A celebration of life is far less formal than a funeral or memorial service, yet there are instances when you will want to send out paper invitations for the event. This is especially true if the deceased had loved ones who are scattered geographically or who don't utilize social media. Send the invitations with enough time for invitees to arrange travel or childcare.
Paper Invitation
Use the template below as a guide for writing an invitation for a celebration of life. If the sample appeals to you, you can edit, download, and print this invitation to use for the celebration invitations. The Guide for Adobe Printables provides guidance on using these types of templates successfully.
More Wording Examples
If the wording within the template doesn't appeal to you, try an alternative wording:
- This is the party he would have planned. Let's celebrate John's life the way he would have wanted. (Followed by time/location.)
- Neither death nor life shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Join us for an informal gathering to celebrate the life of John B. Smith. (Followed by time/location.)
- Death is the next great adventure. Come celebrate the life of John Smith with us. (Followed by time/location.)
A Caution on Invitation Wording
Keep in mind that the death of a loved one can prompt profound grief. For this reason, keep the wording informal but never irreverent or insulting. While you may think it's funny to say, "Let's have a hot dog eating contest since that's as gourmet as John ever got!" someone else might take great offense to poking fun at the deceased. So while some people may be able to manage the strength to attend a celebration of life event, they may not be emotionally ready to joke about the deceased just yet.
Sending E-Invites
Putting the word out on social media or email about a celebration of life service is appropriate in these instances:
- The invitation is not the first notification of the person's death the invitees receive.
- The intended recipients use social media/email on a regular basis and won't miss the invitation.
- There are no people who might see the invitation who should not be invited for whatever reason.
- The invitation is set to "private" if you don't want everyone invited.
Wording for Social Media Invitations
A brief explanation of the purpose of the party, followed by the specifics of location and time, is sufficient for this type of celebration. Include a photo of the deceased if possible, but make sure it is a happy photo - it's supposed to be a celebration.
Wording Sample for Informal Gathering
Join us in a Celebration of Life for Joe B. Smith. As many of you know, Joe loved The Olde Tavern and their Moscow Mules. Come raise a glass to Joe as we gather to remember his remarkable life. Food will be available for purchase from The Olde Tavern's kitchen. (Follow this with event details: time, date, address, and contact information for the organizer.)
Additional Information to Include
Remember that the invitation is not a eulogy, and therefore you don't have to go into the details of the cause of death. Simply give the information about the gathering just as you would with any other invitation. If an RSVP is required, or if guests are requested to bring food or other items, include this information with the invitation. If the guest list includes some people who might have a tendency to cause issues, you may want to disable comments from the online invitation.
A Celebration of Life
Whether sent via the Internet or through the mail, a celebration of life invitation beckons mourners to join others in remembering someone special after they pass away. Invite as many people as possible so more memories can be shared among the group
