When you lose a loved one, it’s important to remember their best qualities and the positive impact they made on those around them. Funeral services don’t have to be a sad affair; you can create a vibrant celebration of life reception that showcases what made your loved one special. This approach commemorates your loved one’s life and is perfect for bringing friends and family together under sad circumstances.

Your Guide to Planning a Celebration of Life Reception

What Makes It Different?

Traditional funeral services are often formal and repose, consisting of an open- or closed-casket viewing, a speech from loved ones or a religious leader, and then the burial services and reception. A celebration of life follows a similar blueprint, but it includes careful programming to personalize the experience. It’s a time to share stories and enjoy company, and by celebrating a loved one’s life rather than mourning their passing, many people are uplifted and more at peace with the loss.

How Should You Plan?

When planning a funeral service, look into venues for the celebration of life. You may want to do it at the funeral home in place of a traditional service or afterward at a third-party venue. You can also host it at home. It’s a good idea to share responsibilities, such as organizing catering, planning activities, and renting any equipment, and you’ll want to spread the word quickly once everything is in place so funeral attendees have time to add the event to their schedule.

What Does It Consist Of?

A celebration of life can be tailored to your loved one’s personality. Think of parties they used to host and their favorite activities and themes, then base the reception around those ideas. Consider formal and informal clothing, snacks versus meals, whether you want to serve alcohol, and if people will be allowed to share stories or speak. To add another personal touch, you can create a photo board or video slideshow to play and build a playlist of your loved one’s favorite music. Ask other family members to contribute so you have plenty of ideas to choose from.

Remember the positive impact your loved one had on their community and those around them with a meaningful celebration of life ceremony. Since 1940, Sosebee Funeral Home has helped families throughout Canton, GA, plan meaningful funeral services that celebrate lost loved ones. They understand how difficult the experience is, and their staff takes every measure to support customers during the grieving and planning process. They can assist with burial and cremation services, organizing funeral processions, and also handling funeral pre-arrangements. Visit their website to learn more about their services and call (770) 479-2131 to speak with a member of the staff today.