What to Expect at a Celebration of Life
Instead of the sad and somber affair of a funeral, more people — especially those who opt for cremation services in Westbury, NY — are having a celebration of life instead.
It is a joyous event that focuses more on celebrating and honoring the life a loved one lived and the legacy they left behind. Unlike a funeral, it focuses on the happy memories of the person rather than mourning their loss.
If you’ve never attended one, you’ve heard a celebration of life has a party-like atmosphere, but the uniqueness doesn’t end there.
The Full Roster of Activities Depends on the Individual
The only guaranteed commonality between every celebration of life event is the mood. Exciting, upbeat, and positive. Beyond that, the exact activities depend on the person being honored.
A celebration of life can be a super casual gathering of people eating, singing, and dancing. The family may personalize it in different ways: the dress code, the deceased’s favorite songs, or a runway of their favorite clothes.
Some people also make their celebration of life a formal event, with printed schedules similar to a church funeral. In this case, the roster of activities may be something like this —
- Welcome and Introductions
- Religious or cultural customs
- Eulogy
- Readings and poems
- Stories from loved ones
- Music
- Closing words
Depending on how close you are to the deceased, you may have to prepare a few kind things to say about them. It doesn’t necessarily have to be inspiring, as long as it matches the day’s mood.
Etiquettes to Observe at a Celebration of Life
As mentioned, it is typically a relaxed event with zero formality. So the important thing is to avoid dampening the mood.
Other than that, you should:
- Participate as needed
- Dress in style
- Show up early
- Sign the guestbook
- Attend the reception
Also, it’s okay if you come with a gift. If you confirm it will be a party-like atmosphere, you may bring a bottle of wine. Perhaps one significant to the deceased, like their favorite wine or a bottle you shared on a memorable occasion.
A sympathy card or charitable donation in the deceased’s name will do if you’re not that close. It’s not ideal to bring flowers to a celebration of life. Still, it’s worth considering if it’s their favorite color or type.
What to Wear to a Celebration of Life
What does dress in style mean for a celebration of life? There’s no standard dress code. That’s the point of a celebration of life. The right answer depends on various factors like the planned activities, location, and time.
The shape of the event may require formal wear like a suit or something super casual like a sundress and jeans. Sometimes, it’s a costume. The right thing to wear is what keeps with the theme and mood.
If there’s any uniform expectation, it’s that you look good, respectful, and comfortable.
Hopefully, you have a clearer picture of what to expect at a celebration of life now. If you have additional questions, reach out to us. We plan celebrations of life alongside other cremation services in Westbury, NY. Call us. We are here to assist you.
