Celebration of Life Program
A celebration of life focuses on joy, stories and the unique way someone lived. Create a program that feels personal and uplifting – in minutes.
What makes a celebration of life different
A celebration of life is a gathering that honors a person by focusing on how they lived rather than on the formal rituals of a funeral. It might be held weeks after a cremation, in a park, a family home, a favorite restaurant or a community hall. The tone is usually lighter: there may be music they loved, a slideshow of photographs, an open microphone for stories, and food and drink afterward.
Because a celebration of life is so personal, its program should be too. Our celebration of life template uses warmer, brighter designs – like Celebration Sunset, Ocean Calm and Lotus Serenity – and a flexible order of events that you can shape around your gathering.
A sample order of events
There is no set order for a celebration of life, but many follow a gentle flow:
- Welcome – a family member or host thanks everyone for coming.
- Music – a song that was "theirs."
- Life story – a brief telling of their life, often shared by a close friend.
- Memories and stories – an open time for guests to share.
- Slideshow – photographs from every chapter.
- A reading – a poem, lyric or passage they loved.
- Closing words – a final reflection or blessing.
- Toast and reception – raise a glass together.
Load our "Celebration of life" preset in the maker and rename any item to fit your plans.
Personal touches that work beautifully
- Use a candid, smiling photo on the cover instead of a formal portrait.
- Change the cover heading to "A Celebration of Life" or "Forever in Our Hearts."
- Put a favorite quote, lyric or saying on the back page instead of a traditional poem.
- Ask guests to share a memory on a card – mention it in the program.
- Add a QR code or link to an online memorial page in the acknowledgement section.
Respectful, not somber
Celebrations of life can still be deeply moving. A program helps guests understand the shape of the gathering, and gives them something to take home. Many families frame a program or tuck it into a photo album, so it's worth choosing paper and design with care.
Matching keepsakes
The $9.99 memorial bundle adds a matching thank-you card for after the event, a wallet-sized memorial card that guests can keep, and a social media announcement image you can post to let friends know when and where the celebration will be held. If you're sharing the news online, see our funeral announcement template.
Writing the life story
The life story for a celebration of life can be more relaxed than a traditional obituary. Choose the "celebration of life" tone in our free obituary writer for an uplifting draft that includes the things they loved. For more ideas, read our obituary examples and our guide to celebration of life ideas.
Printing for an informal venue
Celebrations of life often happen in places without ushers, so think about how programs will reach guests. Place a basket of programs by the entrance or on each table, and keep a few aside for family members who will want extras. If the gathering is outdoors, a heavier card stock holds up better in the breeze. A flat 5×7 card can be a practical choice for a short, relaxed event, while the folded booklet gives more room for photographs, a longer life story and the words to a favorite song.
Make yours in about 20 minutes
One guided form, live preview, free watermarked preview. Print-ready PDF from $4.99.
Create a celebration of life program →Frequently asked questions
- Is a celebration of life program different from a funeral program?
- The layout is similar, but the tone, design and order of events are usually more personal and uplifting.
- Can I hold a celebration of life months later?
- Yes. Many families hold one weeks or months after a cremation, when people can travel.
- What should the cover say?
- Common headings are “A Celebration of Life,” “Celebrating the Life of” or “Forever in Our Hearts.”