How to Organize Your ‘Life Celebration’

How to Organize Your ‘Life Celebration’

by Julie Mcritchie Co-Author of Organize Your Life

I write this article in memory of Sue – a caring and thoughtful friend whose Life Celebration I attended today. Sue was known for her organizational skills – in fact her family repeated the word Organize as often as they mentioned her name in their personal accounts of her. She was a very productive person in all areas of her life, and to hear what she accomplished and achieved in her 47 years was very impressive. What led me to sit now, at one of her favourite beach spots was the fact that she organized her funeral right down to the very last detail. So typical of Sue – ever protecting those she loved, making this difficult time as easy as possible. Planning your own funeral could feel a bit morbid, but after today I really saw the benefits in preparing what you can yourself, to make your service truly personal and really reflect who you are. In this instance Sue was so very present – giving her family the strength they needed to get through it.

Here are some areas you could pre-plan to help your loved ones organize your ‘life celebration’ for when the time comes.

Music

Choosing music to play can be based on the words in the tune and the time at which it will be played in the order of service. This aspect of the service is often the most reflective of the person whose life you are celebrating and really creates the atmosphere of celebrating a life lived.

Photos

Choosing photos from over the years that can be put up on a projector for all to see, as your chosen music is played is a lovely part of any service.

Location

Think about where you would like to have your funeral and be mindful of the size as to how many people will fit inside. Be it a church or chapel at the funeral directors or simply outdoors.

Casket

You can either meet with a funeral director or you may already know from personal experience what colour and finish you would like. Write this down so that your wishes are clear.

Burial / Cremation

This is a very personal factor and one that you will need to discuss with those you love, so they know what your wishes are on this matter. Many people are now choosing to have the burial / cremation prior to the actual funeral with immediate family and few friends, so as to not have to leave all the mourners after the funeral. You may like to consider this idea too.

Poems / Prayers / Readings

You may write or adapt something that is special to you or you may come across one that you really like and expresses you well. Keep these in a special place that your loved ones are of.

Flowers or Donations

Flowers are seasonal so you might be a bit limited in your choice but never the less you can put down whether you prefer flowers or would rather donations made to a charity or an organization that has personal significance to you.

Humour

Sue had ensured “the girls destress chocolate” was in a huge bowl in the middle of the table at the afternoon tea. We didn’t know if we were to laugh or cry some more.

Note:

Once you have recorded your personal wishes down, be sure to tell those who will be left to arrange things for you, so they know where to find your list. While talking about your wishes why not encourage your loved ones to share their personal desires too, as sadly our funerals are one of the most certain days to come.