Celebration of Life Invitation Wording: Gentle Examples & Etiquette

A celebration of life focuses on remembering and sharing stories rather than mourning alone. Its invitation has a hard job: to be clear and practical while carrying a great deal of feeling. These examples may help when words feel difficult.

What to include

• Full name of the person being remembered, and often their years (1948 – 2026)
• A photo, if the family wishes
• Date, time and venue
• The tone of the gathering: formal service, informal gathering, or both
• Requests: a dress code, donations in lieu of flowers, or bringing a memory to share
• Who to contact with questions

Wording examples

1. "Please join us for a celebration of life honouring Margaret Ellen Walsh, 1948 – 2026."
2. "In loving memory of David. Join us as we share stories, laughter and the life he loved."
3. "We invite family and friends to gather and remember a beautiful life."
4. "Celebrating the life of Margaret. Come share your favourite memories with us."
5. "A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered."
6. "Join us for an afternoon of remembrance, music and fond memories."

Gentle requests

• "In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [charity]."
• "Please wear something bright, just as she would have wanted."
• "We'd love you to bring a photo or a written memory to share."
• "Light refreshments will be served after the service."

Etiquette notes

• Timing: celebrations of life can be held weeks after a passing, which gives guests more notice. Two to three weeks is considerate.
• Digital is acceptable. Most families now share these invitations by email and messaging; print a few for older relatives.
• Keep the design calm: soft colours, generous space and a clear, readable typeface.

A respectful design

Our Gentle Blossom Celebration of Life design has an arched portrait frame, soft sage watercolour and a single blossom branch, with space for a personal note. See all memorial designs.