Programs and slideshows
A program for a celebration of life
A celebration of life is usually less formal than a funeral, and the program can be too, with stories, music they loved and a toast. Start from the celebration of life order of service and change anything.
What makes it different
It does not have to follow a liturgy, and it can be led by a minister, a celebrant, a friend or someone in the family. The order is built around people speaking, music, and time together. A slideshow often plays as guests arrive and again during the gathering.
Words that fit
Many families title the cover "Celebrating the Life of" rather than "In Loving Memory". The back page can carry the details of the meal or the toast rather than pallbearers.
The slideshow
The Everything option includes a looping slideshow that runs on any laptop with no internet connection, plus a video for a television and a PowerPoint version for venues that need one.
An example order of service
- 1Welcome
- 2Music
- 3A life remembered
- 4Stories from family and friends
- 5Slideshow
- 6Music
- 7Closing words
- 8A toast
This is one of the starting points in the program; every line can be changed. Print the blank checklist to gather the details first.