How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral?

The concept of death remains unchanging but people’s attitude towards it changes all the time. Some people view death as a painful, life-altering event and focus on healing the pain it causes. Others choose to celebrate a life well-lived instead of focusing on their loss. There’s no right or wrong approach to death and you don’t have to follow someone else’s path when it comes to saying final farewells to a loved one. At the Cremation Care Centre, we encourage people to consider different approaches carefully before making a decision. Here’s a look at how a celebration of life differs from a funeral:

What is a Celebration of Life Service?

Celebration of life is a way for grieving individuals to bid farewell to a loved one. It isn’t a strict, structured religious rite but a casual celebration. The deceased’s body isn’t present at a celebration of life and the function is usually held at a hotel or a similar casual venue. Planners have a lot of flexibility and usually personalize the event based on the deceased individual’s preferences.

What is a Funeral Service?

Funeral is a traditional rite that differs from one religion to another. It has a strict structure and there’s often a religious order member presiding over the process. People who are spiritual, religious, or traditional often prefer a funeral over the celebration of life. In most cases, the body is present for viewing in a casket. Some funerals happen without the body, especially if they are carried out after cremation. While the rules are more flexible now, the event is still more structured compared to celebrations of life.

If you want more advice or need information on cremation, get in touch with us at Cremation Care Centre. You can call us at 416-255-0035 or register online.