7 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate and Connect This Summer

Summer offers a fantastic opportunity to gather with family, create new memories, and bask in the warmth of sunny days. It's also a time when honoring a loved one with an outdoor memorial service can be particularly meaningful. For many families, summer offers the opportunity to celebrate a life after some tougher early months. Perhaps your loved one shared that they would prefer a lively outdoor celebration. Whether you prefer simple at-home activities or traveling, here are seven heartfelt ways to connect this season.

1. Host a Celebration of Life Outdoors

Warmer weather makes holding a memorial service in a meaningful outdoor space easier. Consider a lakeside gathering, a garden ceremony, or a candlelit evening by the beach. Encourage guests to share stories, play a loved one’s favorite music, or release biodegradable lanterns as a tribute. If your loved one had a favorite out-of-town place, take advantage of summer vacation days and make it a destination memorial. 

2. Plan a Family Movie Night Under the Stars

Set up a projector in your backyard to transform movie night into an outdoor experience. Lay out blankets, pop fresh popcorn, and enjoy a favorite film under the stars. If you’re honoring a loved one, consider watching a movie they enjoyed as a special tribute.

3. Relax with a Picnic or BBQ in the Park

Take advantage of the sunshine with an outdoor meal. Pack a picnic with easy-to-carry favorites, or fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue. A gathering at a favorite park or scenic overlook can also be an excellent way to remember a loved one, allowing space for quiet reflection or shared memories. You can even bring along some photos, a family tree, or other mementos to share and reminisce.

4. Host a Potluck with Friends and Family

Food has a special way of bringing people together. Host a potluck where guests bring a dish that reminds them of a loved one — perhaps a favorite family recipe or a meal tied to a meaningful memory. You can even create a memory table with framed photos and handwritten recipe cards.

5. Start a Weekly Game Night

Game night is a great way to reconnect with friends and family. Rotate hosting duties and let each person choose the game for the evening. If you’re celebrating the memory of someone special, consider playing a game they loved or sharing stories about past game nights together.

6. Create an Exciting Scavenger Hunt

Design a scavenger hunt around a park, garden, or even your backyard for a fun and interactive activity. Add a sentimental touch by including clues about shared memories or places special to a loved one. The winner can receive a keepsake, like a personalized garden stone or wind chime, as a reminder of the day.

7. Throw an Ice Cream Party with a Special Tribute

Cool off with a DIY ice cream bar! Offer a variety of flavors, toppings, and mix-ins for guests to create their own sundaes or ice cream sandwiches. If honoring a loved one, serve their favorite ice cream flavor or invite guests to share a sweet memory while they enjoy their treats.

Make It a Stress-Free Summer

As you enjoy the season, it’s also a great time to think ahead. If you’re considering preplanning, Tulip makes it easy. Making cremation arrangements before you need them allows you to stop stressing about the future. You’re also protecting your loved ones from making tough, expensive decisions when the time comes. With Tulip, you can make arrangements in about 15 minutes online or over the phone, without ever leaving your home. Click here to get started on your free quote.