6 Soulful Celebration of Life Ideas to Honor a Loved One

Cremation of Southern Maine • September 26, 2022

To take full advantage of the relaxed nature of celebration of life, you need ideas that capture your loved one’s soul & spirit. These ideas will inspire you.

cremation service in Scarborough ME

A celebration of life is a beautiful, personalized way to honor a loved one after a cremation service in Scarborough, ME. It offers the chance to heal, find closure, and memorialize them in a positive environment. 


There is no shortage of ways to have a celebration of life. Traditional funeral rules do not apply to this type of memorial service. It can exist in any way or form and, thus, be as unique as the life of your loved one. 


To inspire you, we’ve compiled a few ideas below. 


Karaoke Night 


One of the most popular ways to celebrate life is through music. This can be done in several ways, from a karaoke night to a live concert. It can be an evening of family members and friends singing the deceased’s favorite songs or collectively attending their favorite artist’s show. 


Have a home-cooked or private restaurant dinner 


Food is another excellent way to bring people together and share memories of your loved one. Consider ordering food that was special or unique to them in some way, or have guests make it themselves. 


Coloring Books & Activities for Kids 


If you have children in attendance at the celebration of life service, you may also want some activities for them. Coloring books are an excellent option because they allow children (and adults) to express themselves creatively. 


If you want to go even further, consider having a children’s play area with toys and games. 


Make crafts together 


Another great activity for kids and adults alike is making crafts together. This can be done in many ways, from making paper airplanes to creating art pieces out of recycled materials. The possibilities are endless! 


Balloon or Lantern Release 


A popular activity at a celebration of life service is releasing balloons or lanterns into the sky. You can do this for various reasons, including to symbolize the deceased’s spirit’s release into the afterlife or their spirit living on in others. 


If you want to do this, it’s best to check with your venue ahead to ensure they allow it. 


Plant a celebration of life garden or tree 


Make a day out of it with your guests. It’s especially perfect if your loved one enjoyed spending time in nature. Have guests bring their favorite seeds or provide different seedlings based on your loved one’s favorite plants. 


Celebration of Life Tips & Tricks 


While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to planning a celebration of life service, here are some tips and tricks that can help you plan an unforgettable event: 


Make it personal – The most important thing about planning a celebration of life service is making sure it’s as personal as possible. This means using things that were special or unique to the deceased in some way (their favorite food, color, song, etc.). If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas for activities, consider asking family members and friends what they remember about the deceased. 


Keep it simple – While you want your celebration of life service to be as personal as possible, you also want to keep it simple. It means focusing on one or two activities that are meaningful and memorable without adding too much extra stuff. 


Have fun – One thing that’s often forgotten when planning a celebration of life service is that it’s supposed to be fun! Let go of any worries about how things look or feel and enjoy yourself with friends and family. 


Contact us today if you’re interested in planning a celebration of life service! We provide cremation services in Scarborough, ME, including helping families organize a celebration of life. Call us now to speak with our professional staff.


Blogs

cremation service Biddeford, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
Dedicated grief support offering compassion, clarity, and trusted guidance for families seeking a cremation service in Biddeford, ME.
cremation service Portland, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
Why families choose a cremation service Portland, ME residents trust for simplicity, flexibility, and respectful care that fits modern values.
cremation service Kennebunk, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 6, 2026
A clear guide to pre-planning a funeral with confidence, clarity, and support from a cremation service Kennebunk, ME families trust.
cremation service Windham, ME
By Cremation of Southern Maine January 5, 2026
A helpful guide to local and online grief support tools that provide comfort, connection, and reassurance for families after loss.
cremation service Scarborough, ME
December 22, 2025
Learn how simplified cremation options support clarity and peace of mind with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call (207) 907-7318 to get trusted guidance today.
cremation service Kennebunk, ME
December 17, 2025
Families deserve clarity and care during loss. Cremation of Southern Maine provides compassionate support. Call us at (207) 907-7318 to know your options now.
cremation service Biddeford, ME
December 15, 2025
Understand the advantages of choosing direct cremation with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call us at (207) 907-7318 to get support when you need it the most.
cremation service Portland, ME
December 8, 2025
Learn whether a simple cremation with memorial service fits your needs with Cremation of Southern Maine. Call (207) 907-7318 today for support and guidance.
cremation service Windham, ME
November 24, 2025
Simple cremation helps families focus on what matters most. Cremation of Southern Maine offers clear guidance and support when you call us at (207) 907-7318.
cremation service Scarborough, ME
November 17, 2025
Families today are rethinking how they want to honor a loved one while managing emotional and practical realities. Many find that cremation service Scarborough, ME provides a balance of simplicity, flexibility, and personal choice that feels appropriate for modern life. This approach allows families to focus on remembrance and healing rather than navigating layers of unnecessary decisions during an already difficult time. Life today looks very different from it did generations ago. Families are often spread across multiple locations, schedules are full, and beliefs about end-of-life care continue to evolve. These realities shape how people make decisions during moments of loss. Cremation offers adaptable planning that aligns with these changes, which is why Cremation of Southern Maine supports families who value transparency, understanding, and respectful guidance throughout the process. Simplicity eases emotional strain. When families are grieving, clarity can provide comfort. A simplified arrangement process helps reduce emotional overload and removes pressure to make rapid decisions. Cremation allows families to slow down, giving them time to process loss without feeling rushed into commitments that may not feel right. This simplicity does not diminish meaning. Instead, it creates space for thoughtful reflection and personal remembrance. Families often appreciate having fewer immediate decisions so they can focus on supporting one another. Knowing that arrangements are handled clearly and calmly can provide a sense of stability during an uncertain time. Evolving values influence decisions. Beliefs around remembrance and legacy are changing. Many families now prioritize authenticity over formality, choosing options that reflect personal values rather than long-standing customs. Cremation supports a wide range of cultural, spiritual, and non-religious perspectives without imposing a specific structure. For families seeking reassurance, understanding why others choose this path can be helpful. Insight into direct cremation basics helps explain why simplicity, transparency, and control resonate with people who want arrangements that feel intentional rather than traditional. Flexibility supports modern families. Today’s families are often geographically dispersed. Coordinating schedules during a time of grief can be challenging, especially when travel is involved. Cremation allows families to plan moments of remembrance later, when emotions have settled, and logistics are easier to manage. This flexibility also benefits families with different preferences. Some may prefer quiet reflection, while others may want to gather at a later time. When reviewing simple cremation options , families often appreciate knowing arrangements can adapt to real-life needs without sacrificing dignity or care. Clear communication builds confidence. Transparency is essential when trust matters most. Families want to understand what will happen, when it will happen, and who is involved. Clear communication helps reduce anxiety and allows families to feel supported rather than uncertain. When information is shared plainly and respectfully, families gain confidence in their decisions. Knowing what to expect allows them to focus on healing instead of worrying about unanswered questions. This sense of clarity often makes a meaningful difference during an emotional time.  At Cremation of Southern Maine, we believe families deserve guidance rooted in understanding and respect. If you are considering a cremation service in Scarborough, ME, learning more about our values and approach can help you move forward with confidence. Helpful information about our philosophy and how we support families is available through our about our team . Know your options and choose a path that feels right for your family.