Funerals & Memorial Services
“A good funeral gets the dead where they need to go and the living where they need to be”
THOMAS LYNCH
It’s natural to feel daunted at the prospect of organising a ceremony for someone who has died. Many decisions need to be made at a time when you can feel least able to make them and this can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a funeral service, a memorial or a scattering of ashes, as independent celebrants we help you navigate the options, working with you to create a personalised ceremony which captures and reflects the essence of the person who has died and allows you to say goodbye in a way that works for you.
What we offer
For cremations and burial:
– A face to face meeting to listen to what you’d like to happen on the day and to guide you through options for the ceremony
– Creation of a bespoke funeral service. This includes all or part of the eulogy and suggestions of readings, poems or music as requested. We’ll also support you, friends and loved ones to write and deliver the eulogy if you prefer, as well as any other tributes you might like to include
– Liaison with the funeral director regarding the service to ensure everything runs smoothly
– We will then lead and deliver the ceremony on the day
For memorials, celebration of life ceremonies or scattering of ashes:
If you decide to have a direct or private cremation, we can help you to come together to remember and honour the person who has died with a memorial, celebration of life or a scattering of ashes ceremony at your preferred venue, either on the same day (excluding scattering of ashes) or on another day of your choosing. This will include:
– A face to face meeting to listen to what you’d like to happen on the day and to guide you through options for the ceremony
– Creation of a bespoke ceremony. This can include writing of all or part of their life story, suggestions of readings, poems or music as requested. If you prefer, we’ll also support you, friends and loved ones to write and deliver all or part of the life story, or any tributes you might like to include
– Liaison with venue regarding the ceremony to ensure everything runs smoothly
– We will then lead and deliver the ceremony on the day
Finding a celebrant who you connect with is really important. Get in touch and we will call you for a chat so you can get a feel for whether or not we are right for you.
Fees
Funeral ceremonies from £260
Memorial ceremonies from £350
Funeral for a baby or young child – no charge
Facts
What is a funeral celebrant?
A funeral celebrant creates and officiates a funeral or celebration of life ceremony.
Does that mean the ceremony won’t include any religious elements?
Not necessarily, we will create a ceremony which reflects the beliefs and wishes of the deceased and those organising the funeral; this can include hymns, prayers and any other religious or spiritual elements.
Can you help me find a funeral director?
Absolutely, we work with a number of funeral directors; once we have an idea about what kind of funeral you are hoping for, we can put you in touch with the funeral directors who best suits your needs.
Where will we meet and who should be at the meeting?
This is up to you and what suits you best. We would normally come to your home, however we can also arrange a meeting at your funeral director’s premises or another venue if this suits you better. Alterntively, we can meet via Zoom or over the telephone.
We tend to meet with the person in charge of organising the funeral or memorial service. However, we are happy for you to invite anyone else you feel should attend (family or friend), although it is worth bearing in mind that it often easier to make the important decisions with the help of only a few key people.
How can I best prepare for our meeting?
Prior to our meeting, it might be useful to have a think about the following things in order to help us get an insight into the life, character, beliefs and values of the person who has died. These include:
- Any significant music, readings or prayers you would like to include
- Any beliefs or values- religious or otherwise
- Which people played a significant part in their life
- Significant events, stories and anecdotes from their life
- Their work, hobbies and interests
- How they would wish to be remembered
Can I write and deliver elements of the funeral or ceremony such as the eulogy myself?
Absolutely, we can support you in this and will always be on standby to step in if it all becomes too much on the day.
How long will the ceremony last?
This depends on the venue and type of ceremony you opt for; cremation ceremonies typically last 25-45 minutes, if you feel you need more time you can speak to your funeral director about the possibility of booking a double slot. Other types of funeral ceremony such as a natural burial or a funeral or memorial ceremony held in an alternative venue allow for more time flexibility.
What will happen on the day?
We will arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before the service to check everything is in place and will have already liaised with you and the funeral director about all aspects of the service. We will be there when you arrive and directly after the service and will be on hand should you have any questions or concerns.
Are you insured?
We are registered members of the International College of Professional Celebrants and are covered by their Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.
Get in touch
Finding a celebrant who you connect with is really important. Get in touch and we will call you for a chat so you can get a feel for whether or not we are right for you.