Call Now Available 24/7 (318)357-8271
For Assistance, Call Now (318) 357-8271
How to Arrange a Celebration of Life
Celebrations of life can help you honor a loved one as they would have wanted. Pellerin Funeral Homes has some tips to help you prepare this type of service.
As you start thinking about the kind of funerary services you want to offer a loved one who has passed away, you want to remember that not everyone would have wanted a traditional funeral or memorial. For some people, a somber event might feel wrong, which is why some people choose a celebration of life for a loved one. A celebration of life honors the life of the person without just focusing on their passing. If you want to plan one of these for your loved one, there are some tips that providers of cremation services in Breaux Bridge, LA want you to keep in mind.
Consider the location for the celebration of life. You will want to think about the places the your loved one enjoyed. Usually, this kind of service is not done in a funeral home or in a place of worship, instead focusing on somewhere that meant something to the person you lost. If they enjoyed being outdoors, for example, you can choose to have the service at a park or even at the beach.
It is important to have a budget in mind. This is not something that you want to skip, because it can end up costing you more money. Take the time to research the different costs for the options that you want and compare the rates for the location, the food, and even the entertainment options that you are considering. Having a budget will ensure that you do not spend more than you want to.
Take time to plan the refreshments. Since a celebration of life is more like a party than a funeral, you want to offer refreshments that stick to the theme. Do consider the kind of budget that you have, so that you can decide on catering or asking people to bring platters of food to share. If your loved one enjoyed cooking or baking, this can be a great opportunity to bring some of their favorite dishes. Simple things like this can help people get through the loss while honoring the person’s memory. Depending on the kind of event you have and the budget you have available, you will be able to find the best possible refreshment options.
One of the things that you need to think about is when to have the celebration of life. With a funeral or memorial, this usually happens right after the death, but that does not have to be the case with a celebration of life. You do not have to have the casket present, and most people do not for these kinds of celebrations, so you can take your time planning the service.
These are some of the most important steps you need to take when planning a celebration of life. You want to know the kind of budget that you have available, and you definitely want to consider the activities that you want to offer your guests. When getting ready to make these arrangements, you will want to reach out to a Breaux Bridge, LA cremation services provider like us. Our team is here to help you give your loved one the kind of service they deserve. Give us a call now or stop by for more information on planning a celebration of life for a loved one.
Jim is originally from Orange, Texas and attended Northwestern State University while on a golf scholarship. Jim graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
After graduation, he returned to Texas, where he started a family and worked for an industrial transportation warehouse.
In 2002, Jim received a degree in Applied Sciences from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Sciences and returned to Natchitoches. He has been professionally employed as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since obtaining this degree.
Jim joined the staff at Blanchard-St. Denis in March 2008 and became General Manager in 2017. Jim’s level of care for the families he serves is shown everyday by his strong work ethic and his compassion for others at one of the most difficult times in their life.
He is married to Laura Flores and together they are owners of a local restaurant. In his spare time, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and occasionally playing golf with his son, Joe.
Dawn Slaughter has been a resident of Natchitoches since 1994. She moved to Natchitoches from Bossier City to attend Northwestern State University, but South Louisiana will always be “home”. Her dad spent 23 years in the Air Force, during which time she was fortunate enough to live abroad for 3 years and traveled to several countries. She met her husband Jason, at NSU. They have three beautiful daughters, Madison, Morgan, and Mikayla. In 2011, she graduated from Northwestern.
She was a stay-at-home mom for many years. Her husband has subcontracted for cemetery service for the funeral home for over 20 years. She began working at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in November of 2018 as the office administrator and received her funeral director’s license in July of 2019. Dawn takes pride in helping the families of Natchitoches during some of their most difficult times, and helping them prepare their final arrangements to lessen the grief for their families.
Dawn is very active in her church, teaching her little third graders in Sunday School and singing in the choir at Christmas time. She is a member of the Les Amies Service Organization and enjoys volunteering in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and quilting. She is her daughter’s biggest fan in all of their pursuits.
Hunter was raised in Many, Louisiana, he graduated from Negreet High School in 2013. He then obtained an associate degree in applied sciences from Dallas institute of Funeral Service to practice Funeral Directing and Embalming.
In December of 2022, Hunter joined the staff of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Through Hunter’s 10 years of service in the funeral industry he learned how much he loves helping families through the toughest time of their life. Hunter takes pride in treating each family he cares for like his own.
Hunter has two children, Anniston Kate and Lawson. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, watching any kind of sport, but most of all spending time his children and family.
Tommy started his career with Blanchard St. Denis working part-time. He joined our funeral home full-time in 2011 after retiring from the United States Postal Service with 37 years of service.
Tommy is a lifelong resident of Natchitoches where he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1970. He furthered his education by receiving an associate degree from Northwestern State University.
He is married to Lisa McClellan. They have 4 children between them and are fondly known as Pepaw and Nana to 8 wonderful grandchildren. Tommy loves the game of golf and plays every chance he gets. He is also a wonderful cook and enjoys doing so for his family.
Tommy is passionate about caring for and seeing the needs of others. He takes pride in helping the people in his community during one of the most difficult times in their life.
Steve was born in Natchitoches and raised in Montgomery. When he graduated from high school, he attended NSU and studied mechanical arts.
He began his career with Gifford Hill and Company, a major construction supply company. While working full-time Steve attended the Shreveport Beauty Academy at night and received his license for makeup and hair styling. After 30 years he retired from Gifford Hill as Regional Manager for the Southwest region.
Steve began working for Blanchard St. Denis in 2012. His new endeavor with our firm gave him the opportunity to work in funeral service, a field he had always wanted to be a part of. Steve loves working side by side with the team at Blanchard St. Denis and helping families after the loss of a loved one.
Steve is married to Phyllis Kinkle Stroud, they have 3 wonderful daughters and 6 beautiful grandchildren.
Anthony lives in Natchitoches. He was born and reared on Cane River and went to school at St. Joseph Elementary and St. Matthew High School in Melrose.
He is married to Janet and they have 2 sons, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Anthony retired in 2006 from L&L Automotive which he co-owned with his brother. He then opened Anthony’s Auto, selling used cars. He also helps Janet with her catering business, Tatae’s. Anthony joined the team at Blanchard St. Denis in 2020.
Anthony Loves traveling with Janet, spending time with family and talking about cars with his sons and grandsons.
