Planning a celebration of life can be a healing way to honor a loved one while bringing together those who care about them. As you are searching for the best celebration of life venues Northern Colorado, first we want to express our condolences to you and your family. We know how important it is to have the perfect venue for such an important event to honor your loved one. At Ellis Ranch, we strive to provide a compassionate and caring environment to make these moments as meaningful as possible.
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For more than 60 years, we have hosted a variety of events, including weddings, family reunions, business networking events, private parties, fundraisers, memorial services, and more. When it comes to hosting your celebration of life, we know what we are doing and will make your day as stress-free as possible. Not only do we have gorgeous venues for your service, but we can also provide additional services like decorations and event planning. We have a list of talented local vendors that are experienced and trusted by us. Whatever it is you need help with, we are here to support you and want to be sure you know that Ellis Ranch is the best choice for celebration of life venues Northern Colorado. Here’s a checklist to help plan your loved one’s celebration of life, ensuring that the event is both meaningful and runs smoothly.
Celebration of life venues Northern Colorado – Memorial service planning checklist
- Define the purpose and tone- Decide on the type of event you most want to have. (intimate, large gathering, formal, casual) and the atmosphere you wish to create.
- Choose a venue- Select a venue that fits the expected number of guests and the desired tone. Picking from the different celebration of life venues Northern Colorado is a big deal. At Ellis Ranch, we can hold up to 450 guests. We have two sites to serve your needs with our Event Center and Carriage House.
- Set a date and time- Choose a date and time that allows for maximum participation from friends and family and works for your selected venue.
- Create a guest list- Compile a list of family, friends, colleagues, and others who should be invited.
- Send invitations- Decide on the method (digital, printed, social media, via phone) and send out invitations with clear details about the event.
- Plan the program- Outline the schedule for the event, including speeches, readings, music, and any special rituals or activities.
- Arrange speakers- Invite family members, friends, or colleagues to speak or share memories ahead of time so they can prepare before the event.
- Select music and decor- Choose music that is meaningful to the person who has passed and plan decor that reflects their personality and life.
- Organize catering- Decide whether to have a simple reception with snacks and drinks or a full meal and choose a caterer or arrange food accordingly. At Ellis Ranch, you can either hire a caterer or bring your own food. Our flexibility is another factor that makes us the best celebration of life venues Northern Colorado.
- Memorial displays- Prepare photo displays, video tributes, or memory tables with personal items that belong to the loved one.
- Document the event- Consider hiring a photographer or videographer, or ask a guest to take photos and videos.
- Consider accessibility needs- Ensure the venue is accessible for all guests, including those with mobility issues. If there are people who can’t make the event but would like to, will there be a way for them to view it remotely?
- Set up a memory book or message board- Provide a place for guests to write messages or share memories, which can be a comforting keepsake.
- Plan for post-event communication- Arrange to send thank-you notes or emails to guests and contributors post-event.
When you’re planning a celebration of life, it’s often common to be in preparation mode and not think about how you feel. The feelings commonly get pushed aside. It’s important to know that the grief and loss process continues after the services are over. Losing a loved one can be an incredibly challenging experience, and finding the right ongoing support is important to navigating the loss. We have put together a list of ways to find support.
Top 9 ways to find support for grief and loss
- Professional counseling: Engaging with a grief counselor or therapist who specializes in bereavement can provide a safe space to express your feelings and begin to process your loss. Psychology Today is a great place to find therapists in your area.
- Join support groups: Our community offers many different grief support groups where individuals who have experienced similar losses can come together to share their experiences and support each other. It’s helpful to have other people in your corner who really understand what you’re experiencing. 3Hopeful Hearts is an important resource for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Celebration of life venues Northern Colorado should provide a supportive space for your service, then the healing continues after the service is over.
- Online forums and resources: Websites like GriefShare or The Compassionate Friends offer online forums and resources where you can connect with others in grief and access helpful materials and groups.
- Local Hospices and Hospitals: These organizations often provide grief counseling and support groups at no cost. They can be a valuable resource for both practical and emotional support.
- Books on grief and loss: Reading about others’ experiences with grief can provide comfort, support, and insight. Many books offer strategies for coping and suggestions on what it’s like to move forward with grief.
- Memorial activities: Creating activities to honor your loved one can also be therapeutic. This might include creating a memory book, planting a garden, supporting a charity, having a piece of jewelry made, or other memorial acts. There is a wide variety of activities you can also include at the celebration of life venues Northern Colorado, like Ellis Ranch.
- Mindfulness and wellness practices: Activities like yoga, meditation, and guided breathing exercises can help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany grief.
- Consult a Physician: Grief can take a toll on one’s physical health. A healthcare provider can offer advice on coping with physical symptoms of grief and when it might be necessary to treat depression or anxiety medically.
- Art and Music Therapy: Expressing grief through creative arts can be a profound way to process emotions that are hard to put into words.
Read what our happy guest had to say about our 5-star service at his event
“I had the pleasure of hosting a fundraising banquet at Ellis Ranch in Loveland, CO, and I have nothing but amazing things to say about this venue. The staff went above and beyond to make our event a huge success, and their level of professionalism and attention to detail was truly exceptional. The banquet hall was absolutely stunning, and the decor and ambiance created a warm and inviting atmosphere for our guests. Overall, I cannot recommend Ellis Ranch highly enough. If you are looking for a beautiful venue with top-notch service, then look no further than Ellis Ranch. They truly helped make our event a night to remember, and we will definitely be returning for future events. Thank you, Ellis Ranch, for your exceptional service and support!” -Taylor.
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Ellis Ranch Event Center and Wedding Park is your trusted choice for celebration of life venues Northern Colorado
Our business is family-owned and operated and has been a premiere wedding and event destination spot since 1963. We would love to show you around! To schedule a tour or request information, please contact us. You can also give us a call at 970-593-9570. Ellis Ranch Wedding and Event Center is conveniently located at 2331 Ellis Ranch Lane, Loveland, CO 80538. We are one hour north of Denver and one hour south of Southern Wyoming. We are also one of the most affordable wedding venues in Colorado.
