How to Plan a Memorial or Celebration of Life
For when you want it to feel like them — not just a formality
Planning something in honor of someone you love is personal — and often complicated.
You might not want a traditional service.
You might not know what you want at all.
Or maybe you do, but you’re not sure how to make it happen.
This isn’t a checklist. It’s a place to start — so you can figure out what feels right for them, and for you.
What to Consider First
You don’t need every answer right now. Just a few questions to help shape what this might look like:
Where would feel like the right space? A backyard, a favorite park, a quiet room, or somewhere with meaning?
Who should be there — or is this something more intimate?
When makes the most sense — right away, in a few weeks, or when you're ready?
What tone do you want it to have — quiet, joyful, reflective, or some mix of all three?
You’re allowed to take your time.
You’re allowed to keep it small.
You’re allowed to make it beautiful — even in its simplicity.
Thinking Through Budget (Without Letting It Overwhelm You)
If you’re organizing things yourself, setting a budget early can help reduce stress. This isn’t about limiting what’s possible — it’s about protecting your energy.
Some expenses to keep in mind:
A venue (if needed)
Food or drinks
Printed materials
Keepsakes or tribute pieces
Any outside help (officiant, planner, photographer)
You don’t have to do it all. A meaningful gathering can happen on any budget — including very little.
Feeling stuck budgeting or planning?
Let’s talk it through on a 60-minute Memorial Mapping Session. BOOK YOUR CALL now and we’ll plan out your next steps and ease the load together.
What People Often Include (But Don’t Have To)
There’s no rulebook. But here are a few common pieces you can include, if they feel right:
A photo table or memory display
Their favorite music or a playlist that sets the tone
Short speeches, letters, or shared stories
Something symbolic: lighting candles, planting something, writing messages
Food, drinks, or anything that encourages people to connect
One or two well-chosen pieces are often more powerful than trying to do everything.
No Venue? No Problem.
Not every meaningful moment needs a formal setting. Here are ways people create meaningful gatherings without booking a space:
A backyard meal with their favorite foods
A walk through a favorite place with a few close people
A digital slideshow shared online
A shared memory book or group message
A birthday gathering or meaningful date
A Zoom or virtual space for faraway friends
The best setting is the one that feels the most like them.
Choosing Someone to Lead — or Not
Some gatherings benefit from a light structure or someone guiding the flow.
That doesn’t have to be a religious leader. It could be:
A professional celebrant
A trusted friend or family member
A few people sharing pieces of the moment
Or… it could be no one.
Some of the most meaningful gatherings unfold with music, quiet connection, and space to just be.
Honoring Culture, Beliefs, or Traditions
If the person you're honoring had a specific cultural, spiritual, or personal background, you might want to include elements that reflect that.
This could be:
A short prayer, quote, or ritual
A favorite song, food, or symbol from their heritage
Colors, language, or imagery that carries meaning
This doesn’t have to be exact. Just thoughtful.
Offering a Small Keepsake
Some people choose to send guests home with a small token — not as a party favor, but as a way to keep a piece of the day, or of the person, close.
Simple ideas:
A photo or favorite quote
A matchbox or candle
A seed packet to plant in their memory
A card or note with a story or message
You don’t need to offer anything. But if you want to — make it small, meaningful, and easy.
When You’re ready to Take the Next Step
Even small decisions can feel big when you’re grieving. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, we can figure it out together.
A Memorial Mapping Session is a 60-minute planning call — just you and me, talking through your ideas, the people involved, and what’s realistic. You’ll get follow-up notes to help move things forward without holding it all in your head.
If You’re Ready to Make It Feel Like Them
Explore custom planning and design tiers - from full memorial outlines to visual tributes. We also offer writing help when you need help shaping the words.
Before You Go
If you’re here, you’re already doing something important: trying to make this feel like them - not just a checklist, not just a fomality.
Let’s make the next steps easier:
Feeling overwhelmend? Download the free 3-Day After-Loss Checklist to get grounded and focus on what matters most.
Need a second brain? Book a Memorial Mapping Session - we’ll talk though your ideas, plans, and questions together.
Ready for hands-on support? Explore custom planning and tribute design - from memorial outlines to slideshows and keepsakes, we can create an experience that will bring your memorial all together.