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Celebration of Life invitations and templates

Celebration of life invitations tell family and friends when and where you will gather to remember someone. They feel calmer and more personal than a funeral notice. Choose a gentle template, add a photo, the time and the place, and share one link with everyone, even friends far away.

Occasion

Celebration

Account type

Price

4 templates

What is a celebration of life?

A celebration of life is a gathering to remember someone through stories, music, photos and food. It focuses on the life lived more than on the loss.

A funeral usually happens within days of a death, often with the body present and a set religious order. A memorial service or a celebration of life can happen weeks or months later, often after a cremation or a private burial. It can be held anywhere that meant something to the person. Think of a home, a park, a beach, a favorite restaurant or a place of worship.

Let your wording match the tone the family wants. A celebration can still be quiet, and a memorial can still have laughter.

How to make a celebration of life invitation online

  1. Choose a calm template in sage, ivory or soft gray, and add a favorite photo of the person you are remembering.
  2. Add their full name and years, the date and time, the venue with directions, and who is hosting.
  3. Send it by WhatsApp, email or a private link, to one family or your whole list.
  4. Watch replies arrive in one guest list, so you know how many people to plan food and seating for.

What to include in a celebration of life invitation

  1. The person: full name, years of life and a photo. Add one short line that sounds like them, if you like.
  2. The when and where: date, start and end time, full address and parking.
  3. The kind of gathering: a small gathering at home, a larger service, or a reception with food afterwards.
  4. Dress: say so if the family would like color instead of black, or a favorite team shirt.
  5. Flowers or donations: name the charity if you prefer donations in place of flowers.
  6. Children and online guests: say whether children are welcome, and add a livestream link for people who cannot travel.

Celebration of life invitation wording

Formal: "Please join us for a celebration of the life of Margaret Ellen Brooks, 1948 to 2026, on Saturday, November 14 at 2 PM at Riverside Hall. Refreshments will follow."

Warm and casual: "We're gathering to share stories, laughter and a few tears for Dave, who would have wanted a party. Come as you are, Sunday, November 15 from 3 PM at the Brooks family home."

Faith-based: "With grateful hearts for her life and faith, please join us to celebrate Ruth Ellis at St. Mark's Church on Friday, December 4 at 11 AM, with lunch to follow."

After a private funeral or cremation: "Joe was laid to rest privately with his family. Now we would love you to join us to celebrate his life at Lakeside Park on Saturday, November 21 at 1 PM."

For a mother: "Mom loved a full table and a good story. Please join us to celebrate Linda's life with her favorite foods on Sunday, November 22 from 2 to 5 PM."

Potluck: "Bring a dish Grandpa Tom would have loved, and a story to go with it. Celebration of life potluck, Saturday, November 28 at noon."

With a livestream: "Can't be there in person? Join the livestream from home using the link on this invitation, and leave a message for the family."

Flowers and memories: "In place of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the hospice that cared for Anne. If you have a photo or a story, please add it to this page."

Celebration of life invitation templates

Our celebration of life templates use soft colors, simple type and room for a large photo. You can choose a calm landscape, a warm golden path or candlelight, and change every color, font and line of text. Templates marked Free work on the free plan.

Each invitation is a page, not just a picture. Add a photo gallery, the order of service, a map and a livestream link. A messages section lets guests leave a memory for the family.

When to send celebration of life invitations

A celebration of life is often held a few weeks after the funeral, so send invitations two to four weeks ahead. Give more notice if people will travel. An online invitation reaches everyone the same day. If the time or venue changes, guests see the update when they open the link again.

Is the celebration of life invitation free?

You can design and send it on the free plan with any template marked Free. Premium designs, bigger guest lists and longer-lasting links are on the paid plans.

Do you send invitations for a celebration of life?

Yes, most families do, because the date is set weeks ahead and guests need the place and time. A link sent by email or text reaches everyone at once, and you see who is coming.

What do you write on a celebration of life invitation?

Write the person's name and years, the date, time and place, and who is hosting. Add a line about flowers or donations, the dress code if it is not black, and whether there is food afterwards.

How do you respond to a celebration of life invitation?

Reply by the date given, even if you can't come. A short, warm note is enough, such as "We'll be there to celebrate Dave" or "We can't make it, but we're thinking of you all." On an online invitation, tap the RSVP button and add your note.

How soon after a death is a celebration of life held?

There is no fixed rule. Many families hold it a few weeks or months later, which gives time to plan and lets people travel. Some hold it on the same day as a small private funeral.

Can guests share memories or photos?

Yes. The messages section lets guests leave a memory for the family, and the gallery can hold photos you choose to share.

Can people who cannot travel join online?

Yes. Add a livestream section with the link to your video call or stream, so friends far away can watch and still send a message.

Can I send it on WhatsApp?

Yes. Share the link on WhatsApp, by email or by SMS. Guests open it on their phone and reply in a few taps, without an app or an account.