Celebration of Life
Celebration of life parties can be themed around anything, for honoring anyone. The celebration of life party is only limited by one's imagination. This is a loving event to honor someone who has passed. It is also a way for the guests to connect with each other and share their memories. There is no time limit for the celebration to take place. Due to changing seasons or the distance to travel, the party may not occur for some time.
A life celebration party can be as simple as a quiet gathering of people who are of the same mind, or it can be organized with speakers and a party atmosphere.
The person of honor may be living and be able to attend the party.
Celebration of life parties can be held for someone who is facing a terminal illness. There may be a large or small gathering of family and friends who want to honor that special person in their lives. An uplifting gathering where stories are told that bring about laughter and even tears while the person being honored is comforted and blessed with knowing how much they have touched others’ lives.
This can be a time for the person being honored to talk about their life, and what they have learned, things that they have accomplished along the way and even a time for passing on life lessons.
A celebration party, allows for good-byes and closure. People are able to come together, who may not have opportunity, otherwise.
The honored guest may have ideas as to who to invite, the type of music to be played pictures for a slide show or other details.
Celebration of life parties are also to honor the life of someone no longer with us.
We honor them for all the things that they have given us, and shared with us, and for all the wonderful memories that they leave with us. When a person's life has ended, we like to hold on to what they have meant to us. The gathering of all the things dear to them, memories and keepsakes all help keep us feeling close and connected to each other. Their life accomplishments, big and small, their affect on family and community, and their personal philosophy are all celebrated.
Ideas for Celebration of Life Parties
*The celebrants can meet at a private home, a hall, restaurant, park, on the beach –where ever is appropriate for the gathering. Do not over look the more untraditional places to meet. A bowling alley would be appropriate, if the honored one, loved to bowl.
*Speeches can be planned and prepared, or be informal with guests speaking as they are moved to do so. The speeches may take place all at one time, or be interspaced throughout the celebration.
*A memory table may hold objects that were loving symbols of their life. Hobbies and collectables can be displayed as well as other things they loved or had a passion for. Pictures of family and friends and pets are also to be included.
* Music that had meaning, or was well liked by the honored guest may be played. Perhaps there may be uplifting or comforting music that would be appropriate. Songs that remind the guests of their loved one might be fitting also.
*Party favors might be as simple as packets of seeds for the guests to take home for planting. As the plants grow, the loving memories continue to grow. Other favors might be copies of favorite poems or verse, or original writings, to be placed at each table setting, small bags of candies or favorite recipes that were loved.
* A slide show or video may be played throughout the event. The photos do not all have to be of a serious nature. Some can be whimsical or amusing. These can be made up of contributions from extended family and friends.
*A guest book should be available for all attending to sign. Words of comfort and comments can be written if there is space in the guest book to hold them.
* Another idea is to hand out small blank notebooks for the guests to share a story and return to the family at a later time. The family may want to compile the stories into a booklet for all to read and as a memoriam to the deceased. (This would be a loving tribute for the family to see how their loved one has touched others.)
*Balloons can be released in their memory, instead of a note card white on the balloon with a felt tip marker.
*Butterfly releases are another way to honor your loved one, you can find more info on that here
*Food served could be something the celebrant loved to eat. The food could range anywhere from a full meal, to food enjoyed on a special vacation, or be a simple dessert table.
*Guests may be asked to contribute a dish or dessert that they knew the celebrant enjoyed. A guest may bring their own favorite dish to the celebration party also.
*Plant a tree or special plant in their honor. Many parks have a dedication plaque or bench where you can have a special inscription dedicated to your loved one.
*Scatter their ashes at sea or a special location (confirm the local laws on this in the area).
*Dediicate a Star in their honor. StarRegistry.com or StarFoundation.net
*Light a memory candle
* A wonderful gift idea is Memorial Jewelery which can be bought for family or yourself in memory of you loved one.