I am willing and able to fashion a ceremony for the deceased and their family, whichever way they wish their service to be whether serious or less so, respecting their wishes.  Some people wish to have a less serious  Memorial Service.

As the baby boomers age, there are many Celebration of Life Memorial Services that celebrate the persons accomplishments, their personality and many of their gifts.  Some people are getting away from serious funerals. Many people 70 and under are saying “I want to be talked about when it’s my time and are deciding ahead of time how they want their service to be like.  Once in a lifetime, we have a chance to celebrate someone’s life and we do not want to miss the opportunity”.  Guests can rejoice in the deceased’s triumphs, relationships and their favorite songs.  The tone is happy rather than mournful, their relationships and their favorite songs are talked about. Memories of the person are taking center stage.  There are still those who prefer the sober dignity of a traditional church service or a secular service which is solemn rather than celebratory but the trend is changing.

Companies that plan Celebration of Life events are springing up all over the country.  Planning includes the not only the service but also the party afterwards.  Many people say what they want their service to be like and also say what kind of an event comes after the service.  One woman asked that her guests be put into a plane with her ashes and taken on a wild ride which she said was to be a “no tears zone”. Many people want their guests to be laughing rather than crying.

One of the advantages of having the person plan what is to happen in their service that the families do not have to have friction because one wants one kind of service and one wants another.  Arrangements made ahead of the prevent helps prevent decisions made in crisis mode. Almost 50% of people are getting cremated now which slows down the timing of the service so that the arrangements the person and family want may be planned.