Planning a Celebration of Life

A celebration of life at funeral homes Bethlehem, PA, is an event that shows the wonderful life of the deceased and how they have positively impacted the people around them. If you’re tasked with arranging a celebration of life for a lost loved one, then be sure to add a personal element to the event to make it more reflective of that person. 

Consider the below tips to give a meaningful tribute to the deceased at a time when you’re also coping with the loss. 

1. Consider Creative Celebration of Life Ideas 

The first thing you can do is jot down the services you want to include in the celebration of life. The ideas should reflect the amazing life journey of the deceased, but don’t forget the bereaved family members and other mourners. 

Here is some food for thought if you’re having trouble with where to start: 

• Identify the spiritual or religious beliefs of the departed soul. If they were deeply linked to religious activities, then add a religious element in the event. 

• Think of their achievements or traits that make them stand out. It can be anything from their hobbies, passion, life dreams, and contributions for the community and embody these characteristics in the celebration of life. For instance, if the loved one was a music lover, play their favorite music playlist or arrange a short, live ceremony of their favorite band. 

• Also, show the deceased’s different stages of life through a gallery presentation. It will also give audience a chance to better know the loved one and how they grew over time. 

2. Planning a Celebration of Life Event? 

Unlike a funeral, a celebration of life is an informal event where the family and friends meet and honor the wonderful life they lived. While some guests may still be coping with the loss, the overall theme should be festive rather than completely somber – just as the name “celebration” indicates. 

Note that this event is can be arranged a couple of weeks or even months after the loss if you want to wait until the grief is less fresh. 

Depending on your budget, you may invite close friends or invite as many people as possible. It also depends on the deceased’s nature, if they were a jolly and socialite person who loved to bond with people, then think of a big celebration. Else, you may go with a small and more intimate event. 

About venue, you can choose a religious place, a private hotel, a natural place like a beach, or even your family home or the home of a family member. 

3. Checklist for Celebration of Life 

Here is a quick checklist you should keep in your mind: 

• Prepare a guest list and send invitations 

• Choose a preferable data and venue 

• Select a food menu including beverages 

• Whether or not play the music 

• Will you ask the guests to speak out a few words describing the loved one’s life 

• What about photography 

• Internal décor with flowers, ornaments, or themed decorations 

• Mementos 

Try your best to personalize the event as much as possible to embody the uniqueness of your loved one. You can hold a service at funeral homes Bethlehem, PA, as well as a celebration of life.