Living Wakes.
A celebration in real time they get to be part of.
A living wake is a gathering held before someone dies. It’s a chance to say what matters most while there’s still time to say it.
It’s not about pretending things aren’t hard. It’s about making space for real connection, real words, and real presence while the person being honoured is still able to experience the love around them.
Some families call it a living-funeral or a living-celebration. Others see it simply as an opportunity to mark one of life’s transitions as a joyful celabration of life. How ever you see this, it can be a powerful way to gather and honour someone while they’re still here.
Why People Choose a Living Wake
There’s a quiet kind of courage in choosing to celebrate life while it’s still being lived.
It might be to give loved ones the chance to say goodbye in person.
To hear the stories, laughter, and memories while the person is still present.
To remove the pressure from the final days.
To replace silence and awkwardness with connection and joy.
To create a shared moment that feels honest, gentle, and meaningful.
Some people plan their own living wake. Others are arranged by family or friends who want to create a moment that says, “You matter. You’ve made an impact. And you’re deeply loved.”
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Here's how I can support you.
Planning something like this can feel daunting. You might not know where to start, how much is “too much,” or whether the person is even open to the idea.
That’s where I come in.
As a celebrant, a pastor, and someone who’s spent over 20 years walking beside people through life and loss, I’m here to help you explore whether a living wake feels right for your situation.
That might mean gently raising the idea with your family or the person themselves, helping shape the tone and flow of the gathering, or simply talking through what’s possible.
On the day, I can help hold the space, either by guiding the event or being quietly present in the background. I can also support with practical details like choosing a location, working out timing, or helping you include something special.
Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to open the door to something meaningful.
There’s no single “right” way to hold a living wake.
Like every goodbye, it can be as unique as the person it honours. It might be big or small, structured or completely informal. Some are planned around a meal or a moment; others flow naturally with conversation, music, or stillness.
What matters most is that it feels right, to the person being celebrated, and to the people who love them.
If you’re wondering whether a living wake could be part of your story, I’d be honoured to talk it through with you. There’s no pressure. Just a gentle conversation, some listening, a few thoughtful ideas, and a shared goal of doing this in a way that reflects what matters most.
Whether you have a clear vision or no idea where to begin, I’m here to support you, with warmth, honesty, and respect for your unique journey.