Celebration of Life Planning Checklist

Planning a celebration of life is a loving way to honor someone’s memory while offering comfort and connection to friends and family. Unlike a traditional funeral, a celebration of life focuses on joy, remembrance, and the unique moments that defined your loved one’s story.

If you’re unsure where to begin, this celebration of life planning checklist will guide you step by step—helping you create an event that reflects the spirit of your loved one and brings people together in healing and hope.

Why a Celebration of Life Matters

When we lose someone we love, grief can feel overwhelming. A celebration of life provides an opportunity to shift from sorrow toward remembrance. It’s a chance to share stories, honor milestones, and remind everyone that while life ends, love does not.

Taking time to plan a celebration of life helps:

  • Create a meaningful way to say goodbye.

  • Bring comfort and closure to friends and family.

  • Highlight the unique qualities that made your loved one unforgettable.

  • Provide support through community and shared memories.

Step-by-Step Celebration of Life Checklist

This checklist is designed to guide you through each stage of planning, from vision to final touches.

1. Define the Vision

  • Decide on the tone: uplifting, reflective, spiritual, or casual.

  • Talk with family and friends about their wishes and ideas.

  • Consider whether the event should feel more like a gathering, a ceremony, or a creative tribute.

2. Choose a Meaningful Location

  • Options include a park, garden, home, community hall, or place of worship.

  • Check accessibility, seating, and facilities for guests.

  • Consider a virtual or hybrid option for loved ones far away.

3. Select the Date and Time

  • Choose a date that allows time for planning and travel.

  • Decide whether to hold the event shortly after passing or later as a memorial.

  • Keep seasonal or weather factors in mind, especially if outdoors.

4. Plan the Program and Speakers

  • Decide who will lead or guide the event.

  • Outline a flow: welcome, readings, music, sharing of stories, closing.

  • Invite family or friends to share memories.

  • Consider a slideshow, video tribute, or symbolic gestures such as lighting candles or planting a tree.

5. Add Personal Touches

  • Select music that was meaningful to your loved one.

  • Display photos, personal items, or creative works.

  • Include favorite poems, readings, or scriptures.

  • Create a memory table or guestbook for attendees to write reflections.

6. Invitations and Communication

  • Make a guest list of family, friends, colleagues, and community members.

  • Share invitations by mail, email, or social media.

  • Provide clear details on time, location, dress code, and special requests.

7. Food, Refreshments, and Hospitality

  • Decide whether to serve a meal, light refreshments, or potluck.

  • Feature favorite foods of your loved one if possible.

  • Arrange for catering, volunteers, or family help.

8. Logistics and Event Details

  • Set up seating, decorations, and AV equipment.

  • Assign someone to photograph or record the event.

  • Ensure accessibility for elderly or disabled guests.

  • Prepare a backup plan if the event is outdoors.

9. Keepsakes and Remembrances

  • Offer printed programs or memory cards.

  • Provide small tokens such as bookmarks, candles, or seed packets.

  • Collect stories, letters, or photos for a memory book.

10. After the Celebration

  • Send thank-you notes to attendees and speakers.

  • Share photos or recordings with those who couldn’t attend.

  • Reflect on the event and consider ongoing ways to honor your loved one.

Additional Celebration of Life Ideas

While this checklist provides structure, you can always add unique touches. Some families choose to:

  • Plant a tree in memory of their loved one.

  • Create a memory jar where guests share stories.

  • Organize a charity fundraiser in honor of their passions.

  • Build a playlist of favorite songs to share with guests afterward.

  • Small details like these transform the event into a lasting tribute and ensure your loved one’s memory lives on.

Final Thoughts: Honoring Your Loved One

There’s no single “right” way to plan a celebration of life. What matters most is creating a space filled with love, remembrance, and connection. Take the time you need, lean on the support of others, and focus on honoring your loved one in a way that feels true.

At Life and After, we provide resources and guidance to help you plan a celebration of life that is both meaningful and comforting. Whether you’re looking for unique celebration of life ideas, support for planning a celebration of life ceremony, or compassionate advice on grief support, you are not alone.