More and more people are choosing to celebrate a person’s life when they pass away.
When someone close to you dies, it’s natural to grieve, and finding a meaningful way to honour their memory can offer comfort in the midst of that sorrow. For some, that might mean arranging a traditional funeral or memorial service. For others, it might involve a more personal tribute.
We also have a guide to holding a celebration of life, which contains even more useful information.
Many families are now choosing a farewell that reflects who their loved one truly was — their personality, values, and the relationships that meant the most to them.
A celebration of life is one way to do this. It brings people together to share memories, pay tribute, and say goodbye in a way that feels unique, heartfelt and true. If you're considering this type of farewell, we’ve shared some ideas and guidance to help you begin planning.
Celebration of life tributes
A celebration of life can be a more personal and uplifting alternative to a traditional funeral. While grief is still present, the focus shifts to honouring the person’s character, their achievements, and the memories they’ve left behind. It’s a chance to reflect on how they lived, not just how they died, and to express gratitude for the time you had together.
Because these gatherings are often separate from the burial or cremation, there’s usually more time and flexibility to plan something that feels just right. Many people find comfort in creating a farewell that’s as unique as their loved one — something that feels true to their spirit and story.
Celebrations of life tend to be less formal or religious than traditional funerals, though they can be as spiritual or structured as you feel is appropriate. Whether it’s a quiet gathering or a bigger event, the beauty of this kind of tribute is that it’s entirely up to you.
Celebrations of life are often held in meaningful places — perhaps a family home, a favourite park, or a space that held special significance. The atmosphere is usually more relaxed, with fewer expectations around dress or format. Friends and family might share stories, play music, or simply be together — whatever feels most comforting and fitting for the moment.
What do you do at a celebration of life?
There’s no set script for a celebration of life, and that’s part of what makes it so meaningful. Every life is unique, so the way you choose to honour someone should feel personal and true to who they were.
If you’re organising a celebration, the most important thing is to consider what would have mattered most to the person who has died. It can also be helpful to speak with close family and friends to make sure everyone feels included and heard.
Taking time to sit down together and share ideas can bring clarity and comfort. You might want to create a simple plan or running order — something that gives the event shape without making it feel too formal. Some families prefer to lead the ceremony themselves, while others find it helpful to ask a celebrant to guide the gathering.
The beauty of a celebration of life is its flexibility. There’s no pressure to follow tradition or meet anyone else’s expectations. It can be as simple or as detailed as you wish — shaped by memories, music, laughter, and love.
Planning a celebration of life checklist
The most memorable celebrations are those that truly reflect the life, character, and values of the person who has died. There’s no single right way to do this, only what feels right for you and your family.
To help guide you through the planning process, we’ve put together a simple checklist. Think of it as a starting point and something to support you as you create a farewell that feels both personal and heartfelt.
Timing: A celebration of life doesn’t have to happen straight away. Some people choose to hold it soon after the death, while others wait weeks or even months. There’s comfort in knowing you can take the time you need to plan something meaningful.
Type of ceremony: Would you like the gathering to be formal or relaxed? Large or intimate? Religious, spiritual, or entirely personal? There are no rules—only what feels most fitting for your loved one and the people coming together to honour them.
People to invite: Start with immediate family, then think about friends, extended family, neighbours, colleagues, and members of any clubs, faith groups, or communities your loved one was part of. Think about who they connected with, and who might want to say goodbye.
Location: Choose a setting that feels right—this could be a place with special significance, a venue that offers the space and accessibility you need, or somewhere simply peaceful. Consider things like parking, ease of access, and whether the space suits all parts of the event.
Officiant, celebrant, or host: Who will lead the celebration of life? If the deceased was religious or spiritual, the celebrant or officiant might have a standard service that you can personalise. If a celebrant is going to lead the event, you’ll still be able to choose meaningful elements. Whoever you choose, they can help bring together stories, readings, and rituals that reflect your loved one’s life.
Readings and readers: Were there any poems, prayers, lyrics or quotes your loved one cherished? You might also include stories or personal reflections. Choose people who feel comfortable reading aloud and would be honoured to take part.
Eulogists or speakers: If someone is giving a eulogy, or a few people are sharing memories, it can help to gently guide them on length and tone. A few minutes focused on heartfelt stories and positive reflections is often most meaningful.
Music: Whether it’s a favourite song, a piece of classical music, or something symbolic, music adds depth and emotion. You might use a playlist, invite a live performer, or ask family and friends to contribute. Try to choose music that resonates with your loved one’s personality or spirit.
Food and drink: Sharing food and drink can offer comfort and connection. You might serve your loved one’s favourite dishes, offer afternoon tea, or keep things simple with drinks and nibbles. Whether you cater or prepare it yourselves, this part of the day can bring people together in a relaxed and supportive way.
Photos and video: Some families choose to take photos or record parts of the event to keep as a memory or to share with people who couldn’t attend. You could hire a photographer, ask a friend, or simply set up a phone or camera. A livestream is also an option if people are joining from afar.
Flowers and memorials: You may wish to include flowers, either provided by guests or chosen specially for the occasion. Alternatively, some families invite donations to a charity that was meaningful to the person who died. There’s no right choice, just what feels most appropriate.
Personal touches: This is where the celebration can truly reflect the individual. From photo displays and memory tables to a shared playlist, a signature cocktail, or a tree-planting ceremony, there are many thoughtful ways to honour their memory. We’ll share some more ideas further down the page.
Celebration of life invitations: Once the details are in place, you can send out invitations. These might be formal printed cards or simple messages by post, phone, or online. Let people know what to expect, what to bring (if anything), and how to RSVP, so you can prepare enough food, drinks, and keepsakes for everyone.
Ideas for an outdoor celebration of life
Outdoor settings can offer a sense of peace and connection to nature. Here are some thoughtful ways to honour your loved one in the open air:
- You might choose a symbolic release like lanterns, doves, balloons, or paper boats as a beautiful gesture to honour your loved one’s memory. Just take a moment to consider the environmental impact and explore eco-friendly options where you can.
- You could choose to scatter their ashes at a favourite spot or ‘happy place’, somewhere they loved or that holds special memories.
- Planting a tree can be a beautiful, lasting tribute. Choose a species that symbolises their character, or simply something they loved.
- Create a memory garden with flowers and plants they enjoyed, or hand out seed packets for others to plant in their own gardens.
- A relaxed BBQ on the beach can bring people together in a familiar, comforting way.
- You could organise a picnic at their favourite spot. It can be simple, heartfelt, and full of shared memories.
- If they loved walking or nature, a hike in a meaningful location can offer time for reflection and quiet remembrance.
Indoor celebration of life ideas
Indoor gatherings can feel intimate and warm, offering space for comfort, connection, and reflection. Here are a few ideas:
- Host a family dinner and serve their favourite dish—or even a whole menu inspired by them.
- A bake-off gathering can be a fun and informal way to share memories and flavours they loved.
- An afternoon tea party at home can feel calm and welcoming, especially with personal touches like their favourite teacups or cake.
- Set up a family day with activities that children can be part of, helping them feel included.
- If your loved one had a favourite film, gathering to watch it together can feel both nostalgic and meaningful.
- Create a memory board and invite guests to add photos, messages, poems, or keepsakes—it can grow throughout the day.
- Sharing stories is one of the most powerful ways to keep someone’s memory alive. You might set aside time for people to speak or share quietly in smaller groups.
- Offer something creative, like stones, quilt squares, or Jenga blocks, for guests to sign or write messages. These can be turned into a lasting memorial.
- Ask guests to bring a small object or written memory to place in a memory box—a beautiful keepsake to look back on.
Celebration of life ideas in public
If your loved one enjoyed being part of the wider world, whether through music, sport, or community, marking their life in a public setting can be a fitting tribute.
- If they loved music, consider going to a concert, opera, or musical that reflects their taste.
- Attend a match or game in support of their favourite sports team—wear their colours and cheer them on.
- Organise something in their honour, like a sponsored walk, a charity auction, or even a fun community event like bingo or karaoke.
- A memorial donation to a cause they cared about can be a powerful tribute. You might even invite others to contribute in their name.
- Celebrate their love of sport or games with a friendly tournament—whether it’s cricket, football, or Monopoly.
- For something truly unique, you could explore sending their ashes into the sky with a fireworks display or a memorial rocket.
Celebrating the life of a loved one privately
Some of us find comfort in marking our loved one’s memory quietly, with something personal and lasting. These ideas might offer gentle ways to do just that:
- Upcycle or create a piece of furniture—like a bench, table, or chest—that becomes a place to reflect and remember.
- Fill a time capsule with letters, photos, and small items, and bury it with or near their ashes as a private act of remembrance.
- Memorial jewellery can keep them close—a pendant, bracelet or ring containing a small amount of their ashes or a fingerprint engraving.
- A cushion, pillow, or teddy made from a favourite item of clothing can be comforting.
- A personalised bench in your garden can offer a quiet space to sit and think of them.
- Writing a letter to your loved one can help express things left unsaid—it can be kept, read aloud, or buried with them.
- Create a photo book or album filled with special moments and captions that bring the memories to life.
- A keepsake box can hold items that remind you of them—tickets, cards, letters, or little mementoes.
- Keep a chair for them at family events or in a favourite corner, as a symbol of their presence.
- Choose a picture that reflects something meaningful. This might be a painting of a place you visited together, or a portrait created from a favourite photo.
After the celebration of life
A celebration of life is a one-time event, but remembrance will continue. The anniversary of a loved one’s death or their birthday can be a time for simple contemplation, family gatherings, memorials, fellowship, and remembrance.
There are many ways you can choose to celebrate their life for many years after they have gone:
- Visit their final resting place
- Write a letter or poem
- Play their favourite song(s)
- Hold a special remembrance ceremony
- Take time out and get away from it all
- Look through old photos
- Light a candle and reflect on your happy memories
If you’re looking for more inspiration and personalised ideas to create a truly meaningful farewell, our free AI-powered service, A Fine Farewell, can help. It guides you step-by-step through planning a celebration of life that reflects your loved one’s unique story, with suggestions on readings, music, themes, and more.
