Celebrations of Life are a joyous time of remembering and honoring a loved one. Different than a funeral, this celebration focuses on the deceased’s vitality. Friends and family often wear bright clothing and choose fun events rather than somber ones. Include friends and family by sending a written notice with all the details.
Wording For A Celebration Of Life Invitations
While celebrations of life are informal, there are still times when you want to send a paper invitation. Purchase blank stationery to print invitations with pertinent information. The wording for a celebration of life invitation helps set the tone for the event. It lets your guests know what to expect. Send the invitations with plenty of time for attendees to plan. Here are some tips and guidelines.
How Do You Announce A Celebration?
Announcing a celebration can be done via USPS mail, email, social media, or even text messaging. There’s no wrong way to announce it, as each type of invitation results in friends and family celebrating your loved one. So let go of any guilt: this is a rough time, but you’re doing great!
5 Parts Of A Celebration Of Life Announcement
Not everyone knows what to expect at a celebration of life. While most of us have attended funerals, we may not have gone to a cheery celebration after someone dies. Letting your guests know what to expect will not only ease their minds but can also help you to solidify the plans.
Here are the five parts of a great announcement.
1. Vital information: The wording for the celebration of life invitations should contain a few vital pieces of information.
- Name of the Deceased
- Birth and Death Dates, if desired
- Date and Time
- Venue Name and Address
Beyond the necessary details, there are other items you could add to help attendees know what to expect. None of these items need to take more than a sentence or two. Nor do you need to include examples from each category. Brevity is your friend!
2. Special Instructions: This is where you let guests know any pertinent event-related information.
- Tell your guests where to park, if parking is tight.
- Include a map of remote locations.
- What to wear: Mom’s favorite color was blue, so let’s give her a bright blue salute!
- What to bring: You all know that Dad loved church potlucks, so bring your favorite dish to share in his honor.
- RSVP instructions, if required.
3. A brief plan of events: Let your guests know what will happen once you all gather. This short section will ease their minds about what happens at a celebration of life.
- We’ll share a few words in Grandma’s memory and then we’ll all walk down to the dock to spread her ashes in the lake she loved.
- Jeremiah loved fishing more than anything, so bring your pole and let’s catch some fish!
- After a short ceremony, food and drinks will be provided.
- We’ll have a memory jar where you can write down a favorite memory of Susie and place it in the jar for the family.
4. Add a picture: Personalize your invitation by adding a fun candid photo of your loved one. You’ll help set the celebration tone by choosing an action shot rather than a more somber studio portrait.
5. Add a short biography of the deceased. A short biography also helps set the ceremony’s tone. By mentioning children, pets, or close friends you inform your guests of who they may see at the celebration. You could also mention any favorite hobbies. Keep it short though, especially if you’re planning to make a service program.
Celebration Of Life Invitations (Printable)
Purchase blank note cards and envelopes to design and print your invitations. Or edit one of these simple choices. This Adobe tutorial shows everything you need to know to edit and make these templates your own.
- Flower Wreath Invitation (download PDF)
- Eucalyptus Leaf Celebration of Life Invitation
10 Celebration Of Life Wording Examples
By thinking through the details, now you’re ready to craft your invitation. Here are some examples of the wording inside your announcement. Let them inspire your gathering.
Example 1
- We gratefully gather to honor [Name] [Birthdate – Deathdate].
- Please join us for a celebration of the fun-filled life she lived.
- Date
- Time
- Downtown City Park
- Under the Big Gazebo
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Bring your stories and memories to share. We will provide refreshments, especially [Name’s] favorite: strawberry shortcake!
Example 2
- Please join us as we celebrate the life of our beloved [Name].
- His joyous soul meant he never missed a party. We plan to honor [Name] with a backyard BBQ at the home of his dear sister.
- Date
- Time
- Sister’s Name
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Since you know it was impossible to find [Name] without his worn-out Birkenstocks; wear your favorite sandals and bring a side dish to share. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and plant-based burgers are provided. Let’s celebrate in [Name’s] memory.
Example 3
- Please share an evening with us as we celebrate the life of [Name].
- He loved a good pint, so join us at Neighborhood Pub to commemorate the life of our amazing brother and friend.
- Date
- Time
- Neighborhood Pub
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- We’ll say a few words, share some memories, and raise a glass to [Name]. The first round is on us! Food is available for purchase from the Neighborhood Pub’s kitchen.
Example 4
- For a faithful heart, death is not the end.
- Our beautiful [Name] joined her Maker on [Date]. Gather with our family as we celebrate Heaven’s newest angel!
- Date
- Time
- Neighborhood Church Rec Room
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Pastor [First Name] will lead us in singing [Name’s] favorite joyful hymns. Light luncheon and refreshments served.
Example 5
- It’s a Memorial Golf Tournament! In honor of our beloved Nana, [Name], we’ve organized a tournament. What better way to remember her competitive spirit!
- Date
- Time
- Neighborhood Golf Course
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- RSVP to [Name] at [Phone number] so we can assign you to a team! Nana will be smiling down as we share her love of sport and friendship!
Example 6 To Celebrate A Child Who Died
- Please join us in celebrating [Name’s] short life. He loved the park, dogs, and all things dinosaur!
- We’re gathering at:
- Neighborhood Park
- At the Picnic Tables near the Playground
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Date
- Time
- Look for the big dinosaur balloons! Children and dogs are welcome. Dinosaur t-shirts and costumes are optional 🙂. We’ll have a few short words, dino-shaped cookies (of course!) and then we’ll swing till our hearts are content!
Example 7
- Join our upbeat celebration of [Name’s] life.
- Neighborhood Restaurant
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Date
- Time
- Bring your favorite stories and photos to share. Come be part of the warm energy as we celebrate [Name], despite our grief.
- Beverages and light hors d’oeuvres served. To help in planning, RSVP by calling or texting [Phone Number].
Example 8
- We’re gathering to celebrate [Name’s] life and achievements. He never met a stranger, so please join our family to honor [Name].
- Date
- Time
- [Name’s] House
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Come share pizza, beer, memories, and hugs.
Example 9
- Join us for a Celebration of Life
- [Name] [Birthdate – Deathdate]
- Date
- Time
- [Name’s] Backyard
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Expect music and dancing as we share fond memories of our mother, sister, and friend [Name]. Bring a swimsuit and towel for a dip in the pool. We’ll have snacks and smiles waiting for you!
Example 10
- As you know, our beloved [Name] was a grand adventurer. Now on the first anniversary of her death, please join us to celebrate her full life.
- Neighborhood Community Center
- 123 ABC Ave.
- Any Town, ST 12345
- Date
- Time
- And because [Name] always shared photos of her many trips, we’ll have a (brief 🙂) video slide show of her favorite adventures. Celebrate her beauty and some light refreshments with us.
Social Media Announcements For A Celebration Of Life
It’s certainly acceptable in today’s media-driven society to post celebration of life invitations on social media. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when posting to Facebook or other social pages.
- When possible, make sure this announcement isn’t the first death notice.
- Unless space and budget are unlimited, create a private event and only send invitations to selected individuals.
- Include a copy of the printed invitation and an upbeat photo of the deceased.
- Include instructions to RSVP, if required.
Conclusion
Celebrations of life are a wonderful way to honor our loved ones. There is no limit to how we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Just as there’s no limit to the words we use when inviting friends and family to gather. Tailor the ceremony and the invitation to your beloved for a memorial you’ll all treasure. In all things surrounding death, remember there is no right or wrong.
