Life, lived fully: Combining cremation plans with a living celebration

When we think about funerals, we often picture sombre gatherings held after someone has passed away. But more families are beginning to embrace a different, deeply personal approach. A living celebration of life. Held while someone is still with us, often near the end of life, this kind of gathering creates space for love, reflection, laughter, and connection in real time. It allows the person to hear the stories, feel the gratitude, and witness the impact they’ve made, surrounded by the people who matter most.

For many, this meaningful celebration is paired with practical end-of-life planning, such as arranging a cremation plan in advance. Some choose an unattended cremation, often referred to as a direct cremation, keeping arrangements simple and easing the burden on loved ones when the time comes. Together, these choices combine heartfelt celebration with thoughtful preparation, ensuring both emotional and practical peace of mind.

Recently, Jennifer from our customer care team attended a living celebration of life for an 87-year-old woman who had chosen direct cremation and wanted to celebrate her life while she could still be present. Jennifer described the experience as joyful, deeply moving, and filled with warmth. It was a powerful reminder that celebrating someone’s life doesn’t have to wait until they are gone.

Her reflections bring this concept to life and show how combining a living celebration with cremation plans can create not only clarity for the future, but meaningful moments in the present.

What is a living celebration of life?

A living celebration of life is a gathering held while a person is still alive, usually when they are nearing the end of life. It gives family and friends the opportunity to come together to honour, reflect, and celebrate that person’s life, with them present to share the experience.

How is it different from a traditional funeral?

Unlike a traditional funeral, a living celebration of life:

• Takes place while the person is still alive
• Focuses on celebrating their life, rather than mourning their death
• Creates space for shared memories, gratitude, and connection in real time
• Is often more informal and flexible, shaped entirely around the individual’s wishes

There are no strict rules. It can be held at home, in a garden, in a care setting, or at a chosen venue. It might include music, readings, favourite foods, photo displays, video messages, or simply heartfelt conversations. Whatever feels most meaningful to you can be included.

How does it work alongside cremation planning?

Many families choose to pair a living celebration of life with cremation plans. This can include:

• Pre-paid cremation plans, arranged in advance
• Unattended cremation (direct cremation) for a simple, straightforward approach

By putting practical arrangements in place ahead of time, families gain clarity and peace of mind. It reduces future stress and allows loved ones to focus fully on celebrating a life well lived, both in the present moment and when the time comes.

A firsthand look at a living celebration

Jennifer, a member of our customer care team, attended a living celebration of life that left a lasting impression on her.

The celebration was for an 87-year-old woman living in a nursing home with stomach cancer. Having chosen a cremation plan and wanting to avoid a traditional funeral or wake, she told her family she would rather have a celebration she could attend herself. Her children arranged a special afternoon filled with the details she loved: her favourite coloured flowers, meaningful decorations, music, poems, and heartfelt tributes from family and friends. There was even a surprise performance of her favourite songs played on her late husband’s guitar.

Jennifer described the experience as incredibly moving. Seeing someone celebrated while still alive, able to hear the stories, feel the love, and witness the impact of their life, brought a powerful emotional depth to the day. Rather than focusing on grief, the atmosphere was joyful, reflective, and full of warmth. Although the guest of honour was tired by the end, she was truly happy.

For Jennifer, the most striking part was the sense of peace it created. Family and friends had the opportunity to share their words in person, and the woman herself was able to see just how much she meant to those around her. It offered a feeling of closure and comfort that traditional funerals sometimes cannot.

Her experience makes the idea of a living celebration of life tangible and relatable. It shows how, especially alongside a cremation plan, it can be a beautiful and meaningful way to honour someone’s life while they are still here to be part of it.

Benefits of combining cremation plans with a living celebration of life

Choosing both a living celebration of life and a pre-planned cremation arrangement brings emotional and practical benefits for everyone involved. It allows families to focus on meaningful moments now, while feeling prepared for the future.

For the person

• A chance to witness their own celebration and feel the love, gratitude, and appreciation shared by family and friends
• An opportunity to express final wishes, messages, or memories in their own words
• A sense of control and reassurance, knowing their arrangements reflect their personal values and preferences

For family and friends

• Reduced stress later on, as key decisions and arrangements have already been made
• An uplifting, positive experience to hold onto, centred on connection rather than immediate grief
• Time to say important things in person, creating meaningful closure and shared peace

Practical advantages

• Pre-planning cremation arrangements provide clarity, removing uncertainty about what the person wanted
• Options such as direct cremation simplify logistics, easing the burden on loved ones
• A thoughtful balance of celebration and preparation, combining joy in the present with practical end-of-life planning for the future

Together, these choices create space to honour a life fully, emotionally, personally, and practically.

How to plan ahead: Arrangements and guidance

Planning a living celebration of life alongside cremation plans doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With open communication and thoughtful preparation, it can be a positive and empowering process.

Tips for combining a living celebration with cremation plans

• Discuss wishes openly with family and loved ones: Honest conversations ensure everyone understands what feels right, from the tone of the celebration to the type of cremation arrangement preferred.
• Consider pre-paid or unattended cremation for simplicity: Making arrangements in advance provides clarity and removes uncertainty. Simple options can ease future decision-making and reduce pressure on family members.
• Balance celebration with practical planning: While the focus may be on creating a meaningful gathering, taking time to organise the practical details ensures peace of mind for everyone involved.

Seek professional guidance

Funeral directors, cremation providers, and care teams can offer valuable support. They can explain available options, handle arrangements sensitively, and help ensure both the celebration and the cremation plans reflect the person’s wishes.

Having experienced guidance can make the entire process smoother and more reassuring for families.

Celebrating life while planning for peace of mind

Honouring a life doesn’t have to wait until it’s over. A living celebration of life shows us that it’s possible to celebrate fully, love openly, and share meaningful moments while someone is still here to be part of them. At the same time, putting thoughtful cremation arrangements in place reminds us that end-of-life planning doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. With the right approach, it can be simple, clear, and reassuring.

By combining celebration with preparation, families can focus on what truly matters: connection, reflection, and peace of mind.

If you’d like to explore cremation plan options, our team at Celebration of Life is here to guide you every step of the way.