Celebration of life invitation wording: 35 gentle examples

A celebration of life invitation tells people where and when to gather, and how the family hopes to remember the person they lost. It can be warmer and more personal than a funeral notice. Write it the way they would have liked.

What every celebration of life invitation needs

1. 1Their nameFull name, and the name everyone called them.
2. 2Their yearsBirth and death years, if you'd like to include them.
3. 3Date and timeWhen to arrive, and an end time if it's an open house.
4. 4PlaceThe address, with parking or directions if it's hard to find.
5. 5Reply byOnly if you need a count for food or seating.

Add these only when they apply:

35 celebration of life invitation wording examples

Change the names, places and details to fit the person you're remembering.

For a mother

1. 01Please join us as we celebrate the life of our mother, Margaret Ann Walsh.
2. 02Mom filled every room with laughter. Join us to remember her, Saturday at 2.
3. 03In loving memory of Linda, a mother, a friend and the heart of our family.
4. 04We invite you to share stories, food and love as we remember our mom.
5. 05Come celebrate the beautiful life of Rose Ellen Turner, 1948 to 2026.

For a father

6. 06Please join us to celebrate the life of our dad, Robert "Bob" Hughes.
7. 07Dad never missed a barbecue. Join us for one more in his honour.
8. 08Celebrating the life of James Miller, a devoted father, grandfather and friend.
9. 09In memory of Frank, who taught us how to fish, fix things and laugh at ourselves.
10. 10Come share a story about Dad, Saturday afternoon at the lake house.

For a grandparent

11. 11Please join us as we celebrate the long and loving life of Grandma Betty.
12. 12Ninety-two years of kindness. Join us to remember Grandpa Joe.
13. 13Nana's kitchen was always open. Come share a meal in her memory.
14. 14We invite family and friends to celebrate the life of our grandmother, Helen Brooks.
15. 15Celebrating Papa: a life of hard work, bad jokes and big hugs.

For a friend

16. 16Please join us to celebrate the life of our dear friend, Sarah Lin.
17. 17Mike would have wanted a party, so that's what we're having. Come raise a glass.
18. 18Celebrating Anna: the friend who always showed up. Let's show up for her.
19. 19Join us as we gather to remember Chris, and to be together.
20. 20We miss Jess. Come share your favourite memories, Saturday at 4.

Casual gathering or open house

21. 21Drop by anytime between 1 and 4 to remember Tom and visit with family.
22. 22An open house in memory of Carol. Come and go as you're able.
23. 23No black, no speeches required. Just come and remember Dave with us.
24. 24Please join us at the park pavilion for a relaxed afternoon in memory of Lisa.
25. 25Wear something bright. Lily would have loved that.

Potluck

26. 26Please join us for a potluck in memory of Ruth. Bring a dish she would have loved.
27. 27Celebrating Walter with food, family and stories. Please bring a dish to share.
28. 28Gran's recipes, made by all of us. A potluck celebration of her life.
29. 29Bring a dish and a story. We'll gather in memory of Joan on Sunday at noon.
30. 30Food was how Dad showed love. Join our potluck in his memory.

With faith

31. 31A celebration of life for Mary Kelly will be held at St. Joseph's Church, followed by a reception.
32. 32We give thanks for the life of Thomas Reed. Please join us for a memorial service and lunch.
33. 33Please join us at Grace Chapel as we celebrate Elaine's life and her faith.
34. 34"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Join us to remember Paul.
35. 35With grateful hearts, we invite you to celebrate the life of Pastor John Evans.

Text messages

36. 36We're having a celebration of life for Mom on Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. at our house. We'd love for you to come.
37. 37Dad's celebration of life is Sunday at 1, at the Legion hall. Bring a story if you have one.
38. 38Hi, it's Sarah. We're gathering to remember Grandma next Saturday. Can you let me know if you can come?
39. 39Thank you for all your messages. Details for Mike's celebration of life are below.

Ways to invite people to share a memory

1. 1Memory cardsAsk guests to write a favourite story on arrival.
2. 2Photo tableInvite everyone to bring one printed photo.
3. 3Open micA few minutes for anyone who wants to speak.
4. 4OnlineAsk far-away family to send a message or a photo before the day.

When to send

Paper or digital?

A digital invitation reaches everyone quickly, including family far away, and keeps replies in one list. Paper&Seal invitations open like a real envelope and are free for up to 25 guests. On The Invitation and up, guests can also leave a message or a photo on the invitation page.

FAQ

What is the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?

A funeral is usually held within days and follows a religious or traditional order. A celebration of life can be held any time, anywhere, and focuses on stories and the person's personality.

Do you need to RSVP to a celebration of life?

Only if the family asks for it, usually so they can plan food or seating. If there's a reply line, it helps to answer.

What do you wear to a celebration of life?

Whatever the invitation says. If it doesn't say, smart casual is safe, and many families ask for bright colours or the person's favourite colour.