Celebration of Life vs. Funeral: Your Essential Guide

Americans love their funerals. Nearly 25,000 Americans work as morticians and funeral arrangers, setting up dozens of funerals every year. 

As morbid as they are, funerals help people send condolences and process their grief. However, funerals are not always appropriate. When you are planning to memorialize someone’s life, you should consider a celebration of life. 

What is the celebration of life vs. funeral debate like? What distinguishes one ceremony from the other? Which one is more appropriate for a religious or secular occasion? 

Answer these questions and you can figure out how to grieve in the right way. Here is your quick guide.

Celebrations of Life

A celebration of life is an informal ceremony to commemorate someone’s passing. Family members and friends gather together at a location without clergy members. 

Every celebration of life is different, but most involve an activity to celebrate a loved one. If someone liked flowers, their friends and family may lay a flower bed in their memory. If someone was passionate about charity work, their family may arrange a charity fundraiser like a fun run. 

Attendees are not required to wear formal clothing or act somber. They can share funny stories about the person who passed, though many people also cry. 

You can host a celebration of life wherever you want. Some people like to gather in the home where the deceased person lived, while others want to go to a different location to avoid bad memories.

Funerals

A funeral is a formal ceremony, usually with a religious context. Christian funerals take place at churches, and a clergyperson takes charge of the event. They read religious materials, sing songs, and help people read eulogies. 

Each religious tradition has its own funeral and bereavement traditions. A Jewish funeral takes place as soon as possible after someone has died. During the burial, each attendee places dirt in the grave as a sign of respect.

However, there are secular funeral services. Family members can gather together at a funeral home or reception hall, give speeches, and read poetry. 

Planning a funeral requires a lot of work. Many people like to have flowers at their funerals, especially large arrangements like sprays. You can get more info here and pick the right arrangements for your needs.

There is no one way to conduct a funeral, even within religious traditions. You should talk to a funeral director or clergyperson and understand your different options.

The Celebration of Life vs. Funeral Debate

The celebration of life vs. funeral debate involves several arguments. A celebration of life is a joyous occasion based around one or more group activities. Religious traditions govern most funerals, with family members gathering at houses of worship. 

If you want something more informal and secular, you should select a celebration of life. If you want a conservative ceremony, you should opt for a funeral. 

Do not plan a funeral alone. You should get advice from a funeral director, and you should seek help for your grief. You can read more guides to funerals by following our coverage.