And why this is important

Choosing how we say goodbye is deeply personal. From traditional funerals to joyful celebrations of life, each option offers a way to honour what matters most. In this piece, we explore different ways to mark a life well lived with meaning, love, and a touch of individuality. In this article, we explore some of the many ways people choose to say goodbye, from traditional funerals to more personal ways of celebrating a life. We hope these ideas help you reflect on what feels right for you.

Celebrating a Life through a Funeral

A funeral traditionally takes place soon after death and usually includes:

• The body being present (burial or cremation)
• A set order of service, led by a religious leader or celebrant
• Rituals such as prayers, readings, music, and eulogies

Funerals can be comforting because they follow familiar traditions, but they can also feel restrictive if you’d prefer something more personal.

Celebrating a Life through a Memorial Service

A memorial is held without the body present, offering greater flexibility in timing and format. They can be:

• Held weeks or even months later
• Conducted in a church, hall, garden, or home
• Centred around stories, photos, and music

Memorials are often less expensive and give families time to plan something heartfelt and unique.

Celebration of Life / Living Funeral

A celebration of life focuses on joy, gratitude, and shared memories. It might include:

• Music, laughter, and storytelling
• Photo slideshows or videos
• Planting a tree or doing something the person loved
• Gathering in a favourite place — a park, pub, beach, or garden

These events allow creativity and highlight the uniqueness of the person being remembered. Some people even choose to attend their own living funeral to celebrate while they’re still here.

We’d love to hear from you!
How have you celebrated the life of someone special? Whether it was through music, stories, or a simple gathering, your ideas could inspire others. Reply to this post or email us — let’s keep sharing the beautiful ways of celebrating a life.

Want to dive deeper? Try our Before I Go Method course or take a read of this article.