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A thoughtful, affordable choice
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life or Memorial Service offers a meaningful way to honour your loved one without the casket present, allowing the focus to remain on remembrance, stories, and connection. An urn may be included if you wish, and our team works closely with you to create a tribute that reflects the life, values, and personality of the person you are remembering.
At Alternatives, we take care of every detail—from reserving the right venue and coordinating a clergy member or celebrant, to arranging catering, flowers, guest books, service cards, and obituary support. Whether you envision a relaxed gathering, a traditional memorial, or something entirely unique, we help shape an experience that feels authentic and personal.
We also offer additional ways to personalize the service, including visitations, personalized urns, keepsake jewelry, extra death certificates, and in-home or virtual arrangements for your convenience. Extra fees may apply for venue, celebrant, flowers, guest books, and cards—all of which we organize thoughtfully in close consultation with you and your family.
What's Included:
- In-home arrangement (or meet virtually/phone)
- Coordination of Service details, including staff attendance at Service
- Registration of death with Vital Statistics
- Transfer from place of death (24-hour service)
- Online Obituary and Executor Assistance Resources
Extra fees to consider: cremation fee, cremation container, venue, celebrant, flowers, guest books, cards - all which we organize with you and your family. Death Certificate and taxes not included.
Professional Fee: $1,995
An affordable choice for Vancouver, Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley Celebration of Life.
Customization
& Service Options
You can personalize the experience at any time. Choose from longer visitation periods, urn or keepsake options, or extra death certificates.
We also offer optional memorial services and ceremonies that can be scheduled at your convenience, including traditional services or more personalized gatherings tailored to your loved one's memory.
Our Process
Supporting you in every step
In Home Arrangements
Our compassionate team will visit you at home (or meet virtually/phone, if you prefer) to guide you through the paperwork and answer any questions.
Transfer & Cremation
We respectfully transport your loved one from their place of passing to our on-site crematorium, where every step is managed with the utmost care.
Return of Ashes & Certificates
Once cremation is complete, we deliver the ashes and death certificate(s) directly to your home, or we can arrange for them to be present at your Celebration of Life.
Steady support is within reach
Accessible, flexible cremation & funeral services
Thoughtful ways to honour a loved one's memory
Personalization & Post-Cremation Options
At Alternatives, we help families choose meaningful ways to lay their loved ones to rest — whether that's in nature, at sea, or somewhere close to home.
Sea Scattering Cremated Remains
Alternatives proudly offers an Annual Sea Scattering of Cremated Remains, a respectful and environmentally conscious memorial conducted exclusively by our professional team. This service is ideal for families seeking a serene, natural tribute—without the need for in-person attendance.
- Secure, respectful storage of ashes until annual ceremony
- Individual name reading and gentle scattering into the sea
- Personalized commemorative certificate with date & GPS coordinates
$95.00 (plus tax)
Conservation Memorial at Heritage Gardens
At Heritage Gardens, we will help you create the perfect tribute for that loved one who means the world. We are dedicated to helping families navigate their grief journey by providing a space for healing & artful expression.
- Burial of ashes directly into the earth - no urn required
- Choice of garden (Willow, Katsura, Harmony or The Glen)
- Ongoing care and perpetual maintenance of the garden
- Intimate Committal Ceremony
- Personalized bronze memorial (fish, bird, bee, or classic plaque) or engraved riverstone
- Supports local conservation and environmental efforts
Inquire directly with Heritage Gardens Cemetery for pricing.
Customization Options
Personalize the experience with urns, keepsakes, additional death certificates, and other thoughtful tributes.
Ask our team and we'll help you compare options.
Why Choose Alternatives
We're guided by three simple principles for over 33 years
Transparency: Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
Compassion: We treat every family as if they were our own.
Trust: Experienced professionals guiding you through every step.
We stand apart by providing genuine, people-centered care that balances affordability with dignity — ensuring your loved one is honoured in the way you choose. For over 33 years, Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services has served families throughout Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our resources for guidance throughout every stage.
What's included in the Celebration of Life service?
A Celebration of Life offers a meaningful way to gather, remember, and honour your loved one through a private ceremony shared with family and friends. This option also includes the opportunity to witness the beginning of the cremation process in a quiet, respectful setting, creating a deeply personal farewell. From $3,051.75, plus venue, celebrant, flowers, guest books, and cards — all thoughtfully coordinated by our team in close partnership with your family.
How do we get started?
Contact our team and we'll guide you through the next steps. We can arrange in-home, by phone, or virtually — whatever feels easiest.
Can we add options like witnessing or keepsakes?
Yes. You can personalize at any time with witnessing, urns and keepsakes, additional death certificates, or other service options.
Family Resources & Guides
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