Some Misconceptions Pertaining to Celebration of Life Ceremonies

In speaking with several people regarding celebration of life ceremonies, I have discovered that many people believe these ceremonies are simply “a party” that is held at a particular location, where people share stories of their friend or family member, where food may be served, and/or where music may be played…in a way, combining elements of a traditional funeral home wake and a mercy meal (the meal that takes place after the traditional funeral).  While a celebration of life service can include these elements, there are many other available options.

Several people are under the misconception that if they wanted a clergy member to officiate a funeral ceremony for their loved one, they would have to hold the service at a church or a funeral home.   Many appear surprised when they learn that they can have the funeral service (that would have been held at a church or funeral home) incorporated into the celebration of life ceremony.  In fact, families have more options when working with the clergy in designing a celebration of life service because these clergy members can make the service either more or less religious, depending on the wishes of the family.  Also, some churches may have certain restrictions as to the content of the service.  These restrictions often do not exist within a celebration of life ceremony, allowing the family to have the funeral service they wish, at a location they feel more accurately reflects the life and personality of their loved one.

Another misconception is the involvement of cemetery services within the celebration of life ceremony.  Traditional funerals often conclude at the cemetery, where families may wish to have a dove, butterfly, or balloon release.   Families seeking a celebration of life ceremony can incorporate a cemetery service as well, where, as with a traditional cemetery service, the same dove, butterfly, or balloon release can take place.  These releases can instead take place at the location of the celebration of life ceremony if desired.  Release ceremonies are an excellent way for the younger family members and friends to be involved in the service.

In short, families interested in hosting a celebration of life service for their loved one should not think that they will need to sacrifice something that they would otherwise have been able to have if they conducted the funeral at a church or funeral home.  Instead, families should understand that they can have the same services provided at a church or funeral home, as well as many other services and options that are not provided there.

For more information on celebration of life ceremonies, please contact:

A Classic Touch Celebration, Inc.

PO Box 2312

Methuen, MA 01844

(978) 289-9225

info@classictouch.info

www.classictouch.info