a celebration of life.
As a celebrant, I have the privilege of helping families create meaningful farewells for their loved ones.
Talking about your own funeral might feel uncomfortable at first, but planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your family. It allows your loved ones to grieve without the added stress of making difficult decisions, and it ensures that your story is told the way you want it to be.
Why Plan Your Own Funeral?
Many people assume that funerals are for the living—and in many ways, they are. A funeral or celebration of life brings together family and friends to mourn, remember, and find comfort. But a funeral is also a reflection of the person it honors. When you take the time to plan your own farewell, you shape the experience, making it a true celebration of your life, values, and personality.
I have worked with families who struggle with questions like:
- What kind of music or readings would they have liked?
- Should it be a formal or casual gathering?
- What stories should we share?
When these details have been planned in advance, it removes the burden of decision-making and allows your loved ones to focus on remembering and celebrating you.
What a Celebrant Can Offer
As a celebrant, my role is to help craft a service that truly reflects you. When you meet with a celebrant before your passing, you have the opportunity to:
- Tell Your Own Story: You can choose the key moments, memories, and messages you want shared.
- Set the Tone: Whether you want a formal ceremony, a relaxed gathering, or a joyful celebration, you can decide how people will come together to remember you.
- Choose Your Readings and Music: Select words and songs that are meaningful to you, whether it’s a favorite poem, religious passage, or a song that always makes you smile.
- Incorporate Personal Touches: From special rituals to symbolic gestures, you can add elements that reflect your beliefs, passions, and personality.
- Relieve Your Family of Stress: Knowing that everything is planned gives your loved ones the freedom to simply be present and honor your memory.
Planning Your Farewell: What to Consider
1. Type of Service
- Do you want a traditional funeral, a memorial, or a celebration of life?
- Would you prefer a religious or secular service?
- Should it be held in a church, funeral home, outdoors, or another meaningful location?
2. Tone and Atmosphere
- Do you want a solemn, reflective ceremony, or a lighthearted gathering?
- Would you like people to wear bright colors, casual clothes, or something specific?
- Should there be storytelling, music, or interactive elements?
3. Stories and Messages
- What parts of your life do you want to be remembered most?
- Are there lessons, values, or final words of wisdom you’d like shared?
- Would you like a eulogy prepared in advance, or do you want loved ones to share freely?
4. Personal Touches
- A memory table with photos and keepsakes
- A special farewell ritual (such as lighting candles, planting a tree, or releasing balloons)
- A video or letter from you to be shared
5. Final Wishes
- Burial or cremation preferences
- Where you’d like your ashes scattered or final resting place to be
- Whether you want a reception or gathering afterward
A Lasting Gift to Your Loved Ones
Planning your own farewell isn’t about focusing on death—it’s about celebrating life. It’s a chance to have your voice heard, even after you’re gone, and to create an experience that brings comfort and healing to those you leave behind.
If you’re considering planning your own funeral, reach out, together, we can create a ceremony that truly reflects who you are, the life you’ve lived, and the legacy you leave behind.