Celebrations of Life & Memorial Services: The Events You Never Hope to Plan

How to Honor a Loved One with Intention, Grace, and Support

Celebrations of Life & Memorial services can be overwhelming, full of emotion, and financially costly.

There are events we dream of planning—weddings, milestone birthdays, once-in-a-lifetime vacations. And then there are the events we never hope to plan: funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life.

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult and disorienting experiences we face. In the midst of grief, it can feel nearly impossible to focus on logistics, vendors, or timelines. Yet so many families are left to figure it out themselves, trying to create a meaningful, beautiful goodbye while navigating overwhelming emotions.

At Fantastical Adventures, we believe you shouldn’t have to do that alone.

What Is a Celebration of Life?

While funerals and memorials often follow more traditional and somber customs, celebrations of life offer a more personal and uplifting way to honor someone’s memory. They are just what they sound like—a celebration of the life that was lived, the impact that was made, and the love that still remains.

They can be spiritual or secular, intimate or large-scale, simple or intricately themed around the things that made your loved one them. It’s about joy. It’s about remembrance. And it’s about storytelling.

Whether you're hosting a formal funeral service, a casual backyard gathering, or a fully designed celebration of life, these events are about one thing: honoring your loved one in a way that reflects who they truly were.

Making It a True Celebration

A celebration of life is an opportunity to turn grief into gratitude. While it doesn’t erase the sadness, it can offer light in the darkness—a chance to reflect on what made this person so deeply loved and cherished.

So, how do you celebrate someone’s life in a way that feels joyful, comforting, and true?

Highlight What Made Them Unique

Everyone has something special that made them them. Did they have a signature laugh, an obsession with 80s music, a love for all things Marvel or Harry Potter, or a green thumb that made their garden the envy of the neighborhood? Lean into those elements. Build a memorial that tells their story, not just their timeline.

Make It Personal

This is your chance to break free from convention. A celebration of life can include their favorite foods, their go-to karaoke songs, their fandoms, their favorite color as the theme, or even a dress code that reflects their style (yes, even jeans and Converse instead of black suits). Did they love camping? Host a bonfire. Were they a movie buff? Hold the service in a small theater. Were they a foodie? Curate a tasting experience in their honor.

Invite Others to Share

Create moments that allow others to share their favorite stories, quirks, and memories. These shared reflections—funny, touching, unexpected—are where healing begins. A memory wall, a story-sharing circle, or a video booth for guests to record messages can all become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

Rituals That Create Connection

Instead of formal ceremonies, consider incorporating meaningful rituals: a lantern release, planting a tree, crafting something together, or even sharing their favorite drink in a toast. These small acts can offer comfort and a sense of continued connection.

A celebration of life with heart, filled with photos of loved ones and adventures the deceased journeyed on.

Things to Consider When Planning a Celebration of Life or Funeral Event

If you're navigating the early stages of planning a memorial, here are a few things to think about:

1. Choose the Right Setting: Think about where your loved one would have wanted to be remembered. A church, a family home, a favorite park, or even a unique venue like a museum, theater, or botanical garden—this space sets the tone.

2. Reflect Their Personality & Passions: Incorporate things that meant something to them—hobbies, fandoms, foods, quotes, colors, music. Did they love Disney? Playing cards? Gardening? Travel? These details bring comfort and joy to those grieving and help tell their story.

3. Decide on the Structure: Will there be speeches or readings? A video montage? A symbolic ritual (like a lantern release or planting a tree)? Will it follow religious traditions or be completely custom?

4. Think About Guests' Needs: Consider accessibility, travel, food and beverage, and accommodations for out-of-town attendees. A celebration of life is just as much about bringing people together as it is about honoring someone’s memory.

5. Create Lasting Touches: Keepsakes, guest books, photo walls, or even themed playlists can offer tangible memories that guests can hold onto.

Table Settings & Centerpieces reflecting on the loved one's favorite things, like the color blue, playing cards, and being with family.

How Fantastical Adventures Can Help

As someone who recently planned my own mother’s services, I know firsthand how heavy this process is. I know what it’s like to sit in that fog of grief and wonder how you’re supposed to create something beautiful and meaningful when your heart is breaking.

At Fantastical Adventures, we offer compassionate, thoughtful planning and design services for funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. We meet you where you are—emotionally, spiritually, and practically—and walk with you every step of the way.

Whether you need full-service planning or just someone to help bring your vision together, we’re here to:

• Coordinate vendors, venues, florals, and decor

• Design intentional, meaningful event details

• Handle logistics and communication so you don’t have to

• Offer emotional support as you navigate this journey

We’ll work closely with you to make sure your loved one is honored in a way that feels true, beautiful, and uniquely them. This is not just about event planning—it’s about honoring a legacy.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

These are the events no one wants to plan—but when we must, we deserve to have help, support, and love along the way.

If you or someone you know is in the midst of loss and needs guidance or assistance with planning a memorial or celebration of life, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let us help you create something meaningful—a moment of connection, remembrance, and even joy.

You focus on remembering and grieving.

Let us take care of the rest.

With love,

Jill, Fantastical Adventures