Celebration of Life Ideas
A celebration of life is a unique opportunity to honour a cherished loved one by reflecting their values, personality, and passions. Willow Tree Funeral understands that planning such an event can be emotionally challenging, but also deeply rewarding.
We take the time to understand your loved one and your family by listening to your stories and wishes. Through thoughtful questions and attentive listening, we ensure that we can craft a celebration that truly honours the life of your loved one. We believe that every family should have the opportunity to create a personalised experience that reflects the unique spirit of the individual being celebrated.
How do we create the Celebration of Life for your loved one?
Unique celebration of life ideas start here
We know the best celebrations of life are meaningful tributes brimming with details. We can help you get started thinking about a celebration with a little inspiration:
Celebration of Life ideas for Mum
To truly honour your mother's memory, consider what brought her joy and fulfillment.
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Make a Donation in Her Name
If your mother was dedicated to a particular cause, such as a local children's charity, library, or community group, consider collecting donations in her honour. This will not only celebrate her life but also continue her legacy.
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Distribute Flower Seeds or Flowers
Fill envelopes or small bags with seeds of her favorite flowers, or give guests flowers like beautiful blue forget-me-nots as a reminder of her love and presence.
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Share Her Favourite Recipe
If your mother was renowned for her baking, share one of her cherished recipes with friends and family as a lasting keepsake in the funeral booklet. Alternatively, bake one of her specialties and enjoy it together during the celebration, keeping her memory alive through the flavours she loved and shared.
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Celebration of Life ideas for Dad
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Here are some ideas to celebrate your dad's life, reflecting his presence and love:
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Host a Memorial Sporting Event
Organise an annual baseball game, golf tournament, or bowling afternoon in his honour. This event can also serve as a fundraiser for a charity or organisation that was important to him.
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Play His Favorite Music
If he had a remarkable ability to recall song lyrics. Create a playlist featuring his favourite tunes for guests to enjoy. A personalised playlist is a meaningful element in every celebration of life ceremony.
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Write him a letter
Losing a parent can be hard to put into words. You might find comfort in writing Dad a letter, which you could read at his celebration.
Celebration of Life ideas for your Son
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Honour the memory of a beloved son by planning a celebration of life that pays tribute to the beautiful person he was.
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Name a star
Dedicate a star in the night sky to him. This way when ever you look up in the night sky you will be reminded that his light still shines bright.
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Choose his favorite place
Whether it's informal/casual or upscale and sophisticated, a celebration of life can take place anywhere. You might choose to hold it at a place your son cherished, such as a sports field, his favorite restaurant, or the cinemas.
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Plant a Tree
If nature was his passion, a memorial garden is a beautiful way to honour his life. You can involve guests by suggesting that everyone plant a tree in his memory.
Celebration of Life ideas for your daughter
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Celebrate your daughter’s life in a way that reflects her uniqueness, intellect and beauty.
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Make a scrapbook
Capture the happiest and most meaningful moments of your child's life by creating a scrapbook. Leave blank pages and invite others to contribute their favourite photos, notes or mementos at the celebration.
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Wear her favourite colour
For a beautiful and vibrant celebration of life, have guests wear shades of her most-loved colour. Decorate the event room with pops of the same colour.
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Release butterflies
If nature was his passion, a memorial garden is a beautiful way to honour his life. You can involve guests by suggesting that everyone plant a tree in his memory.
Bruce and the team at Willow Tree, I cannot thank you enough for assisting us in providing a fitting celebration for mum. You provide a bespoke service where the smallest of details mattered. No request was too difficult. I appreciate your professionalism and empathy at this challenging time.
Chris D
Celebration of Life ideas for your partner
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Planning a celebration of life for your partner is a meaningful way to honour their memory and share the joy you experienced together. Here are some ideas to help you create a memorable tribute:
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Hire a musician or band
Engage a musician or band to perform. Whether your partner enjoyed an intimate living room concert or a stadium tour, live music adds a unique vibrancy to any celebration.
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Include special keepsakes
For a beautiful and vibrant celebration of life, have loved keepsakes such as Military awards or if they volunteered for Surf Life saving club their cap.
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Share a video
Sharing a video tribute of your loved one at a funeral is a powerful way to celebrate their life and bring comfort to those in mourning.
Adding to Tradition
Adding celebration of life elements to a traditional funeral service is a way to get the best of both worlds.
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Release Doves
This symbolic gesture offers a peaceful and serene tribute, allowing family and friends to honour the memory of their loved one in a meaningful and uplifting manner.
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Add their favourite hymn
If there was a hymn that they often sang or cherished, consider adding it to the service. This could be a meaningful way to personalise the ceremony and honour their memory.
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Readings/Poem
Incorporating readings or poems into a memorial service can be a meaningful way to honour the deceased. By involving family and friends in the service, you can create a more personal and heartfelt tribute.
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Outdoor Celebration of Life
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Outdoor celebrations are more popular than ever. Think: Parks, backyards, National parks, pubs, sports venue or other outside spot. Cemeteries also often have space for outdoor celebrations.
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Release paper boats or lanterns
If you host the celebration near a river, lake or sea, you might have guests write messages on paper boats and set them afloat. Memorial lanterns can also be released into a body of water—just be sure to choose an environmentally friendly product.
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Head out on the water
Whether you want to charter a boat or take out kayaks, spending quality time on the water in a way they loved is a great way to honour them. For loved ones who've been cremated, we can arrange a scattering at sea.
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Plan a picnic
A picnic or potluck alfresco may be the only thing you need to celebrate someone who appreciated the simple pleasures.
'You focus on healing, we'll take care of the rest'
Contact Us
Bruce Missen
Chapel and Office ( By Appointment )
118 Durham Street, Hurstville NSW
Tel: 02 8776 1667