It is increasingly common for families to plan a Celebration of Life in lieu of a more traditional funeral service. While both serve the purpose of honoring your loved one and gathering those wishing to pay tribute, a Celebration of Life is often less formal and includes additional creative components.
Celebrations of Life are held after burial or cremation. They may include an order of service similar to funerals or memorial services. Many Celebrations of Life are more free-flowing and include opportunities for guests and family to share memories, spontaneously or planned. They may be officiated by clergy, family or friends. The staff at Dannel Funeral Home will assist you with every aspect of a Celebration of Life service.
“In the same way that we aren’t driving the same kind of car our parents drove, many people don’t necessarily want the same kind of funeral experience that was common in the past,” said Charles Dannel. “People want to feel free to express their feelings in different ways and in different mediums. A Celebration of Life can be every bit as meaningful as a traditional service. Every family is unique and we will assist you with finding the right creative elements to bring comfort and even joy to the services you plan.” There are many ways to honor loved ones with activities that commemorate the person and bring comfort to family members and friends, not only during and immediately following the service, but for years to come. We will help you learn about options, from planting a memorial tree to having a teddy bear or quilt made from your loved one’s clothing.
Common Questions About a Celebration of Life
What’s the difference in a traditional funeral service and a celebration of life service?
Celebrations of Life are often considered less formal and more creative than traditional services. They are usually held after your loved one’s physical remains have been cared for and can take place soon after or within a longer period of time to allow friends and relatives to gather from distance places. Celebrations of Life often include activities like a bio-degradable balloon release or distribution of an item representative of the deceased, such as plantable bookmarks.
Where are Celebrations of Life held?
Anywhere! They can be held in a church, an outdoor garden, a meeting place, or on the beach. Location depends on activities planned, such as music, number of anticipated attendees, and budget.
We knew we wanted to do something different from the ‘norm’ and the Dannel team worked with us to combine the visitation, memorial service and reception into one event at the funeral home. We were invited to rearrange the furniture as needed and they were there to help us, and the caterer, set up. After, they sent us home and carefully packed and delivered our things to us the next morning. It was warm, loving, intimate, joyous, and perfect in every way.”
DB – Denison, Texas Resident