Funeral & Celebration Planning

Gentle Guidance for Planning a Meaningful Farewell

What’s Usually Included

Most services are built from a few simple pieces. You do not need every element — just the ones that feel right for your loved one and your family.

What most services include

  • A moment to remember the person (stories, readings, or reflection)
  • A simple order of events (welcome → remembrance → closing)
  • A way for guests to participate or reflect

Many meaningful services don’t include these

  • A formal funeral director
  • Religious structure
  • A specific format or length

Why Storytelling Matters When We Say Goodbye

Every life is a collection of moments, laughter, lessons, and love.


Telling those stories — in an obituary, during a service, or around a memory table — helps us make meaning of loss.


Storytelling connects generations, eases grief, and transforms a service from something you attend into something you feel.

Free Tools to Help You Begin

The Obituary Builder + Guide

Learn More

Printable Memory Table Signs

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Sample Order of Service Worksheets

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Helpful Articles & Inspiration

Not sure what you need yet? These guides can help you make one decision at a time — from choosing a service format to setting up a memory table or writing an order of service.

Even from a distance, connection and comfort are possible. When someone you love passes away and gathering in person isn’t possible, a Zoom memorial can offer just as much meaning, reflection, and connection as a traditional service, when done with care.  READ ARTICLE

A memory table is more than a collection of photos and keepsakes — it’s a tribute, a conversation starter, and a quiet way to say, “This is who they were.”Whether you’re planning a celebration of life, a funeral, or a casual gathering at home, a thoughtfully created memorial display helps guests reflect, connect, and remember. READ ARTICLE

I’ve Sat With Families Who Didn’t Know Where to Start. As a funeral director, I’ve helped hundreds of families through one of the hardest weeks of their lives.

Some come in with strong traditions. They know exactly what they want — a church service, a graveside ceremony, a reception. Others sit down and say, “We don’t want anything big… but we want it to feel meaningful.” READ ARTICLE

A Gentle Guide to Gathering, Sharing, and Remembering — On Your Own Terms. You don’t need a chapel, a program, or a funeral director to create a meaningful goodbye. All you need is intention, love, and space to share stories. READ ARTICLE

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When someone we love dies, the world gets quiet in strange ways — and suddenly, there are decisions to make. Big ones. Fast ones. Emotional ones.

You may find yourself wondering: Do I really need a funeral director?
Maybe you’re planning something simple. Maybe you want it to feel personal. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed, grieving, and just trying to keep your footing. READ ARTICLE

Choose Your Next Step

If you need to plan the service:

Celebration of Life Planner

A compassionate, step-by-step guide to help you plan a memorial, funeral, or celebration of life — with clarity, calm, and heart.

Feel Supported Every Step of the Way

Instant Download

GET THE PLANNER

If you want guests to share memories:

Remembering Together Cards

Create space for healing, laughter, and heartfelt storytelling with Remembering Together.

– a beautiful set of 50 digital memory prompt cards designed for funerals, memorials, and celebration of life gatherings.

Instant Download

GET THE PRINTABLE CARDS

If you need something free today: Download the Order of Service Worksheets

If you are not sure yet: Read the guide on what is usually included in a service

You don’t have to plan alone — every small act of love is enough.