Celebration of Life: Everything You Need to Know

Gaunts of Kidderminster
May 30
4 min read

As funeral traditions continue to evolve, more families are choosing to honour their loved ones with a celebration of life. This type of memorial offers a more uplifting, personal way to say goodbye — focused on memories, joy, and legacy rather than mourning alone.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a celebration of life is, what happens during one, and how you can plan a heartfelt and meaningful tribute. Whether you're organising an event or attending one, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Celebration of Life?

A celebration of life is a memorial event that honours a person’s life and personality in a positive, reflective way. It can be held instead of, or in addition to, a traditional funeral.

Unlike a formal service in a church or crematorium, a celebration of life is more casual and often more personalised. It might include:

Sharing stories and laughter
Playing the person’s favourite music
Displaying photos and keepsakes
Enjoying food and drink together
Holding the event in a meaningful location (e.g. a garden, hall, or even their favourite pub)

The focus is on remembering the good times and creating a space where friends and family can come together to honour their loved one in a way that feels right.

What Happens at a Celebration of Life?

Because celebrations of life are highly personal, there’s no fixed format. However, a typical event might include:

A Welcome or Opening Speech - Someone may begin by welcoming guests and explaining the tone of the gathering.
Tributes and Speeches - Friends or family members might share stories, memories, or poems.
Photos, Videos, or Music - A slideshow or playlist of the person's favourite songs often accompanies the event.
Sharing Food and Drink - This could be a casual buffet, afternoon tea, or something themed to reflect the person’s personality.
Activities or Personal Touches - Examples include memory jars, tree planting, lighting candles, or encouraging guests to wear colours that represent the loved one.

You can make it as formal or informal as you wish — from something similar to a traditional memorial, to a relaxed get-together filled with laughter and storytelling.

What to Wear to a Celebration of Life

Unlike traditional funerals, where black attire is expected, a celebration of life is often more colourful. The dress code may be:

Smart casual or even casual, depending on the venue
Bright colours or the deceased’s favourite colour
Theme-based, such as sporting shirts, Hawaiian shirts, or floral patterns

If you’re unsure, check the invitation or ask the organiser. If no guidance is given, opt for respectful but informal clothing in softer colours.

What to Say at a Celebration of Life Party

If you’re attending and want to contribute or speak, here are some ideas of what you could say:

Share a favourite memory or funny story
Talk about the impact the person had on your life
Offer comforting words to family and friends
Read a short poem or meaningful quote

Most importantly: speak from the heart. Whether you make people laugh, smile, or cry, it will be appreciated.

If you're not speaking formally, simply expressing sympathy and sharing a kind word with the family can mean a lot.

How to Plan a Celebration of Life

Planning a celebration of life gives you creative freedom — but also requires thoughtful coordination. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Date and Venue - This could be shortly after the funeral or weeks/months later. Think about the tone — relaxed, formal, indoors, outdoors?
Create a Guest List - Include family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and anyone who would want to share in the remembrance.
Decide on the Tone - Will it be spiritual, reflective, humorous, or casual? This helps guide the music, readings, and dress code.
Include Personal Touches - Think about:
- Favourite songs or artists
- Food they loved
- Display boards, video montages, or memory books
- Table centrepieces with personal items or flowers
Prepare Speeches or a Schedule (if needed) - Decide whether to include formal speeches or keep it free-flowing. A gentle structure can help the event run smoothly.
Communicate with Guests - Let attendees know the details, dress code, and whether they’re invited to contribute in any way (e.g. bringing a photo or memory).
Consider Keepsakes - Some families offer guests a small token like a bookmark, candle, or seed packet as a reminder of the day.

Is a Celebration of Life Right for You?

Many people choose this kind of service when:

The person was joyful, unconventional, or didn’t want a sombre funeral
A traditional religious service doesn’t reflect their beliefs
The family prefers to create a relaxed and communal atmosphere
It’s held after a private or direct cremation, giving more time to plan something meaningful

It’s not about replacing grief — it’s about remembering with love, laughter, and connection.

In Summary

A celebration of life is a beautiful way to honour a loved one’s memory — not by focusing on the pain of loss, but by cherishing the joy they brought into the world.

Whether you’re planning an event or attending one, remember: there’s no ‘right’ way to celebrate a life. Do what feels personal, respectful, and true to the person you’re remembering.

At Gaunts of Kidderminster, we’re here to help you create a service that reflects your loved one’s spirit — however you choose to remember them.