The living funeral is a religious or non-religious celebration focused on someone who is still alive. Often, it's the sudden onset of terminal illness, or the progression of a terminal illness towards its final stages, that prompts the decision. A well-planned living funeral is an opportunity for someone who is approaching death to plan and control an event; it's also reassuring for friends and family to see that this control has been exercised.
'If only he or she had been here today' is often said at funerals. A living funeral gives everyone involved the opportunity to participate in the event and it doesn't preclude further celebrations (maybe a traditional burial or cremation, or one of the alternative celebrations) by mourners after the person has died.
Whereas conventional funerals are, in many ways, for the bereaved, a living funeral or celebration of life service is for everyone. Possible benefits for the person being honoured and their guests are:
It is a celebration of a life
It can have positive mental health and wellbeing effects, contributing to End of Life Care plans
A living funeral provides a way to comfort family and friends
It is part of the process of putting affairs in order before death
It's an opportunity to read a will and explain decisions behind its contents
It's an opportunity for guests to express their feelings directly to the dying person (possibly including a eulogy)
It can simplify the procedure after death
Unlike weddings or conventional funerals, there are few established conventions for living funerals. Depending upon the person whose life is being celebrated, a living funeral can take many forms ranging from a traditionally structured celebration or service to a very casual (maybe even themed) event.
Celebration of life services can take place at a favourite church or other venue, or could be held at home. Ultimately, the decor and dressing of the event are less important than the quality of the time shared with those who attend, further enriched with their favourite food, drink, music, candles, songs, poetry, pets and possessions of the person whose life is being celebrated. Guests will appreciate imaginative ways to celebrate the person's life and leave tributes for the family to cherish such as:
Notecards
A memory table full of pictures, possessions and other special things
A letter box or basket so people can leave a note to the person
Pocket charms (small trinkets for guests to take away)
A balloon release
A dove or butterfly release
Sometimes, particularly where the dying person is very ill, family and friends might choose to arrange the celebration of life service. When this is the case, it might be sensible to build the event around a long-planned family reunion, a birthday or some other family event. If the terminally ill person feels uncomfortable around others then wider family and friends could take part digitally or through video and photographs.