Creating a unique, truly personal, final farewell 

Traditionally funerals have been held in places of worship and the service would focus on God and religion, more recently the idea of having a service that centers around the deceased and their life is becoming more popular. This type of service is often called a 'Celebration of Life' ceremony or a 'Life Centered' ceremony and is conducted by a 'Celebrant'. This type of service can be held wherever you choose but most people opt for their local crematorium.

 

"Well I don't feel like celebrating, I am devastated at losing my mum"

Each funeral is different some people who die have had a long happy life and the family accept this and want to send their loved one off  'in style', whereas there will be some families who have lost a loved one quite suddenly, maybe at at young age and the last thing on their mind is 'celebrating', but one thing that both services have in common is that they should be about the person who has died. The family and friends will want to hear about the deceased's life and what they meant to those around them. The service is likely to bring tears but it may also bring a smile when remembering happy times; the important thing is, that as a professional celebrant, I will write and conduct the most appropriate service for your loved one and your family.

 

"So it's a Humanist service then?"

No it's a Civil Funeral Service, conducted by a Funeral Celebrant; a true Humanist service does not contain any religion at all, whereas I can include religious elements if the deceased's family so wishes and I can conduct ceremonies that do not contain any reference to religion just as a Humanist does.

 

"Is it one of those new age hippy ones?"

If you mean a natural burial, it can be! I conduct cremation ceremonies, cemetary burials, meadow, woodland burials or scattering of ashes. I am a member of the Natural Death Society so I welcome new and innovative ways of honouring the deceased.

 

"Are you an ordained Minister, Vicar or Priest?

No I have no religious training other than what I have learnt from my personal experience.

 

"We haven't been to church for years but we would like the Lord's Prayer read ..would that be ok?"

Yes I am happy to include whatever you choose.

 

"What type of things do you talk about at the service?"

Well, my funeral ceremonies are based on honouring the life of the person who has died, so the eulogy or tribute will be created from the information you give and the rest of the service is created in partnership with you. This can include poems, readings and music. or if preferred we can include a verse of your choice. I will be there to guide you through this difficult time and I have many resources and ideas to create a wonderful ceremony. When it comes to my Funeral Ceremonies I spend a great deal of time creating the perfect tribute to the person you  have lost. I will choose poetry and readings that fit their character and if  you or I don't find one you like I can write one as I have done for many families.