Planning, from start to finish or just the day
Full planningFrom $2,100
Concept, venue, vendors, décor and running the day. Best with 3+ weeks
Partial planningFrom $1,250
You've started. I fill the gaps and run the day. Best with 2+ weeks
Day-of coordinationFrom $850
You have the plan. I make it happen so you don't have to. Short notice is fine
These are starting prices for a two-hour celebration. Larger or more complex days cost more, and I'll give you a clear written quote after a short conversation.
Add-ons
Story cornerFrom $350
A quiet corner at the celebration where guests sit and tell a story about the person on camera, with someone there to help. Afterward I edit each story and deliver them on a USB drive and in a private online folder for the family.
Story phoneFrom $150
A vintage-style phone guests pick up to leave a spoken message or memory. Gentler for people who don't want to be on camera. The family gets every message as an audio file.
Flower tableFrom $200
Buckets of fresh flowers, shears and mismatched bud vases, so guests can make a small arrangement during the gathering and take it home. I order, prep and set up the flowers; you pay for them at cost, usually $100 to $200 for 50 guests. Needs about a week's notice.
Photo memory tableFrom $300
Send me boxes, albums or phone photos. I scan and choose them with you, print a display for the room and make a slideshow to play during the gathering. The family keeps all the scans.
Memory cards bookFrom $150
Instead of a guest book, cards that ask guests for a story or a memory. Afterward I bind them into a book for the family. Printing is extra.
LivestreamFrom $150
For family who can't be there. A steady camera, good sound and someone watching the stream, with a private link and a recording afterward.
Invitations and programFrom $200
A simple invitation with an online RSVP, and a printed program with the order of the day, photos and readings. Printing is extra.
Seed packet keepsakesFrom $125
Packets of Michigan wildflower seeds printed with their name, for guests to take home and plant. Seeds and printing are extra.
Kids' tableFrom $100
A quiet table with drawing, a memory jar and simple crafts, so grieving kids have somewhere to be. I can share local children's grief resources with the family afterward.
A sample all-in budget
A celebration of life for about 60 people, with direct cremation and partial planning.
- Direct cremation
Published Washtenaw County prices - $895 to $3,765
- Grave and Seed partial planning
Starting price - $1,250
- Venue
Local venues we've priced - $250 to $1,000
- Food and drink
Rough estimate, $15 to $35 per guest - $900 to $2,100
- Flowers, printing and rentals
Rough estimate - $200 to $600
- Total
- $3,495 to $8,715
For comparison, Muehlig Funeral Chapel's cremation packages range from $5,845 to $14,030.
How it works
A free call
Twenty minutes, by phone or video. Tell me about the person and what you're picturing. No pressure to decide anything.
A written proposal
Within a few days, a plan and a clear price, including what you'll pay vendors directly.
A deposit to hold the date
Half the planning fee holds your date. The rest is due a week before the celebration.
Planning together
As many check-ins as you want, or as few. I handle venues, vendors and the order of the day.
The day itself
I arrive first, leave last, and keep things moving so you can be with your people.
More questions? Read the FAQ or get in touch.