My service to you
Appointing me as your celebrant
I may be recommended to the family of the deceased by the funeral director, or you may ask for me to be your celebrant based on recommendations, or having looked at this website. I will usually then be employed directly by the funeral director as we will work closely together in planning and running the funeral. My fees will be included in those of the funeral director.
Funerals
Once I have been appointed as your funeral celebrant and have your contact details, I will contact you by phone within two days. Together we can then agree on a mutually convenient date and time to meet.
The meeting to plan a funeral ceremony usually takes about two hours. This is a time for me to learn as much as I can about the life of the deceased and I will take notes to make sure nothing is missed. I will also ask for details of the family and discuss any preferences you may have for the spoken tribute or eulogy. We will also discuss any music, songs, hymns, poetry, readings, or other elements that you may wish to include. I can make some suggestions to help you choose if needed.
I prepare all of the tributes myself that are unique to each person, based on material you have provided to me. I do not use any form of AI assistance as I believe a personal approach is more appropriate.
When completed, I will send you a draft of the tribute script by email (or other format). You will have a couple of days to look at this and approve it or suggest any changes. If needed, I will send you a second copy incorporating any changes and we will then agree a final copy.
I will be liaising closely with your funeral director and other team members throughout this time. We will work together to ensure your wishes are included in the plan of the ceremony and that the occasion runs smoothly and to time.
On the day of the funeral, I will be there to greet you. I will lead the ceremony in a calm, dignified, and professional manner and in a way that gives you space to focus on your personal farewell.
Following the funeral, I will send you a special copy of the tribute as keepsake of the ceremony.
Memorials
A memorial ideally takes place between a month and six weeks after a funeral. It can be a comfort to you at a time after your heightened emotions have calmed a little. A memorial offers another chance to share with others your memories and stories of times together and say your goodbyes. It is also an opportunity to include those who were not able to attend the funeral.
The initial consultation normally takes less time than for a full funeral service as it is a shorter ceremony. A memorial is co-created with you and tends not be as formal. A shorter tribute may be appropriate which may also include music, poetry, readings, or other elements. Again, the content of the memorial will be carefully crafted and places the person who has died at its centre.
Scattering of Ashes
In a similar way to a memorial, the scattering of ashes ceremony is another chance to share your cherished memories and stories with one another and say your final farewells. I can give you guidance on your options as to where and how the ashes may be scattered. A few chosen words may be said, and any elements such as poems, songs or readings can again be included.
