6 decoration ideas for a celebration of life
Are you looking for decoration ideas for a celebration of life? We can help. Explore 6 powerful ideas in our guide.
Traditional burials and cremations are still in high demand. But in 2025, there's more choice than ever when it comes to saying goodbye.
Perhaps the best example of this is the celebration of life. Funerals and cremations are traditionally sombre affairs. But a celebration of life does things differently. Instead of mourning a death, it celebrates the life and achievements of the person who died.
People choose celebrations of life for all sorts of reasons. Generally speaking, however, there are two key reasons. First, people want to celebrate as well as grieve. And secondly, a celebration of life can be personalised in a way that even modern funerals can't.
A celebration of life puts the person first. It doesn't follow a rulebook or any guidelines. This means every aspect of the event can be personalised.
This is one of the key attractions of a celebration of life. But it can also mean that the organisers are stuck for ideas. When there are no limits, where do you start?
Perhaps the main thing to keep in mind when arranging a celebration of life is that it's all about the person: their loves, their passions, their personality, their relationships and their achievements. These should be reflected in your decorations.
It's also worth remembering that a funeral director can help you arrange a celebration of life. They can flesh out ideas and offer suggestions to organise the celebration of life your loved one deserves.
Here, then, are six decoration ideas for a celebration of life. We hope it helps.
1. Memory tables
A memory table is one of the simplest decoration ideas for a celebration of life. This is a table with photos and other mementoes for guests to look at.
These mementoes could be possessions that belonged to the person who died. They could include ornaments, jewellery, kitchenware – anything that helps paint a picture of the person.
Alternatively, these mementoes could be gifts from guests or the organisers that have personal meaning.
A memory table is a simple concept, but it can be personalised in detail. Why not think about what kinds of objects could tell the story you want to tell?
2. Displays
At a celebration of life, a memory table can be complemented by a display. This could be a noticeboard stuck with pictures, quotes and other keepsakes.
You could have a clothes rail hung with clothes that reflect their personality. There could be a flower display showing their favourite flowers, colours or smells. You could even include a piece of furniture that says something about them.
As with the memory table, the main thing is to showcase the person's hobbies, passions and personality. Ask yourself if the display makes you remember the person's life. If yes, it could make a suitable addition to your decorations.
3. Guest book station
A celebration of life can be a way to share memories. This is often done through speeches. But it can also be done through a guest book.
Guests can be invited to add memories, condolences, messages and thoughts to the guest book. Alternatively, they could write notes on paper and put them in a memory box or stick them to a noticeboard.
If it reflects the personality of the person who died, you could set up a typewriter and let people add their thoughts.
A guest book station of this kind serves a couple of purposes. First, it can make people feel more included. And secondly, it creates new memories – ones that can be shared long after the celebration of life is over.
4. Slideshows
Slideshows are common at funerals – and they can make a moving addition to a celebration of life, too.
Like memory tables and displays, slideshows can be designed by one person or designed collaboratively. You could, for instance, invite people to contribute photos, quotes and memories to be included in the slideshow. This can help create a sense of community at a time of loss.
The slideshow can be projected onto a wall or played on a screen. It can be left running on a loop or shown at a specific time during the event.
5. Decor
This one is general. However, like our other suggestions, it can be highly personalised.
Pictures, artwork, flowers – all can help communicate the life, personality and interests of the person who died.
You could include books or records they loved. You could hang fabrics in their football team's colours. It all adds up to the same effect: a celebration of a life in all its uniqueness.
6. Lighting
A celebration of life often has a party-like atmosphere. For this reason, many people choose bright lighting. But if you want something more reflective, you could have candles or another kind of soft lighting. You could also have coloured lighting in the person's favourite colours.
Lighting can make a huge difference to the ambience of an event, so it's well worth considering if you're thinking about decorations.
Frequently asked questions
What is a celebration of life?
A celebration of life is a ceremony taking place after a person dies. It can be held after or instead of a traditional funeral. The emphasis is on celebrating the person's life in all its uniqueness.
When can a celebration of life be held?
A celebration of life can be held any time after a person's death. This flexibility is one reason why more and more people choose to hold them.
Are you planning a celebration of life funeral in London? We're here to provide gentle, expert guidance so you can plan a send-off at your pace. Contact Akshardham Funeral Directors whenever you're ready on 020 8355 7876. Our lines are always open.
