Plan your own celebration of life
Decide now how you'd like to be remembered, so your family can spend those days with each other instead of guessing.
Many people make arrangements with a funeral home in advance, but the service itself is often left to whoever is grieving. Planning it together now means the words, music and stories are the ones you chose.
We'll sit down for an unhurried conversation about your life and your wishes. There is no right or wrong way to do this, and you can change your mind at any time.
Afterwards your wishes are written down in one place, ready to share with your family and your funeral home.
What we'll talk about
- Your story: where you grew up, the people and places that shaped you
- The people you'd like thanked or mentioned
- Music, readings and poems you love
- Whether the service is religious, spiritual or neither
- Where you'd like people to gather, and what kind of gathering
- Who you'd like to speak
- How you'd like people to feel as they leave
A gentle checklist for families
If you're planning a service for someone now, these are the things most families decide. You don't need every answer before you call.
The first few days
- Contact a funeral home
- Choose burial or cremation with the funeral home
- Pick a date, time and place for the service
- Call a celebrant to hold the date
Shaping the service
- Choose the kind of service: funeral, memorial or celebration of life
- Gather stories, photos and favorite sayings
- Choose music, readings and poems
- Ask who would like to speak or take part
- Plan the program and any keepsakes
On the day and after
- Arrange a reception or gathering
- Ask someone to collect cards and condolences
- Send thank-you notes when you're ready