Celebration of Life Resources

We believe a celebration of life should be as special as the person it honours. We also believe that every family who chooses to plan with us deserves the opportunity to create a personalized service. Every family who entrusts a Dignity Memorial® provider with their loved one’s celebration receives a meaningful, personalized service where family and friends can come together to share stories, comfort and even a few laughs.

As part of every event, when a family wishes, we include:

  • Music meaningful to the family that highlights the uniqueness of the loved one being honoured.
  • Personal items and photos that speak to a loved one’s life, passions and special moments to tell a unique story.
  • A well-crafted message presented by a celebrant, clergy or officiant that reflects the family’s traditions, faith and needs.

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Behind every great gathering is a lot of planning, and a life celebration can have a lot of moving parts. We're planning experts who know just what to do and when to do it—and we do it with compassion and attention to detail.

The resources below will help you get started, and we are always here when you need us.





Planning a celebration of life

A personalized celebration of life includes so many things: a venue, a thoughtful menu, flowers, favours, and a partnership with clergy or a celebrant. We help you plan a unique experience tailored to your loved one’s life. We start by taking the time to get to know your special person and your family. Then we weave the details into a one-of-a-kind event that will leave an indelible impression on everyone who attends.

This is our passion, our purpose and our promise. When you plan with us, you’re not just choosing a provider, you’re choosing a partner who cares for more families each year than any other.

Plan every detail

Let Imagine: A Memorial Inspiration Guide inspire your perfect service.

Celebration of life ideas 

At a celebration of life, friends and family gather to remember and share happy memories. Stories, hugs, smiles and even laughter are often hallmarks of the event.

A celebration of life can be as unique as the person being remembered, and honouring their life with a personalized gathering is just one way to show your love for them. Highlighting a person's passions and memorable personality traits creates a one-of-a-kind service.

If you’re looking for inspiration during your celebration of life planning, we have many ideas to help you celebrate.

Attending a celebration of life 

An invitation to a celebration of life is a special honour. It’s a chance to fondly remember a loved one alongside others who cared deeply for that person. It’s a time when friends and family come together to support each other, offer comfort and share stories. The experience of spending time with others who also had a bond with your loved one can be profoundly healing.

If you’ve never attended a celebration of life, you may wonder what to expect. Each celebration is unique to the family who plans it and the person it honours, but there are some tried-and-true formats, as well as popular trends, you may encounter.

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Celebrating the details that make a life unique

When we remember someone, it’s not the big things we miss most. It’s all the irreplaceable little things that made them special.

Celebration of life songs & quotes

During a celebration of life, there may be opportunities for friends and family members to say a few words about the person who has passed. You, too, may wish to speak about cherished memories or share words of comfort. Celebration of life quotes can be a meaningful addition to a lovingly worded speech, if you choose to give one. Music sets the mood and tone, and certain songs can really have an impact.

From lighthearted and relaxed to inspirational and uplifting, there are quotes, songs and readings to match the spirit of any event.

Imagine book

Imagine funeral planning differently

A funeral or memorial service should be a one-of-a-kind celebration. Everyone has their own unique story. How do you want to tell yours? Imagine is a book full of ideas for creating a beautiful and unforgettable remembrance for yourself or a loved one. Download Imagine to begin planning an unforgettable tribute today.

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