Someone died. Let's gather the people who loved them.
I plan and run celebrations of life so you can be present at your own gathering instead of managing it. Venues, food, music, photos, the order of the day, the folding chairs.
I talk plainly. I won't rush you, and I won't hand you a script full of soft words. If you need to sit for an hour before we talk logistics, we'll sit.
Chosen family is family. If you're the friends who are throwing the party, I'm glad to work with you.
Event styles
The Long Table
A shared meal, one long table, and time for stories.
A Proper Send-Off
Toasts, a loud room and the songs they'd have picked.
Chosen Kin
A celebration run by friends, on your terms, separate from any official service.
Last Roll
For the gamers and the fans: dice, character sheets and the campaign recap.
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.
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.
Tell me who you're remembering
kate@graveandseed.com
(734) 489-9915 · Texts welcome