Celebration of Life planning process
A short, compassionate process for when you have days, not months. Focus on what matters most.
Start my celebration of life plan free →Step by step
- 1
Essentials
First 2–3 days- ✓Choose date, time and place
- ✓Decide on tone (formal, casual, faith-based)
- ✓Notify family and close friends
- ✓Assign one point person for questions
- 2
Gather
Week 1- ✓Book venue or reserve home/park space
- ✓Arrange food or light catering
- ✓Collect photos for slideshow or display
- ✓Invite speakers and write program
- 3
Finalize
Days before- ✓Print programs and memory cards
- ✓Set up guestbook or memory table
- ✓Confirm A/V for slideshow and music
- ✓Arrange flowers
Pros you'll need
Sample day-of timeline
- 1:00 PMSetup memory table & slideshow
- 2:00 PMGuests arrive
- 2:30 PMWelcome & tributes
- 3:30 PMReception & shared memories
Tips
- It's okay to keep it simple — accept help from friends.
- Let one person handle vendor calls so family can rest.