Celebrations of Life
March 22, 2021
While there’s nothing wrong about being comforted in tradition, there is something to be said for going a different route: a celebration of life. Most people have been to a funeral or memorial service at a funeral home in Morrison, IL , but celebrations of life are non-traditional services that, rather than mourning a loss, remember and celebrate a life well lived. They give attendees a chance to say goodbye by sharing stories and memories and then laughing and smiling about those stories rather than crying over them.
The best thing about celebrations of life? They have no rules at all. They can be whatever you want them to be! Unless, of course, the deceased left specific instructions for their service. Since celebrations of life aren’t rooted in long traditions, they can be whatever the bereaved and the deceased want. But if there are no rules, how do you go about planning one? Where do you start? Here are some tips to help you plan a celebration of life :
- The Guest List – Who do you want to invite? Keep the guest list small if you want an intimate celebration or open it up to the whole community if you want a large celebration.
- The Service Itself – You also need to do some planning for how you will honor and celebrate your lost loved one. Generally, celebrations of life have some kind of officiant or MC that leads the group in memories, speaks about the life of the deceased, and ushers the ceremony along. However, you can also have a more informal ceremony without a specific leader. If you go this route, consider passing out programs so guests know what to expect, where to be, and what to do.
- Activities – A celebration of life can be full of a range of activities to help remember and honor the deceased. Some common activities are scrapbooks or memory boards, reading the deceased’s favorite literature or listening to their favorite music, watching memorial tribute videos, and eating the deceased’s favorite foods. Remember, a celebration of life is a celebration. As such, it should be uplifting and fun. Don’t shy away from good fun, drinks, and even decorations like balloons and streamers. They are interesting, unique and heartwarming ways to celebrate lives.
- Location – Once you have a rough idea of how many people are going to attend you can start to choose a location. Some celebrations of life are held at traditional places like churches, funeral homes, and banquet halls, but others are held at much more unique locales. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box: campfires in the woods, dinners at restaurants, services in a field, or even just a backyard barbeque.
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help if you want more tips on planning celebrations of life or on Morrison, IL cremation services. We are honored to do to however we can in your time of loss and celebration of a life well lived. Call or visit us today.
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Since 1975, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation has been dedicated to offering families compassionate and personalized funeral services. With nearly five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation as a trusted provider among funeral homes Morrison, IL . We recognize that each funeral service should be as unique as the individual it honors. Our commitment to tailoring every aspect of the service ensures that it reflects the deceased's life, values, and personality. By working closely with families, we create meaningful and memorable tributes that provide comfort and respect during a difficult time. The Emotional Resonance of Music Music has a profound effect on our emotions, and it plays a crucial role in creating a memorable and meaningful funeral service. Whether it’s a classical piece, a beloved hymn, or a contemporary song, music helps encapsulate the essence of the individual’s life, offering comfort and connection for those grieving. Personalized Selection: Choosing the right music can create an atmosphere of reflection and celebration. We work closely with families to understand their loved one’s musical preferences and passions, enabling us to suggest selections that will truly reflect their spirit. Creating a Meaningful Atmosphere: Music sets the tone for the service, guiding the emotional journey of the attendees. A well-chosen piece can evoke memories, bring solace, and provide an avenue for expressing feelings that words might struggle to convey. This can be particularly healing for those in mourning, offering a channel for their emotions. Integrating Music into the Service From prelude to postlude, music can be seamlessly woven throughout the funeral service to enhance its emotional impact and structure. Prelude and Postlude: The prelude sets the stage as guests arrive, creating an ambiance of quiet reflection. Conversely, the postlude can serve as a gentle farewell, leaving attendees with a sense of peace as they depart. During the Ceremony: Throughout the ceremony, music can punctuate moments of silence, accompany reading, or provide a backdrop for personal reflections and eulogies. These musical interludes can help to frame the service, marking different segments and allowing for moments of contemplation. Live Performances vs. Recorded Music: Live music, whether it’s a soloist, choir, or instrumentalist, brings a personal touch to the service, making the experience even more unique. However, recorded music can be equally powerful, providing a consistent and high-quality sound. Diverse Musical Preferences Acknowledging our community's diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, We cater to a wide range of musical traditions and preferences. Religious Hymns: For many, traditional religious hymns provide comfort and a sense of continuity, linking the service to a greater spiritual framework. Secular Songs: Secular music can capture a broad spectrum of emotions and themes, reflecting the deceased's personality and the unique moments of their life. This could range from a favorite pop song to a timeless ballad that was significant to them. Cultural Traditions: Cultural heritage can significantly influence musical choices, with specific instruments, songs, or styles playing pivotal roles in the ceremony. Respecting and incorporating these aspects can make the service deeply meaningful to the bereaved. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand the powerful role that music plays in creating a personalized and memorable funeral service. Music has the ability to evoke deep emotions and can serve as a meaningful tribute to the life and legacy of a loved one. As trusted providers among funeral homes Morrison, IL, we are committed to guiding families in selecting the perfect music that resonates with the personality and values of the deceased. By working closely with you, we ensure that every service reflects the individuality of your loved one. Please don't hesitate to call us for further assistance in planning a funeral.