Planning and Coordination Services for Celebrations of Life

As an event planner starting out, I feel like weddings are THE market. While I love the complexity, meaningfulness, and flow of weddings, I would hardly call myself a wedding planner. I think there is value in coordination and planning for all gatherings. The gathering that I would love to specialize in is the celebration of life. Unfortunately, my family has been put in the position many times where we have to pull together a meaningful celebration, coordinate vendors, and figure out logistics while also going through the grieving process. I have a mother who is a gifted planner, especially in these moments. Having these experiences, I can’t help but think of families and friends who feel uncomfortable in the planning process, wanting to honor those they have loved. Here is what I feel an affordable, no BS, and valuable coordination plan for a celebration of life would look like.

1. Venue Sourcing

When I think of honoring a person, I think of their habits and how these compounded into what made their life. The places we frequent can hold special places in our hearts, help us build community, and give us a space to grow. When finding a place to host a celebration of life, a large portion of the burden and the bill can fall on the venue. Especially if you are trying to plan in peak event seasons. One of my specialties as an event planner and coordinator is to make this part easy and have an arsenal of spaces that fit this celebration type. Working in Utah Valley, I see a need for the demographic that doesn’t feel comfortable in a church. While the majority will have services in LDS churches, this is accessible to those who have made the church a large part of their life. It will not feel authentic for everyone. Having a planner by your side through the process, we can source a spot that feels like the person we are honoring.

2. Timeline Creation

Imagine arriving at a celebration of life for your loved one and the venue is set, vendors are in the correct positions, and all you need to do is be present. This is the real value of planning and coordination. After a planning session with family and friends, I take what they feel is important to showcase and turn it into reality. From vendor load-in to decor and AV, all your bases are covered by a professional. The event can be as structured as you like. If open mics, videos, or programs are important, they will find their place in the timeline. If a reception flow seems more your style, so be it. Creating an environment for the family and friends of this individual to be there for one another and enjoy this meaningful event is my promise to you.

3. Vendor Sourcing

When all the pieces of an event are on paper, it can be overwhelming to someone who has never had to coordinate all the details, especially when grieving. As someone who is in the event industry, I have access to a vendor network ready to help bring your vision to life. Photographers, caterers, florists, live musicians, decor rentals, and anything else you feel would add to the celebration are in my contact books. No searching on your part, just picking from the network that feels like a good fit for you and your family. Easy, professional, and low stress. 

Honoring our loved ones shouldn’t be stressful. There are enough emotions flowing when you lose them. Serving Utah and beyond, CF Events is here to take the weight of planning off your shoulders. Submit an event inquiry today at cassidyfifeevents.com.