What makes a celebration of life different
A celebration of life is often held a few weeks after the death, in a park, a community hall, a restaurant or a family home. The tone is usually lighter than a funeral, even though there is still grief. That affects the invitation. People need to know the place clearly, especially if it is not a building with an obvious address, and they may want to know whether to dress casually or bring a photo or a story. A short video can carry that warmth while still giving the practical details.
What to put in the video
Start with the name and a photo that shows the person as friends remember them, maybe outdoors or laughing. Add the dates, then the gathering: day, date, start time, end time if there is one, and the full address. If the place is hard to find, add a short note such as "Pavilion 3, near the lake." A line like "Wear something blue, his favorite color" fits well here. For more ideas see celebration of life invitation wording and what to include in a funeral invitation.
Choosing a background and music
A celebration can use a brighter background, such as a meadow in sunlight or a beach path, while still staying calm. Music is optional. A quiet track from the library is ready to share. If the family wants a song the person loved, read music for a funeral invitation video first, because sharing a song in a video is different from playing it at the event.
Sharing the invitation
Celebrations often reach a wider circle: old coworkers, neighbors, club members. The video can be sent in group texts, by email, and posted on Facebook if the family agrees. There is also a share page with the video, an add to calendar button and directions, which is helpful when the place is new to many guests. See how to share a funeral invitation video.
What this tool does not do
Many celebration of life invitations online come with RSVP tracking. This tool does not collect RSVPs. If the family needs a head count, add a line such as "Please let Laura know by May 10 if you can come" with a phone number or email they are happy to share. The video itself is $199 total once it is right; the preview is free.
Planning the gathering around the invitation
Because a celebration of life is often held later, the family has time to think about what people need to know. Is there parking? Can guests bring children? Is the place accessible for someone using a wheelchair? Will there be food, or should people eat beforehand? You do not need to answer all of these in the video; one or two short lines are enough. Choose the questions the family expects to hear most often. A line like "Come and go between 2 and 5" tells people they do not have to stay the whole time, which is helpful for older guests and families with young children.
Sending it at the right time
Send the invitation two to four weeks before the celebration, so people can make plans, and send the same video again a few days before as a reminder. Sending the same file both times means nothing changes by accident. If the place or time does change, a small fix is free after payment; download the new version and send it in the same thread with a line saying it replaces the earlier one. Timing guidance is in how soon to send a funeral invitation, and complete examples are in the funeral invitation video examples.
Check before you send
- The place has a full address or clear directions
- Start time and, if known, end time are right
- Any dress note is clear and short
- The contact for replies is someone who agreed
- The family is happy with a public post, if planned
About these guides
Written by Funeral Invitations, in plain language, for funeral directors and families. If anything changes about the videos or the price, we update the guides.