A Life Celebration focus is something that sets our business apart from other funeral home facilities. In fact, we prefer to be called a “Life Celebration Home” instead of a funeral home. Through the lens of honoring the whole life, we work with our client families to co-create a fitting and unique tribute focused on sharing the memories and stories that were part of that life. A celebration of life is ideally designed with input from the one who will be honored.
If possible, this is a conversation that can take place before a death occurs. Asking your loved ones about how they want to be remembered, what they are most passionate about, and what they envision their Life Celebration including can be helpful places to start. If you are thinking about your own future services, consider meeting with a pre-planning consultant to get some of your ideas in writing before they are needed. These steps can help immensely when the actual time of need arises since you won’t be left guessing what your deceased loved one would want.
A traditional funeral service can include up to four different parts. First, the funeral wake is a meeting where the body may be displayed to the public. It is a time for those who wish to offer sympathies to the family to meet with them. It is also an ideal opportunity to pay your final tribute and “say goodbye” to the deceased. The emotional benefits of this type of closure are heralded by many professionals who support grieving individuals.
The funeral service itself is next and is a time of remembrance and honoring. After the funeral, a graveside committal traditionally follows. Finally, a reception for close family and friends may be the last formal part of the full funeral service. The full funeral service will feel familiar and comforting for those who hold closely to tradition and religious formats.
A less formal offering might be a celebration of life. This type of honoring event is often held after the remains have been handled. This means the timing of the event could take place several weeks or months after the death date. It could honestly look like anything you and your family desire. Centering an event around the passion or hobby of the deceased can be very meaningful. For example, if Grandma was an artist, perhaps you will gather for a paint night where you spend time together creating art and sharing stories about her.
