'Thank you... for everything'
L's family
January 2023
So, what is a funeral celebrant?
As part of my role as a Funeral Celebrant, I support you by explaining all of your options when it comes to creating the most fitting funeral service, Celebration of Life service, or memorial service. The reason we hold these events is all because of those no longer with us, but in reality the service is for those who are left behind, you, to say your goodbyes in your own way. And I’m here to help make that happen.
We can include anything which feels right – religious, secular, spiritual, or humanist elements, so that the funeral ceremony truly reflects the person, their life, and the memories left behind.
You may already have loads of ideas for what poems, readings, or music would be perfect for their final goodbye. But if you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, please don’t panic. Working with you, alongside your Funeral Director, we can help you plan the perfect ceremony to say your goodbyes.
MY SERVICES
I am always available for a chat, a bit of advice, or to help point you in the right direction, no matter what stage of your journey you are at – pre-planning, thinking about your options, simply curious, or recently bereaved and needing a guiding hand.
Funeral Celebrant
The full service, from writing the tribute or eulogy, to designing and conducting the service.
Eulogy Writing
Conducting the ceremony yourself, but need help writing the tribute? I can work with you to find the words and tell their story.
YOUR FUNERAL WISHES
Planning ahead? I can help you write your wishes, or ‘living tribute’, so that those left behind have YOUR ideas on how you want to be remembered.
ORDER OF SERVICE DESIGN
I can design and print bespoke Order of Service booklets and postcards to complement any service theme.
The process
How I work with you to create the funeral ceremony
How do i get in touch?
You can get in touch with me directly through this website, give me a call, pop me a message, or you can ask your Funeral Director to get in touch on your behalf. I will then give you a call to arrange a suitable time to have a chat with you and your family or friends.
GETTING TOGETHER
Some call this part an interview, which can make it seem formal and scary – firstly, please don’t worry. We are going to have a chat about the person who has died, what they meant to you, and share any special stories and memories you have of them. Sometimes a life has been full and colourful, sometimes it has been complicated, and sometimes sadly a life was over before it had really begun. But each life leaves behind a space filled with emotions, and this is what we will explore.
Readings, Poems and Music
During the interview, we will discuss whether anyone wishes to read a poem, or say a few words. You probably won’t have all of the details to hand when we first sit down, but we can finalise the details later. I like to have copies of the poems, readings, and tributes about a week before the funeral, so that I can make sure that the whole funeral service flows perfectly and make sure the details are correct for the Order of Service. We will also discuss any music you wish to be played during the service (you may have already discussed this with your Funeral Director).
Checking The Details
I will then get writing, and will send you a copy of the first draft of the eulogy or tribute for you to check within a couple of days. This is a chance for you to check that you are happy with the stories being told, and to make any changes (it is perfectly OK for you to change your mind!). It is also a chance for me to fact check anything that came up during our chat and to triple check the readings, poems or tributes being delivered, and by whom.
On The Day
I will conduct the funeral service from start to finish, doing as much or as little as you have asked me to. If friends or family are planning to speak during the service as discussed in our interview, I will still be on hand to provide support to them if needed on the day.
The TRibute
As a lasting keepsake, I will provide you with a copy of the eulogy or tribute for safekeeping, giving you a record of the recollections, memories and stories shared on the day.
Even though death is one of the most natural of life’s processes, this doesn’t mean that many of us handle death naturally well, especially if the death was sudden or unexpected.
This is why it is so important you are supported to do and say exactly what you feel you need to do as you say goodbye, with a funeral service which has the power to help the grieving process and aid healing.
A bespoke funeral ceremony
HAS THE POWER TO...
CELEBRATE
Sharing memories and stories to celebrate the life of a person lost to us helps to acknowledge their importance to us.
HEAL
Just as every life was unique, how we mourn them is a truly personal experience.
REMEMBER
No-one truly dies until they are forgotten. To help you remember the moments shared on the day, I provide you with a copy of the eulogy for safekeeping.
