Many families choose to hold a celebration of life instead of or in addition to a traditional funeral service. Here are some places to hold a celebration of life that you may want to consider for your event.
If your loved one had a passion for wine, host the event at a winery, specialized wine bar, or vineyard. This can be a fun and intimate venue for guests.
Forest
Often, celebrations of life are more lighthearted than funerals and focus on the positive aspects of the honoree’s life. They may be very personalized and include activities, food and memorabilia.
If your loved one enjoyed music, a celebration of life might include songs or bands they liked to listen to. You might also want to include readings or excerpts from their favorite books. A fireworks display can serve as a breathtaking finale for a celebration of life event.
Museum
A celebration of life is a type of memorial that’s typically less formal than a traditional funeral. It can take place in a location that was meaningful to your loved one, such as their favorite park or at home.
Guests are usually greeted by family members or friends and there may be a time for heartfelt speeches and readings about your loved one. Often, music they cherished is included and a memory table with items associated with their personality is set up.
Restaurant
Depending on the wishes of your loved one, a celebration of life can be less formal than a funeral. This event may take place immediately following the death or be several weeks or months later.
Typically, a designated person opens the event with welcoming remarks. There are often readings and heartfelt speeches about the deceased.
Some families also ask friends and family to share funny anecdotes. Guests can also sign a memory book or share photos.
Bar
A celebration of life is typically less formal than a funeral. It can include music they cherished, heartfelt speeches from family and friends, and funny anecdotes from their life. Many families also choose to include a memory table filled with items that were special to their loved one.
The first step is to decide who will be invited. This will help you determine the where, when, and how of your service.
Winery
Wineries are a classic choice to hold events like weddings but they can also be a great place to host celebration of life events. With a beautiful vineyard onsite and tasting rooms with rich wood bars they can provide the perfect backdrop for an event.
Hosting a celebration of life at a museum is a unique and meaningful venue option especially for someone who had an interest in art, music, history, or culture. Adding a fireworks display can be a spectacular way to end the event.
Zoo
Despite the popular guises under which zoos operate – saving species, better understanding ecosystems, training future conservationists – zoos are fundamentally detrimental to wild animals. They often host events like Halloween-themed parties that undoubtably cause the animals in their care to experience increased stress and even distress responses.
Most zoo animals are not allowed to live till a natural death, and when they drop below a certain standard of living, they are euthanized. After their euthanasia, most are cremated in extremely high heat.
Hiking Trail
Trails provide close-to-home outdoor spaces that foster community joy, improve water and air quality, mitigate flooding and connect us with wildlife. We can show our appreciation by observing or participating in wildlife through photography, drawing and painting; birding; or volunteering to help restore and maintain the habitats that make trails such special places.
Art, history, culture, brews and views can all be found along trails. Mixing up your trail routine can spice things up, bust boredom and unlock new health benefits.
Beach
Whether your loved one spent their free time on the water or just adored seaside views, this theme can provide an open and cathartic setting for a celebration of life. It is also a popular choice for scattering ashes.
A celebration of life can take place anywhere that holds meaning for your loved ones. With that in mind, you’ll want to consider their unique lifestyle and personality characteristics.