Speaker at celebration of life event in Las Vegas, Nevada

While the experience of losing a loved one can be extremely emotional and difficult, a celebration of life can be uplifting for family and friends of the deceased, and an upbeat alternative to the traditional funeral. An increasing number of families are choosing to plan ceremonies that celebrate the lives, personalities, and passions of their loved one, rather than mourn the loss. This type of celebration is mainly focused on sharing stories of the deceased and remembering the joys they brought into the lives of others, making it a personal and uplifting occasion where tears and laughter are equally welcome. 

There are many factors that will go into the planning process of your loved one’s Celebration of Life, but one of the benefits of planning an event like this, rather than a traditional funeral, is the freedom you have to plan the celebration in whichever way you desire. Basically, you can include whatever you think is appropriate to represent and honor your loved one, as well as showcase their life story. 

In many cases, celebrations of life are held after the body has already been cared for, which allows for more time to carefully plan a service that includes input from everyone and provides more notice and flexibility to guests who have to travel. It is not uncommon for families to hold a celebration of life weeks or even months after their loved one has passed away. 

Different aspects of their life can be showcased in various ways. For example, the music playing during the event may be a playlist of their favorite tunes and the food can include their favorite dishes. It’s also a good idea to have a memory table with photographs of their life and personal items that represent them best. Memory tables can also help you display specific passions they had during their life. If he or she loved to paint, you can display their best work and a special paintbrush of theirs. As you begin planning the celebration of life, you’ll come to realize that nothing is really off limits when it comes to making the event as personal and special as possible.

Selecting the perfect venue is an important step of the planning process and can direct your decision-making in regards to various aspects of the celebration. These types of services can be intimate occasions with only close family and friends, or can extend to a larger group of people that includes business colleagues, old friends, and extended family members. When selecting a venue, size and functionality are both important factors to consider. The location can also set the tone for the event itself. Many funeral homes have celebration of life centers or reception spaces, but some families may want to avoid the funeral home altogether. There are plenty of locations that can be utilized for such an event, big or small. Occasions4.us can accommodate in some cases up to 250 people for dinners and cocktail style receptions, with plenty of functional space at each of our venues. Each venue is serene and tranquil, but unique in its own way. 

Once you’ve selected your venue, the smaller details can become your priority. Here are some ideas that can help you in your planning:

1. Mementos/Memory Table: Include photographs and personal items that display the life and passions of your loved one. 
   
2. Speakers: Decide ahead of time who will speak at the celebration of life and give them ample time to thoughtfully write what they wish to say about the deceased. Sometimes, families also choose to have guests say a few words if they wish to do so. Decide on this manner ahead of time as well to avoid any confusion.
   
3. Memory Cards: Provide small cards for your guests to write down their favorite memories of your loved one. These memories can help you remember the best parts about them and help you share their life with future generations.
   
4. Keepsakes: After the service is over, keepsakes can be given to guests to remind them of your loved one. Oftentimes, families will distribute prayer cards, candles, or memorial bookmarks. Another nice keepsake that has become increasingly popular for such events is a card containing embedded flower seeds. These cards can be planted and soon, the blooming flowers will remind the guests of your loved one and the great life that he or she lived.
   
5. Refreshments: Celebrations of life can include light refreshments or a catered meal; it’s entirely up to you. Your venue can help you make these decisions and plan the refreshments that will be prepared for guests. 
   

If you’re looking for a venue for an upcoming Celebration of Life, let Occasions4.us be your guide. We’ve partnered with five venues in the Las Vegas area — including The Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson, the Spanish Trail Country Club and Aliante Golf Club in Las Vegas, as well as Primm Valley at the California-Nevada border — and our relationships with caterers, event coordinators and photographers means that you won’t have to spend the day organizing and ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch. Our facilities include private meeting rooms and banquet space, equipment rentals (projectors, tv’s, screens, microphones), unobtrusive staff, catering and banquet menus, and packaging and pricing options available based on setup requirements.

Your wishes will be honored and respected as we seek to lighten your load at this delicate time. Remember, Par 4 Occasions event consultants are here to help make this celebration special in every way.