The last thing we can do for someone we love is to make sure that we say farewell in a way that really reflects the way they lived, how they thought, their beliefs. In other words, we want a ceremony that captures the essence of the person.
I bring years of experience of working with people so I will meet you, usually at your home, to learn about the deceased to make sure that the funeral is totally personal. I’ll liaise with family and friends of all generations to create an affectionate tribute which truly reflects the person you have lost. I work with enthusiasm and empathy and will make sure that the ceremony we create is exactly what you want. Whether your choice is a cremation, green burial or held at another venue, it deserves to be as personal as we can make it, rather than part of a ‘conveyor belt’.
I will deliver the ceremony in a friendly and relaxed way and try to include a little humour – it always helps things along if we can smile amidst the sadness along the way.
I come with a wealth of suggestions for music and readings and will craft a ceremony to celebrate the life of the deceased. It can include anything that the family or friends feel appropriate – and although I am a civil celebrant if you want to include some religious content, that’s fine. It’s your ceremony, your way.
The eulogy, or story of the life, will reflect the character of the person you have lost, and I can deliver it for you or support a family member or friend if you’d prefer that. So, often we learn things about people at a funeral that we never knew – and it’s a privilege to help build that picture.
Sometimes, people have led lives which don’t fit into a conventional service and by working with a celebrant, you can create a ceremony, however unusual, which really works and commemorates the unique life we all lead.
I will liaise with you and your funeral director throughout the preparation of the service, either by phone, email or in person, and afterwards, I will present you with a bound copy of the ceremony as a keepsake and reminder. Above all, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have said farewell in the very best way possible which may help you to find a way of moving forward.
