I was hired to DJ at a Celebration of Life event for a wonderful woman named Catherine a while ago. I had never done an event like this before, so I was not really sure what to expect. But looking back now, I can genuinely say that it was an experience that will stay with me forever.
Catherine’s family wanted the event to honor her life in a very personal and heartfelt way, so we talked and worked out how to make that happen. We planned an evening full of music and moments that celebrated the memories people shared with Catherine. More than a hundred friends and family members actually came to the event, which showed just how much she meant to so many people.
All through the evening, I looked around the room and saw smiles on the guest’s faces and heard stories about Catherine. It made me realize how powerful music (and a little planning) can be in bringing people together and creating beautiful and lasting memories.
Are you planning an event like this for someone you love? I would really be honored to be your Celebration of Life DJ and make the event as special as the person you are celebrating.
Catherine’s family chose to celebrate her life instead of mourning her loss
When Catherine’s family first reached out to me, they made it very clear that her wish was to be remembered with happiness. Catherine did not want her loved ones to be sad about her passing but to come together and celebrate the happy moments they had shared with her, so that is exactly what her family decided to do.
Her family’s decision to celebrate her life this way set a completely different tone for the event. Instead of feeling heavy and sad, the atmosphere was surprisingly uplifting and full of love.
Her favorite songs showed her love for music and dancing
Catherine’s love for music was a big part of who she was, so naturally, it had to be a big part of her Celebration of Life. Her family told me that Catherine was nicknamed the “Dancing Queen” because her energy and joy were always so contagious when her favorite songs played. She loved everything from disco to pop, hip-hop to country, and each song reminded her family of memories they had with her.
To honor Catherine’s fun, full-of-life spirit, I worked with her three daughters to curate a playlist that really showed everyone who she was. It ended up being five hours long and included her favorite tracks, like Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.”
As the music played that evening, you could see the smiles, hear the laughter, and even catch a few happy tears as people remembered Catherine.
The family honored Catherine’s love for purple by lighting the room in her favorite color
Catherine loved the color purple, so her family wanted it to be featured in the event. To honor that request, we decorated the venue with purple accent lighting and uplighting.
We used 12 wireless uplights to cast a soft, beautiful purple glow throughout the venue that made the overall event feel so warm, personal, and uniquely Catherine. It was such a simple way to honor something she loved, and it worked flawlessly.
The dinner gave guests space to share stories and enjoy each other’s company
Before the dancing started, everyone sat down for a catered dinner. Catherine’s family wanted this part of the evening to feel warm and comfortable, so we kept the vibes calm by playing a slower, softer version of her playlist in the background.
As people were enjoying their meals, they shared many heartwarming stories about Catherine. I also saw many old friends and family members reconnecting during this time, and they were obviously brought closer by their shared love for Catherine.
The dance floor became a celebration of Catherine’s life
The final two hours of the night were all dancing, and it was exactly how Catherine would have wanted it. Her family knew that music and dancing were two of her biggest joys, so they made sure this part of the event actually felt like a celebration of her life.
One moment I will never forget is when I played “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Before starting the song, I told everyone a short story about how Catherine got her nickname and how her love for dancing brought so much happiness to the people around her.
As soon as the music started, the dance floor came alive. The energy was terrific, and it honestly felt like Catherine’s spirit was right there with everyone, celebrating alongside them. Being a Celebration of Life DJ, these are the moments that I actually like to see in an event like this.
Slideshows and custom displays are now available to make celebrations even more personal
While we did not have it for Catherine’s event, we now offer a service to make Celebration of Life events even more personal. We can set up a projector to display slideshows or project custom designs during the event. With this service, you could show a slideshow of your loved one’s photos or project their name and a heartfelt illuminated message onto the wall or dance floor.
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Being part of Catherine’s Celebration of Life was an experience I will never forget. It was clear how much she meant to everyone, and it was beautiful to see her life celebrated with so much love.
If you are planning a Celebration of Life for someone special, I would love to help you create a heartfelt and meaningful tribute like this. From music to lighting, we will make sure every detail reflects the unique life of your loved one.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you plan a Celebration of Life, give us a call at (978) 254-1155 or fill out our contact form.