What to include
- Cover: a favorite photo (often a candid one, not a formal portrait), the name, years, and a title such as “A Celebration of Life” or “Celebrating the Life of”.
- Their story: a short, warm version of the obituary, or a few sentences in the family’s own voice.
- The order of events: what will happen and who is speaking.
- Something of them: a favorite quote, recipe, playlist or saying.
- A thank-you and any request, such as where to share photos or donate.
Sample order of events
Celebration of life order
Welcome · Opening Words · Music · Life Story · Reflections from Family and Friends · Photo Tribute · Moment of Silence · Closing Words · Reception to Follow
Wording ideas
- “Please join us in celebrating a life well lived.”
- “Wear something bright. He would have.”
- “Share a memory in the book by the door, so we can keep them all.”
- “In place of flowers, please do something kind for a stranger this week.”
How it differs from a funeral program
A funeral program follows a religious or traditional order of service, usually with the body or ashes present. A celebration of life program follows the family’s plan: it can be shorter, more personal, and include music, photos or activities. Both use the same folded format and can be printed the same way.
Questions
- Do you need a program for a celebration of life?
- No, but most families make one. It gives guests the order of events and something to keep.