When a loved one passes away, planning a meaningful farewell can be a complex and emotional process. While there are many ways to honour someone, two of the most common options are funerals and celebrations of life. Each option offers a distinct approach to commemorating the person who has passed, with the key differences being in the atmosphere and format of the event. While funerals can be more traditional and follow established mourning rituals, a celebration of life usually emphasises the joyous moments and meaningful experiences shared with the deceased.
What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral serves as a formal ceremony to commemorate the life of the person who has passed and allows mourners a final opportunity to pay their respects before the burial service or cremation. Funerals tend to follow established rituals and are traditionally religious in nature, though in recent years families are increasingly opting for non-religious funerals held in their loved one’s home or another venue instead of a place of worship. (See our previous article on the types of funerals and service options for more info.)
What is the purpose of a celebration of life?
A celebration of life is usually an informal event with a more uplifting atmosphere compared to that of a funeral and focuses on the positive memories the guests have with the deceased. Unlike funerals, celebrations of life offer greater flexibility in timing, often occurring at any point after the individual’s passing, burial or cremation. These occasions also typically do not feature the presence of the casket, allowing attendees to focus solely on honouring the life lived and the positive impact the deceased had on those around them.
The key differences between funerals and celebrations of life:
Tone and atmosphere:
- Funerals tend to be more solemn and somber, providing a structured environment for grieving and remembrance.
- Celebrations of life, on the other hand, focus on positivity – encouraging attendees to honour the life and legacy of the departed through fond memories and uplifting stories.
Format and structure:
- Funerals typically follow long-established rituals and religious traditions, often including prayers, hymns, and eulogies delivered by family members.
- Celebrations of life offer greater flexibility in format, allowing for creative expression through music, speeches, photo displays, and other personalised touches that capture the essence and positive memories of the person who has passed.
Purpose and focus:
- The primary focus of a funeral is to provide a formal farewell to the deceased, offering comfort and closure to grieving family and friends, as well as a final opportunity to see their loved one before the burial or cremation.
- Celebrations of life, however, shift the focus towards honouring the life and experiences of the person who has passed including achievements, milestones, passions, interests, and fond memories with those around them.
FAQs about funerals and celebrations of life:
Can you have both a funeral and a celebration of life?
Yes – many families choose to hold both a traditional funeral service and a separate celebration of life event as this allows for a formal farewell, followed by a smaller gathering of those closest to them to celebrate the life of the person who has passed.
How do I decide between a funeral and a celebration of life?
Common considerations when choosing between the two may include:
- Considering the wishes and personality of the person who has passed, especially any spiritual or religious considerations
- Considering the preferences of the close family and friends and any traditions held
- Considering the type of event that would best honour the values of the individual being remembered
- Considering your budget and what grants you may be eligible for (see https://jamesashton.co.uk/services-from-1184-james-ashton-son-funeral-directors-in-dundee/ for more details).
It’s also worth mentioning you can have both events, especially as a celebration of life usually takes place some time after a funeral (or any time after a person has passed, such as the anniversary of their passing). In instances where a burial or cremation is not possible, e.g. if the person has donated their body to science, a celebration of life can also replace the funeral service.
Are there any cost differences between a funeral and a celebration of life?
The cost of a funeral will tend to be higher than the cost of a celebration of life as funerals tend to follow set formalities such as booking a venue, catering, flowers and additional services, transport, headstones, and more. While the costs for both can, of course, vary based on individual preferences, location, and the length of the service, it’s common for celebrations of life to be more cost-effective due to the more informal setting and fewer formalities. Again, however, this will be down to your choice in how you wish to honour the person who has passed and whether you wish to include more traditional elements in the celebration of life, or alternatively include elements of the celebration of life as part of the funeral. All of our service costs are available on our website at https://jamesashton.co.uk/our-charges/.
Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch:
1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS
188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN
132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ
56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)
Planning a funeral and getting grief support can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director will be there to help you along every step of the way