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Celebration of Life Before Death


Too often, we hear those in mourning say they wish they had expressed their love and gratitude for their loved one before it was too late. We proclaim such meaningful tributes at funerals once someone has passed, but sometimes fail to do so while they’re still with us. A living funeral could be the potential solution to this common feeling of missed opportunity. 


A celebration of life before death, also known as a “living funeral” or a “pre-funeral” is exactly what it sounds like - a ceremony held for an individual nearing the end of their life, but still very much alive. One of the unfortunate truths about traditional funerals is that the deceased isn’t able to witness all their closest loved ones come together to celebrate the life they’ve lived. A living funeral gives people the opportunity to celebrate their loved one’s life with them, giving them a chance to say everything they want to say before they’re no longer with us. For many people, this could be the last time they get to join and celebrate with those they experienced life with. 


If you’re helping a loved one plan a living funeral, or planning one for yourself, here are a few suggestions on happenings you could implement: 


  1. Have close friends and family share memories and give speeches - similar to giving a eulogy. 

  2. Create and play a video montage or slideshow of important milestones made throughout the honoree’s life. 

  3. Curate a playlist of the honoree’s favorite songs to play throughout the celebration.

  4. Release paper lanterns to symbolize letting go.

  5. Plant a remembrance tree, honoring the dying by forging a growing symbol of their life that will continue to grow and thrive after they’re no longer with us. 

  6. Serve the honoree’s favorite foods, providing guests with a tangible way to remember them and evoking memory through taste.


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