughts or words. It can also include activities that are relevant to the deceased. For example, if your loved one enjoyed music, you might play their favorite songs.

A photo memory board or memorial table is another way to honor your loved one. These displays are a great way to spark conversation and bring back memories. You can also make a video tribute or ask friends and family to send you their photos.

While a traditional funeral often involves readings and hymns, a celebration of life service can be more creative. You can choose a location that feels meaningful and hold the event at any time of day. It doesn’t have to be in a place of worship, but it can be in a restaurant, a private room, or even outdoors.

Organizing the entertainment

A memorial event is a great way to honor your loved one. It can be an elegant party or a casual gathering. Either way, you want to ensure that everyone is happy and feels included. The best way to do that is to organize entertainment for the celebration. You can include live music, a slideshow, and other items that are meaningful to your loved one.

In addition to music, you may also want to have a few speakers at the event. It is a good idea to have those who wish to speak prepare their remarks beforehand, as having an open mic can become chaotic. It is also important to have someone who can introduce the speakers and help them with their preparation.

You can also have a charity component to the event, especially if your loved one was passionate about charitable work. This is a great way to give back to the community and keep your loved one’s memory alive.