Preplanning what will happen after your death ensures that you receive the services you want and that the burden of planning is off your loved ones’ shoulders. Instead of a traditional funeral service, you may opt for a celebration of life, which is a gathering for those closest to you to find peace in a way personal to your life and legacy. Here are five ways to customize yours.

Ideas for a Celebration of Life

1. Have a Potluck Party

Friends and loved ones all contribute a dish at your celebration of life potluck party. You can choose to have everyone bring favorites or you can select meals that hold some significance, like a favorite holiday dish or the dinner from your wedding day. You can also have a theme such as all breakfast foods or a cultural cuisine like Mexican or Italian.

2. Plant a Memorial Tree

Plant a tree either in your yard or at a favorite park along with a memorial plaque. Hold a ceremony for the planting and have a gathering either at the location or another significant place afterward. The tree can be a spot where loved ones can get together every year to reminisce and share memories. Be sure to get permission before planning in a public place.

3. Travel Somewhere Special

If there was a place you loved visiting on vacation or if there is a location you never got to see, plan a celebration of life around that. Close friends and family can travel in your honor, and if you are cremated, they may be able to scatter your ashes.

4. Schedule a Game

Do you have a favorite sport? Your celebration of life can be a special game where family and friends have an amicable face-off. Anything from soccer to golf can be set up at a local field or course. You can also schedule a bowling tournament at your favorite alley. Or tailgate at stadium of your favorite team.

5. Celebrate the Holidays

If you have a favorite holiday, turn your celebration into a holiday party. It can be on the actual holiday or you can do a holiday theme. For Halloween, make it a costume party with your favorite candy or for Christmas, make ornaments and donate gifts to a charity.

If you are interested in planning a celebration of life, contact Arndt Funeral Home, LLC. The locally owned funeral home has offered compassionate options for families in the Rochester, NY area since 1975. In addition to funeral services they also provide grief support for grieving loved ones and other resources to get through a difficult time. Call (585) 225-6350 to begin funeral arrangements or visit them online for a look at their offerings.