Kim Kubsch
A real shift is occurring in the way people approach death. It’s a shift toward personalization, celebration, and legacy. It’s not about death as the end; it’s about making sure that the final chapter of your golden years is as meaningful as the rest of your life. Plan and host a Memory Bash (a living funeral) to celebrate your life before you expire!
1. Theme and Purpose
• Nostalgia Theme: Focus on shared memories, significant life moments, or a specific time period (e.g., 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s).
• Tribute or Celebration: If the bash is for a specific person, like a birthday, retirement, or a memorial, base the event around the key memories or achievements.
• Time Capsule Party: Guests bring items or write letters to put into a time capsule to open at a future date.
• Favorite Season: For the summer season, include beach vibes, summer flowers, Beach Boys music, sand and shell sculpture, and releasing of butterflies to symbolize transformation.
2. Invitation Ideas
• Personalized Invitations: Include photos, dates, and key memories relevant to the guests or honoree. Ask guests to write down their favorite memory to read at the celebration.
3. Decorations
• Photo Collage or Slideshow: Display old photos, videos, or slideshows of key moments.
• Memory Lane: Create a timeline of significant events, lining a walkway or wall or a digital slideshow.
• Props and Memorabilia: Use objects that evoke the time period or specific memories (e.g., vinyl records, childhood toys).
4. Activities
• Memory Sharing Circle: Guests take turns sharing their favorite memories about the person or event being celebrated.
• Trivia or Quiz: Create a trivia game based on key life events or shared memories with fun prizes.
• Memory Jars: Provide empty jars for guests to write down their memories, which can be read aloud or kept as keepsakes.
• Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props that reflect the theme, allowing guests to create new memories at the bash.
5. Food and Drinks
• Memory-Themed Menu: Serve foods that evoke past experiences or reflect a certain time in life.
• Retro or Decade-Specific Dishes: Tailor the food and drinks to a specific decade, bringing back nostalgic flavors.
6. Music
• Playlists from the Era: Create a playlist with music from a significant time, or use songs that trigger strong memories.
• Live Band or DJ: If the budget allows, hire live entertainment to play music from the past that everyone enjoys.
7. Keepsakes
• Memory Books or Scrapbooks: Have guests contribute to a scrapbook by adding their own memories, photos, or drawings.
• Polaroids: Give out instant cameras for guests to capture new memories during the bash.
• Party Favors: Give small mementos that tie into the theme, such as custom-made photo frames or keychains related to the event.
How do you want to say goodbye? Why not make sure your final chapter is as meaningful as the rest of your story with a Memory Bash?
Stay tuned for monthly articles about decluttering, downsizing, organizing, making transitions, and clearing of estates. Call me at 480 720 8566 to learn about my free 30-minute consultation or to speak to your group or event. Purchase my books Getting Your Life Together Organizer and Joy of Downsizing on Amazon or www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com.