When a loved one dies, people typically plan a traditional funeral service for them. This event normally gives the friends and family of the deceased a chance to say goodbye or mourn the loss of their loved one. However, there has been a growing trend evolving over the last few years that involves a more joyful experience to our traditional funeral service. Many people choose these celebrations of life events because they view funerals as depressing ceremonies that keep people in mourning for too long. A celebration of life ceremony is designed to help us reflect on the positive impacts of our loved one’s life, and these types of ceremonies are believed to help people cope better with the death of their loved one. There are a few ways that a celebration of life ceremony differs from a traditional funeral service. Here are some of the most notable differences.
-
The emotion of the event. A traditional funeral service focuses on mourning our loved one. There are many associations with grief and sorrow at the fact of losing someone and saying our final goodbyes. A celebration of life ceremony differs greatly with the emotions involved. These ceremonies focus on the happiness and joy the deceased brought into our lives. You are grateful for everything you got to do together, and you take this chance to celebrate all of their accomplishments. It is not a goodbye ceremony but more of a nice to know you, you made a positive difference in my life event. This difference in emotion leads many to choose a celebration of life ceremony rather than a traditional funeral service.
-
The format of the event. Celebrations of life ceremonies are more of a contemporary version of a memorial service. They are typically free of the structures that bind a funeral and are more open to allow people to celebrate the life of their loved one more freely. Attendees are invited to share their stories and any special memories they have of the deceased. In contrast, a traditional funeral service normally has one speaker and will follow the guidelines and structure set out by the cultural and religious beliefs of the deceased.
-
The location of the service. Normally a traditional funeral service is held at funeral home, church or gravesite. The location is typically dependent on the religious or cultural beliefs of the deceased. However, a celebration of life ceremony can take place virtually anywhere. Some people may choose to hold the ceremony at the house of the deceased or someplace special that holds memories of the deceased. It could be a place like a campground that the deceased liked to frequent, the place where the spouse met the deceased or the favorite restaurant of the deceased. The best places are somewhere that brings positive thoughts and feelings about your loved one. The possibilities are truly endless.
Planning a funeral or celebration of life ceremony can be extremely emotional. It may be hard to decide what is best for your loved one once they are gone. Whatever you or your loved one may or may not decide to do will be based on numerous factors. Some will weigh more than others with this decision. In the end, it will ultimately come down to what type of ceremony will be a better fit for your family, your friends and, of course, your loved one.