Today’s celebration of life is a far cry from the days when a funeral was a strictly sombre occasion. Now, families are choosing different ways to honour their loved ones by saying farewell with love, laughter, and personality.
As a result, a contemporary celebration of life is heartfelt, unique, and often filled with joy, focusing on the life lived rather than the sadness of loss.
At Co-Ordination Event Hire, we’ve seen firsthand how the shift to personalised goodbyes has transformed the wake as we knew it.
What Is a Celebration of Life?
Think modern alternative to the traditional wake. These events switch the dial from mourning to remembering the deceased’s personality, accomplishments, and the happiness they brought.
Correspondingly, it feels more like a warm party than a solemn ceremony – a befitting tribute to someone who lived their life to the fullest.
It’s entirely up to you how you shape the event, and it can take place just about anywhere, including:
- Your home or garden
- Your loved one’s local pub
- A scenic outdoor location
- A function room in a hotel, venue, or even the home of their favourite team
The more you’re able to channel your loved one’s unique spirit, the better.
Bring a Personal Touch to Accompany Them on Their Journey
Dress code is a playful way to make a celebration of life as special as the person you’re honouring.
So, invite guests to wear your loved one’s favourite colours or themed accessories reflecting their passions. This might be football shirts for a devoted fan, or flora and fauna prints for a nature lover.
In addition, anything from matching pretty peach Signature tablecloths to majesticroyal blue napkinsare ideal to tie in with your colour scheme.
Alternatively, lily white tablecloths complemented by sage green table runners and matching napkins are perfect for outdoor types.
What’s on the Menu?
Hot and cold buffet fayre is enduringly popular. Otherwise, serving your loved one’s favourite dishes or drinks is a wonderful way to commemorate them. Popular choices include:
- Afternoon Tea – Quintessential homemade finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream. A classic afternoon team package (including all related crockery, cutlery and glasses, plus cake stands, teapots, milk jugs and sugar bowls) is a great way to ensure everything’s covered during a difficult time.
- Iconic Comfort Foods – Like fish and chips or roast dinners
- International Cuisines – Such as Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean
Take Comfort in Nature
Memorial activities like planting a memorial tree or a miniature garden provide a lasting tribute.
And what if you’re planning a celebration of life in the summer month’s, when there’s a greater likelihood of good weather?
Rustic trestle tables and benches, and oak barrel bars paired with a barbecue, a hog roast, or picnic style food make for a relaxed, congenial atmosphere.
Say Goodbye Your Way
At Co-ordination Event Hire, we understand planning a celebration of life can feel overwhelming. But that’s where we step in.
Our experienced team ensure every detail is handled with care. It’s our job to make the process hassle-free, from delivery and set-up to collecting everything (even dirty dishes), so you can focus on what truly matters – celebrating your loved one.
Visit our website to browse all the catering equipment you need to mark a life well lived.
