A Celebration of Life is a non-religious or lightly spiritual gathering that focuses on the person’s story rather than formal ceremony. These events are often held days or weeks after a passing, allowing loved ones time to travel, prepare, and come together without urgency.

Common elements include:

• Welcome remarks or a short opening reflection
• Shared stories from family and friends
• Photo slideshows or video tributes
• Music that held meaning
• A meal or reception-style gathering

There is no “right” way to do this — only what feels right for your family.

A Celebration of Life is not about formality or tradition — it is about connection, remembrance, and shared stories. It gives family and friends the space to gather, reflect, laugh, cry, and celebrate a life well lived in a setting that feels welcoming, calm, and supportive.

Whether you envision a quiet afternoon with close family or a larger gathering with photos, music, and shared memories, we help create an event that feels personal, respectful, and thoughtfully planned — without added stress during an already emotional time.

Most Celebrations of Life are planned as four-hour events, which provides enough time for structure, flexibility, and meaningful connection without feeling rushed.

Hour 1 – Arrival & Gathering

Family arrival: bring in flowers, photos, and other remembrances.

Half an hour later, guests arrive, are greeted by family, and settle in. Soft background music plays. Photos, memory tables, or slideshow loops are available for guests to view at their own pace. This time allows people to reconnect quietly and ease into the gathering.

The bar opens: this can be soft drinks only, cash bar, prepaid, or a combination.

Hour 2 – Program & Remembrance

This is the heart of the event. It may include:

• A brief welcome or opening remarks
• Readings, poems, or reflections
• Family and friends sharing memories
• A short video or photo tribute

The tone can be reverent, conversational, or gently celebratory — entirely your choice.

Hour 3 – Meal & Conversation

A shared meal brings comfort and community. Guests continue conversations, reminisce, and spend time with family. Music remains subtle and supportive.

This is often when the most meaningful moments happen naturally. Some families choose to reverse the meal and the program, serving a meal first. Meals can be simple sandwich and salad, lunch, dinner, or heavy appetizers only.

Hour 4 – Open Time & Closing

Guests continue visiting, view photos again, or speak privately with family. Some families choose a short closing thank-you or simply allow the event to conclude organically. The last 30 minutes is the time when the family gathers their remembrances, photos, flowers, loads up and departs.

More Time?

Yes, you can add time at a cost, though it is rarely necessary.

Food should feel easy, warm, and thoughtful, not complicated.

Popular Celebration of Life meal styles include:

• Plated Luncheon or Dinner – Calm, structured, and elegant
• Buffet Service – Flexible, approachable, and widely preferred
• Light Reception – Sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries
• Family-Style Comfort Foods – Familiar dishes that bring warmth

Menus can be customized to reflect:

• Cultural traditions
• Favorite foods of the person being honored
• Dietary needs and preferences

Our team helps guide selections that feel appropriate for the tone and time of day.

Thoughtful AV support allows stories and memories to be shared clearly — without technical stress.

We commonly provide:

• Microphones for speakers
• Screens for photo slideshows or videos
• Music playback for meaningful songs
• Simple lighting adjustments to keep the space calm and warm

Our staff assists with setup and coordination so family members never need to worry about technology during the event.

Families often tell us the same thing: “We just didn’t want to think about logistics.”

That is exactly what we are here for.

We assist with:

• Event layout and flow
• Timeline planning
• Menu guidance
• AV coordination
• Day-of support and hosting details

You focus on your family and guests. We quietly handle the rest.

A Celebration of Life should feel personal, gentle, and sincere — not overwhelming or transactional. It is a moment to pause, gather, and remember someone in a way that reflects who they were and how they lived.

If you would like help planning a Celebration of Life, or simply want to talk through options and timing, we are here to support you — with care, clarity, and respect.