It has become more and more common for people to choose non-traditional services for their own final arrangements. The traditional funeral and burial are still often done, but many people want something a little different after they pass. Whether they have chosen to be buried or have cremation services near Adelphi, MD, there is plenty of freedom to plan their services in any way that they wanted. Many people are choosing to have a celebration of life in honor of their loved one, rather than a traditional memorial service or burial.

You may be wondering: what is a celebration of life? A celebration of life is a kind of memorial service that is primarily focused on remembering and honoring the life and memory of the person who has passed. It’s a way of paying tribute to their legacy, and everyone attending can share special memories and stories about them. Many times these events have a celebratory atmosphere, rather than the more somber or sad mood that a funeral might be associated with. There are often plenty of photos, mementos, and videos shown representing the person who has passed. Although it’s not always the case, a celebration of life is often held in honor of someone who has lived a long and full life, with lots to show for it.

Sometimes people will hold a celebration of life at a place of worship, but many times they are held at some alternative location. You might choose to rent out an area at a local park where people can easily gather. If you or a family member has property or land where it can be held or a large enough home where everyone can attend, you can save money by holding it there. You might rent out a gathering hall or something similar. You’ll have to consider how many people you expect to attend when choosing a location. You might also want to consider holding it somewhere that was meaningful to the person who passed.

Many families choose to supply food and drinks for guests attending a celebration of life. You can have it catered, have different households bring a passing dish, or simply supply munchies and snacks. You might fill up coolers with various beverages, or depending on where you have it, you could even host a bar. You will likely want to have tables and chairs, as well as a tent or pavilion of some kind for everyone to sit and eat.

If your loved one expressed their wish for a celebration of life, you’ll likely find yourself looking at planning a service that looks a bit different from a typical funeral. However, they can be wonderful and special tributes to the person’s memory and can provide a perfect opportunity for family and friends to share funny, touching, and special stories about the deceased. Your funeral home or provider of cremation services near Adelphi, MD, can help you put together this gathering, and at the very least they can give you valuable advice on how to arrange it. Then, you can take comfort in knowing that your loved one’s wishes and memory will be thoughtfully honored.