Celebration of Life

A celebration of life is a service where the grieving family and caring friends celebrate and pay tribute to a loved one’s memory.

The celebration of life simply stated is sharing life celebrations of your loved one in a setting that welcomes all you want to attend. Many will have the individual’s physical remains in a beautiful urn since there is not a body present.

Because this is the only celebration done in this way, there not really a celebration of life etiquette. You can generally expect to see or participate in life ideas surrounding the happy memories, personality and favorite things of the unique personality of the dearly loved.

Differences Between a Memorial Service, Traditional Funeral & Celebration of Life

Memorial Service

A memorial service is an event that is held in honor of a deceased person. It can take place at a graveside, in a church, at a funeral parlor, or at some other location that is significant to the deceased person or their family. A memorial service is often a more low-key, informal event than a funeral.

Traditional Funeral

A traditional funeral is a more formal ceremonial event that is typically held at a funeral home or in a place of worship. It usually includes a viewing or visitation period, during which the body of the deceased person is on display in a casket, followed by a service, which may include prayers, religious readings, and/or eulogies.

A traditional funeral order has an introduction or welcoming with prayers, hymns, and continuing through to a eulogy until closed with a benediction.

Traditionally a funeral is usually held soon after the person’s death, and it is often followed by a burial or cremation.

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Celebration of Life Service

A celebration of life service is an event that is designed to celebrate the life of a deceased person, rather than focusing on their death. It is typically a more casual, informal event that is held at a location that was significant to the deceased person, such as a park, beach, or their home.

A celebration of life may include live music, readings, slideshows, and other activities that reflect the personality and interests of the deceased person.

Planning a Beautiful Tribute

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When we love someone and they pass, we want to celebrate who they were and their life fully. Eternally Loved specializes in creating memorial events that focus on the life well lived so you can celebrate the way you remember them.

Yes there will be tears, but rather than mourning the passing by having a sad, black, impersonal funeral you want to have a beautiful tribute that highlights the beautiful life of your loved one.

Working with Eternally Loved

By tailoring to their likes and personality, Eternally Loved assists in planning and executing the celebration event handling everything from the dress code to a candle lighting ceremony to the timing a beautiful sunset.

Instead of worrying about all the plans and day-of logistics, you will experience a terrific celebration honoring the tremendous life of your loved one. Spend this time by being surrounded by your friends and family, not worrying about what time the caterer is getting there.

Let Eternally Loved guide you through your journey. We deeply believe in celebrating life, honoring lives lived, and creating a beautiful event. Celebration of Life events are one of the best ways to shed light and love during a difficult time.

Eternally Loved is here to help. Whether you choose a big energetic celebration or an intimate service, the celebration of life ideas and options are endless.

We will help you choose all the vendors and venues and memorable details. Each service is personalized to create the celebration you envision.

What is a Celebration of Life Memorial?

A celebration of life memorial service celebrates the life of the dearly departed. Unlike funerals, the focus of the memorial service is on the life that was lived and less on mourning of one’s death.

When can the celebration be held?

A celebration of life ceremony can be held anytime. It can take place on the anniversary of one’s passing or birthday.

Funerals usually take place within a few days of a death, whereas a Celebration of Life can occur at anytime, which allows time for out of town guests to arrive and time for planning.

Typically we have found that two weeks to 3 months after passing is the perfect time a celebration of life. The bereaved family has had enough time to speak to friends and co workers.

Once the date is chosen, the place is next determined.

What are the differences between a Celebration of Life and a Funeral Service

Funeral Services and Celebrations of Life each involve a ceremony where people gather to share a common loss. However, there are a few distinctions to be made:

Funeral Services

Unlike Celebrations of Life, funeral services are more rooted in traditions and typically have a more somber feeling.

Funeral ceremonies typically take place within one week after the loved one has passed.

Funeral Services have the body of the deceased at the service.

Funerals are commonly held in a funeral home or church and relatively soon after someone’s passing.

Celebration of Life Ceremony

Celebrations of Life are more concerned with telling a story and celebrating the life that was lived. There is more room to be creative with this type of memorial.

There is much more time to plan the event because the body is not present.

Memorials can take place any time. This allows you to make better decisions about how you would like to celebrate the life of a loved one and allow time for people who live great distances to join in the remembrance.

Memorials can take place at any location of your choosing.

Celebration of Life Articles

What to Wear to a Celebration of Life? Planning a Celebration of Life celebration for a loved one or for someone you know can be extremely overwhelming, especially during a sensitive, difficult time. No one wants to go through something like this, and it is best to…
A celebration of life service is a type of memorial service for a loved one or family member that is used as an opportunity to honor and remember the life of a deceased person. These types of memorial services may look different from a traditional funeral service or…

When a family member or loved one passes away, the last thing that you may want to be thinking about is planning a funeral or celebration of life. It can just seem too overwhelming to even begin the process. 

Having the chance to speak at a celebration of life ceremony or funeral service can be both a cause for joy along with a reason to feel fear and worry. It is something that everyone may struggle with and are concerned they will do wrong. During a celebration of life…

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We will contact all service providers, including:

  • Venues
  • Caterers
  • Florists
  • Entertainment/Music
  • Churches
  • Hotels/transportation
  • Photographer/Videographer
  • Décor
  • Any other necessary arrangements

We will consult with you to provide:

  • Invitations
  • Releases
  • Execution of personalized theme
  • Memorable elements
  • Video presentation
  • General coordination