One of the things you must do after a loved one passes away is make their final arrangements. This means choosing between burial or cremation services near Evanston, IL. It also means making plans for how you want to honor their memory, whether it be with a funeral, a memorial service, or a celebration of life. A celebration of life typically has a more informal atmosphere than a funeral, and the mood is often more upbeat and celebratory, sometimes even party-like. Here are some ways that you could plan a memorable and special celebration of life for your loved one. 

You’ll have to consider how many people you expect to come. If your loved one was a beloved and active member in the community, then you might want to plan on a relatively large gathering. On the other hand, you may want to limit it to family and close friends only. Think about where you want it to take place. If you think an outdoor venue is the best option, then you’ll need to plan according to the weather and temperature. Some people will have it at their homes or the home of a friend or family member. Others will rent out gathering halls or something similar. You’ll likely want to provide food and drinks, so consider how you want to do that, as well. You might have it catered, order carry out food to provide, or hold a pot-luck style meal where everyone brings a dish to pass. Depending on where you have it, you might even want to have a bar available, or it could be as simple as coolers of soda and water. 

There are many ways that you can make the celebration of life more personal, as well. Collect photos from your own home, and ask around to family and friends to see if they have any special pictures or videos to share. If they had any unique interests or memorabilia, consider including some of this. Does your family have any special cultural traditions? You could think about incorporating some of these, so that everyone in attendance can take part. See if there are any family members or friends who would like to share a poem, prayer, song, or memory of your loved one. You may even learn some new things about them that you never knew before! You could have everyone participate in a toast, or provide the person’s favorite foods for everyone to share. You could show a fireworks display, choose a playlist, or even hire a band. Whatever you think would properly honor your loved one’s memory, the possibilities are endless. 

If your loved one expressed the wish for a celebration of life to be held in their honor, or if you feel like they lived a full and happy life that deserves celebration and tribute, then this might be the right option for you. After they have undergone cremation services near Evanston, IL, you can take all the time you need to make arrangements. Your provider of cremation services can help you and give you advice, making sure that everything goes smoothly. Then, you can focus on enjoying your time with family and friends, celebrating a life well-lived. Contact us to learn more.