It is difficult to cope with the loss of a loved one. Cancer, heart disease, and even accidents can leave us staring at our own mortality, too.
When someone we love dies, we hold a memorial celebration or celebration of life. An event where we get together to express our grief, give thanks for the life lived, and share memories.
A celebration of life may take place after funeral services or in place of funeral services entirely. There are many memorial celebration ideas that will help make yours unique. The best memorial celebrations honor the deceased while bringing comfort and hope to those left behind.
The Best Plans for a Memorial Celebration
Whether you are interested in hosting a small gathering at home or a large celebration at an event hall, there are tons of ways you can make this special event as memorable as possible for all who attend.
Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, but these personalized memorial celebration ideas can help you honor their life and create lasting memories.
- Create a Memory Book
The good times are the ones you want to remember, so give everyone at the memorial service the opportunity to share their favorite stories and pictures of the deceased. Place a stack of printer paper with a few markers near the funeral register and ask guests to write down their fondest memory or draw a picture of the deceased. Then, make copies of all the pages and bind them together to create a memory book that honors your loved one’s legacy.
- Host an Online Memorial
If you have friends and family scattered across the country, it can be hard for everyone to attend a memorial service. If you’re looking for creative ways to honor someone after death, host an online memorial where anyone can log on and share their fondest memories or favorite photos of their loved ones.
- Plant a Tree
Planting a tree serves as a great tribute because it symbolizes strength, growth, and everlasting life. At many national parks around the country, you can buy trees that are planted in your loved one’s name.
- Create A Photo Display
One of the most important things you can do when planning a memorial service is to make sure it is entirely centered around the loved one you are honoring. To make this happen, consider creating a photo display filled with pictures from their life. You can feature photos from their childhood or ones that were taken throughout their life during important moments such as weddings, graduations, and anniversaries. Be sure to include photos of them with family and friends so everyone will have something to talk about and reminisce over together.
What’s The Difference Between A Memorial And A Memorial Celebration?
A memorial service also honors someone who has passed on, but it is more traditional. Generally, a memorial service will take place in a church or funeral home and will be led by a pastor, priest, or other religious leaders.
Both celebrations of life and memorial services can include eulogies or speeches from friends and family members, readings from the Bible or other sacred texts, and music. A celebration of life can be organized with food and beverages as well.
Why Host A Memorial Celebration Or A Celebration Of Life?
Memorial services are a way to honor the life of a deceased loved one. It is a chance to remember the person and celebrate the good times you had together. When we lose someone we love, it is hard to find words of comfort. We want to console our loved ones but sometimes struggle with what to say or how to show our support and love. A memorial celebration of life service can help families express their feelings toward their loved ones, share memories and support each other.
We live in a society where we’re all very busy and our lives are often so full that there’s never enough time to do everything. So, when someone you care about dies it can be difficult to find the time to grieve.
At the heart of it, a celebration of life is a memorial alternative. It is a way to honor someone who has passed on without being confined to the traditional funeral service.
