Funerals / Celebration of Life / Memorials
As each life, each death is unique, so should the funeral or memorial ceremony be.Funerals / Celebration of Life / Memorials
As each life, each death is unique, so should the funeral or memorial ceremony be.
The death and funeral of a friend or relative is as much a part of our life as the birth of a new baby. It is a very emotional time. And because most of us find it difficult to talk about death, especially the death of someone close, we lose the opportunity to explore the many choices and options that are available to us, as we prepare to say our final farewell.
Using the services of a Funeral Celebrant enables you to have the ceremony of your choice for your loved one and to break away from traditional ideas and stiff formality. It can be a chance to celebrate the life, loves and achievements of the person who has died.
The funeral can be themed to suit an interest or passion from their life and also an opportunity to share with friends and family their likes, loves and last wishes.
In preparation for the ceremony, I will meet with you and your family to discuss your requirements and to listen to your memories and anecdotes and to build a picture of the person you have lost.
Together we can choose readings, poems and music to create a ceremony that is unique, loving and memorable, one that captures the originality and individuality of your loved one.
Some families prefer to have a simple cremation or burial with only a few close relatives present. This can be followed by a larger Memorial Ceremony which can be held in a place of your choice; perhaps a place of special significance for you.
We work closely with Funeral Directors, crematoriums and burial grounds to ensure that your every wish is adhered to.
Pre-Written Funeral Ceremonies
Last Wishes
As people are becoming more willing to talk about death and becoming more open about the process of dying, many will consider pre-planning their own funeral ceremony. This could be because they know that the end of their life is in sight; or maybe it’s just something they want to do for their future.
Pre-planning your funeral ceremony can be a very cathartic experience, as it offers peace of mind and the reassurance that your family will not need to second guess your wishes, or have to try and remember details about your life at this extremely difficult and emotional time. This allows them to focus on the other, more practical matters that will arise, whilst giving them the solace and comfort of knowing that they have honoured your last wishes.
Maybe you have considered this but you don’t know where to start. Maybe you already have some ideas but would like the opportunity to sit down with an experienced celebrant to help you gather together your thoughts, memories and ideas and to write your ceremony together.
When you are ready, I will visit you and together we will discuss the kind of ceremony you would like. This could be completely non-religious or include some religious elements like a prayer and hymns. You might have a favourite piece of poetry or reading that you would like to include and maybe even a special person you would like to read it.
I can help you choose the music you would like to play as you enter the crematorium, for reflection time, and then as your family leave.
We will chat together about your life so far; growing up, your family and friends, hobbies, interests, memories and anecdotes. This creates the opportunity to celebrate your life, loves and achievements in a fitting eulogy that reflects your true personality.
There may be people you want to involve in telling the story of your life directly, through anecdotes or recollections or tributes.
After our meeting, I will draft your funeral ceremony. We then meet again to go through the document carefully and make any changes you wish to make. Once agreed, you will receive a written copy.
For many people planning their funeral ceremony is an important part of their funeral plan. Your Funeral Director can have a copy of your ceremony document and a copy can be placed with the Will.
People often tell me what a rewarding experience writing their funeral ceremony is, and how comforting it is, knowing they have taken this burden of decision from their families and loved ones. I can help you make the ceremony part of the funeral the best, most appropriate and most personal that we can create.
For more information or to discuss you own personal needs, please email me or complete the online Contact form.
Member of the UK Society of Celebrants