A living wake, also known as a living funeral, is a gathering that allows someone nearing the end of their life to hear, experience, and celebrate the love and memories that would typically be shared at a traditional funeral. Instead of waiting until after they’ve died, a living wake brings family, friends, and loved ones together to honour the person while they are still here to participate.
A wake is usually a less formal, more celebratory part of a funeral—the “after party” where people share stories, laugh, and remember the good times. A living wake brings that celebration to the present while the person is still alive, offering them a chance to hear and feel all the gratitude, love, and reflections in real-time. It’s an opportunity for the guest of honour to witness and engage with their loved ones and even contribute to the event themselves, if they wish.
The growing popularity of living wakes is linked to a shift in how we view death and dying. As people become more comfortable with openly discussing death, many are choosing personalised end-of-life rituals that focus on connection and celebration rather than grief alone.
So much of what we say in eulogies and tributes happens when the person has already died. A living wake gives the person a chance to hear those heartfelt words and feel that love while they are still alive, allowing them to be part of the celebration.
Living wakes focus on the positives—the shared memories, the laughter, the stories of impact and love. While death can’t be ignored, the event is about appreciating life in all its beauty and meaning, creating moments of joy alongside any sorrow.
A living wake offers both the person nearing the end of life and their loved ones a chance to express their feelings openly. It can help provide closure, reduce regrets, and foster deeper connections during what is often an emotionally difficult time.
For those nearing the end of life, a living wake is a way to have a say in their own farewell. It allows them to create the kind of gathering that reflects who they are—whether that’s a lively party with music and speeches or a quieter, more intimate gathering of close family and friends.
Living wakes can take many forms, depending on the person’s wishes. Some choose a large gathering, like a party, with music, speeches, tributes, and shared memories. Others prefer something smaller and more intimate, like a bedside gathering where family and friends offer words of love, gratitude, and raise a glass to shared memories.
The key element of a living wake is that it’s a deeply personal event. It’s a chance for the guest of honour to not only be celebrated but also to contribute to the experience. They may share their own reflections, give thanks, or say their goodbyes in a setting filled with love and connection.
As society shifts away from traditional funerals, we’re seeing more people opt for personalised rituals like living wakes. These ceremonies offer a chance for connection, meaning, and healing. They help us remember that even in the face of death, there is beauty in life worth celebrating.
If you or someone you know is considering a living wake, it’s important to have open conversations about what you want. Whether you’d like a joyous gathering or an intimate reflection, creating a plan can help ensure that the event reflects your wishes.
Reach out if you’d like to chat about how to create a meaningful, personalised farewell for yourself or someone close to you.
