Depending on the health and wishes of the person having the living funeral, most people prefer to have their Living Farewell in their home or at another familiar space. Oftentimes a local botanical garden or sanctuary can be the ideal setting for smaller gatherings. When selecting the location for a Living Farewell, the comfort and safety of the one being celebrated should be the first consideration.

We know that the need for a Living Farewell can happen suddenly which is why we are prepared to organize and invite guests immediately after our first planning session. Typically, a Living Farewell that is hosted at home can be organized with 48 hours after the planning session.

A good way to think about the difference between the two types of funeral, is that a living funeral is for the dying, while traditional funerals are for the survivors. Although both are beneficial, the latter is often still required for the bereaved to gain closure.

Along with other end of life preparations, planning a Living Farewell can happen at anytime. Some people prefer to plan a Living Farewell ahead of time to ensure they have that special time reserved, while others may have a more immediate need. No matter when you plan your event, our goal is to ensure that you have a meaningful event that will live on in the hearts of your loved ones forever.

Heck yes! We’re way more concerned about helping you create a meaningful end of life experience than we are about the color of your skin, gender identity, or relational preferences. We’re an open-minded collective that is accepting of everyone.

Spiritual beliefs are the cornerstone of many personal identities, and we honor the traditions and rituals that accompany many religious and spiritual practices. At Living Farewell, our team is comprised of folks with a number of different spiritual and religious beliefs which helps us bring balance to our individual lives. While we each connect to our higher power in different ways, we honor and respect all spiritual practices that promote universal goodness.

With the focus on you and your unique traits, we’ll create an event that is an authentic reflection of the life you’ve lived. At our planning session, we’ll talk about what matters the most to you and discuss creative ways to integrate what you love into the event. Our goal is to create a welcoming space that promotes conversation, bonding and the sharing of fond memories.

Dying individuals can be isolated due to illness or conditions that limit their communication and mobility, while friends and family may also avoid interactions due to discomfort and cultural taboos around death. A living funeral can provide one last party, similar to an Irish wake. In general, while being around a person nearing the end of their life can be emotionally challenging, creating more opportunities to spend time with them can be beneficial for everyone involved.