How to Plan a Celebration of Life

Honouring a loved one through a celebration of life is a deeply moving gesture of love and respect. This special occasion brings together friends and family to share cherished memories, recount stories, and honour the lasting impact of the person who has passed.

If you are considering organising such an event, our team at Willow Tree Funeral is here to assist you. As leaders in planning celebrations of life, we have extensive experience in crafting unique, heartfelt tributes that capture the essence of the person being honoured with care and compassion.

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What is a celebration of life?

A celebration of life is a meaningful tribute that tells a unique story. It's a thoughtfully planned event that highlights a loved one's distinct personality, passions, talents, and achievements.

This celebration can take many forms, from a lively gathering to a more relaxed affair. It might be grand and vibrant, simple yet heartfelt, or somewhere in between. The essence lies in each carefully chosen element, including music, messages, bespoke design, food, memorialisation, and more.

With care and creativity, a celebration of life showcases the details that make a person special, providing a time and place for family and friends to come together and reflect.

Explore a few ideas

Our team specialises in creating meaningful life celebrations

When planning a celebration of life, consider reflecting on your loved one's passions, achievements, and personality. Think about their favourite activities, places they cherished, and the qualities that made them special to others. These insights can guide your decisions on the event's location, menu, and musical selections.

However, before diving into the details, it might be helpful to contact a funeral planner from Cherish Funerals, one of Australia's leading funeral directors. They offer comprehensive celebration of life planning services, assisting families from start to finish. Their expert team can support you in selecting an appropriate venue, developing a theme, and choosing floral arrangements. They'll also handle catering, decorations, and organise mementos and programs to honour your loved one's memory.

Explore a few ideas

Your personalised experience is our standard of care.

We believe every family should have the chance to create a personalised experience that honours the unique individual being celebrated. Therefore, every family who entrusts us with their loved one's service can expect an event tailored to include:

Meaning Music

Cherished Memories

Personalised message

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Meaningful music

Families are often surprised to discover that we can play any song they prefer or create a unique playlist for each part of the celebration.

Top 50 funeral songs for a celebration of life

Cherished Memories

A curated display of photographs and keepsakes invites family and friends to remember special moments and defining details.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Willow Tree Funeral for their compassionate support and professionalism during a difficult time. They organised my mother’s funeral with great care and respect, ensuring that every detail reflected her life and spirit. Their kindness made this process much easier for our family, and we truly appreciate their dedication. Thank you Bruce from willow tree funeral for honouring her memory so beautifully.

If you need someone to take care of everything during your time of grief, I highly recommend Willow Tree Funeral. God bless all the team.

Imran A

A PERSONALISED MESSAGE

We work with a celebrant, clergy member or officiant to craft a heartfelt message that reflects your loved one and uplifts guests.

Writing a Meaningful Eulogy

Statement of Wishes

Flowers at a Life of Celebration

When to hold a celebration of life?

The timing is entirely up to you.

Many families appreciate the flexibility of scheduling a celebration of life. While some choose to hold it immediately before or after a burial or cremation, others prefer to wait days, weeks, or even months. Even those who opt for traditional funeral services often decide to have more celebratory gatherings later on.

When deciding on a date, consider factors such as travel schedules, existing commitments, or significant cultural or community events that were meaningful to your loved one. You can plan the celebration to fit your family's needs, and we are here to assist you in organising it at any time—whether it's soon after the passing or at a later date.

A celebration of life unites people to pay tribute to your loved one, focusing on cherished moments, joyful memories, and happy times.

This uplifting gathering brings friends and family together in a supportive environment where they can openly share laughter, tears, and conversation.

It serves two purposes: to honour the deceased and provide guests with a meaningful opportunity to share stories and offer mutual comfort. Ultimately, it is both a poignant final tribute and a catalyst for healing.