A Ceremony That Sounds Like the Person You've Lost
When someone you love has died, the last thing you want is a ceremony that feels generic. You want their humour. Their stories..
The bits only the people in the room would understand. The right amount of laughter alongside the tears.
That's what I do. I sit with families and I listen. To the funny stories, the difficult ones, the small details that turn out to be the most important. Then I write a ceremony that actually sounds like the person you're saying goodbye to.
If your loved one would have wanted dancing, I'm fine with dancing. If they'd have wanted their favourite football chant, brilliant. If they wanted everyone in their team's colours rather than black, lovely.
There's no rulebook here other than what feels right for them and for you.
A Ceremony
That Fits Their Story
How a Celebrant Funeral Differs
Families don't have to use whoever the funeral director suggests. You can choose your own celebrant.
A celebrant-led funeral can be entirely non-religious, entirely religious, or a mix of the two, and I'll honour whatever feels right for your family. There's no fixed running order, no time pressure beyond what your venue allows, and no script you didn't choose. We build the ceremony together, around the person it's for.
What I'll Do For You
- A warm, unhurried home visit (or video call if that's easier) to talk about your loved one
- A bespoke ceremony, written and shaped around your family's wishes
- Revisions and changes until you feel it's right
- Liaison with your funeral director so the day runs smoothly
- Calm, considered delivery of the ceremony
- A follow-up call from me a few days afterwards, just to check in
The Ceremonies I Hold
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Funerals
A full funeral ceremony, in a crematorium, natural burial ground, religious or civil setting, or anywhere else that feels right.
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Celebrations of Life
A separate ceremony, sometimes weeks or months after the funeral, in a place that meant something to them. A pub, a stadium, a hilltop, a garden. I'd particularly love to do more celebrations of life at football grounds, for the fans whose Saturdays were their best days.
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Memorial Services
For the families who couldn't gather at the time, or who simply want a moment to mark an anniversary or a meaningful date.
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End of Life Ceremonies (Living Funerals)
For people who'd rather hear what their loved ones think of them while they're still here. These are quiet, powerful, often very moving days.
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Pet Memorials
Because they were family too.
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Ashes Interment
A small, gentle ceremony when the time comes to lay ashes to rest, scatter them or move them somewhere meaningful.
How We'll Work Together
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We talk
Either I call you, or your funeral director passes on your details and I get in touch. We arrange a quiet, relaxed meeting at a time that works for you.
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We sit and remember
We have a proper conversation about your loved one. Their life, their character, the stories that matter, the elements you want included. Nothing is too small.
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I write the ceremony
A full draft comes back to you to read. We revise it as much as you need until it feels true.
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I deliver it on the day
I'll be there ahead of time, calm and prepared, working alongside your funeral director to make sure everything runs as it should.
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I check in afterwards
A few days after the ceremony I'll give you a follow-up call. Just to see how you're holding up.
Symbolic Touches You Might Want to Include.
Sometimes the smallest gesture is what people remember. A few that families have found meaningful:
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The placing of meaningful items on top of the coffin (a favourite scarf, a record, a programme, a teddy)
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Candle lighting in honour of the person, or for those who couldn't make it
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A piece of music that meant everything to them
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Children or grandchildren reading something they've written themselves
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A favourite poem, a football chant, a song for everyone to sing
If there's something you want to include and you're not sure if it's "allowed," ask me. The answer is almost always yes.
When
You're
Ready
There's no rush. Reach out whenever feels right and I'll be here.