A Celebration of Life Service?

What exactly is a Celebration of Life Service, and how does it differ from a Memorial or Funeral?

History of Celebration of Life Services

Over the past three decades, these terms have somewhat merged in meaning. There is no one definition for each – but that’s fine because each situation is different – and in reality you have the opportunity to plan something that truly reflects the memory of your loved one. 

In years gone by our only option was a traditional funeral service, often held in a church or religious setting. These occasions were typically solemn, following traditional norms, and led by a priest or minister. 95% of what was said was religious, usually taken straight from a service book, leaving space for very few words about the deceased.

Even cremation services were predominantly religious until recent years.

The celebrant movement emerged in Australia during the 1970s and has since spread worldwide. In the UK today, approximately 60-70% of funeral services are overseen by a funeral celebrant. These celebrations focus on uplifting and positive aspects, honouring the life, achievements, friendships, and character of the departed rather than rigid dogma.

The balance of these services is the complete opposite of traditional funerals; there are solemn moments of reflection and goodbye, possibly even a prayer or hymn, but the majority of the service will be tailored to the individual’s story, and reflect their life, values and character.

Celebration of Life Services- How are they different?

Unlike traditional funerals, Celebration of Life services are often marked by a more diverse selection of music, slide shows, and even sound effects. The dress code is usually less formal and sometimes themed. While many celebration of life services take place at a crematorium or graveside, there’s an increasing trend towards holding them in other venues, from the Countryside to Castles, Homes to Hotels – I have even conducted celebration of life services by a lake.

However, it’s important to distinguish Celebration of Life services from memorial services, which are typically arranged after a funeral, sometimes months or even years later. These memorial services, often held in more formal settings, involve multiple speakers representing families, leaders, and communities. As a celebrant I am able to help create and lead memorial services too.

Celebration of Life Services – What’s driving the change?

In the 2020s, there’s been a notable shift due to the rise in the popularity of unattended cremations * or direct cremations, particularly during the pandemic. These can leave a family with no opportunity to reflect on the life of their loved one, meaning the grieving process takes all the longer.

Many forward thinking celebrants and funeral directors have encouraged families to explore the idea of a separate celebration of life service.  This allows families to have a simple cremation soon after the passing, leaving them with the opportunity to plan a more elaborate Celebration of Life event later on.

These celebration of life services can be held in any of the venues mentioned earlier, allowing for a longer and more meaningful gathering. With a funeral celebrant at the helm, attendees can expect a heartfelt ceremony filled with music, live entertainment, memory tables, takeaway gifts, toasts, and refreshments. These events can last all morning or afternoon, providing ample time for sharing memories and connecting with others.

Planning a Celebration of Life? Consider the expertise of a qualified funeral celebrant to help you create a memorable and meaningful tribute. Contact Marc to learn how a celebrant can help plan your upcoming event and celebrate the life of your loved one in a truly special way.

*Direct cremations, more properly called unattended cremations are usually a simpler, cheaper option for a funeral, where the deceased is cremated with no representation from family. These are often incorrectly referred to as pure cremations. Pure Cremations is a company that provides such a service where your love one will be transported to a central crematorium, potentially hundreds of miles from their home or place of death.