How I can help you plan the farewell you want

Saying the final farewell to a loved one is an important ritual. If you do not feel that a traditional religious service is the right choice for your family, opting for a civil funeral allows you to plan a ceremony which suits your needs. A civil funeral will reflect the wishes and beliefs of your loved one, as well as your own. It can be a humanist service, celebrating the life of your loved one and having no religious references. Alternatively, there is scope to include a hymn or prayer, should you wish.

You may already know exactly how you would like the funeral ceremony to be, maybe the deceased has already made some of those decisions. But if not, choosing the right setting, words and music for a funeral service can be difficult decisions, especially at a time when you feel emotional and distressed. I can help you with these decisions. Through talking to you about the deceased, and listening to what you say, I will write a personal tribute to be delivered as part of the funeral ceremony.

Without trying to influence you, I will listen to what it is you want to convey, and suggest poems, songs or readings which you may like to use. If family members, friends, or colleagues would like to contribute to the ceremony, of course this can be included. I will work with you to plan the funeral that you want. Every funeral I prepare will be personalised to reflect the person who has died. Before the ceremony, you can review what I have written, and afterwards I will give you a printed copy of the service to keep.

Firms of funeral directors are responsible for organising a great many funerals and if you opt to use one, I will work closely with them to ensure that all the details of the ceremony are clear and everything goes to plan on the day.

Civil funeral ceremonies can be conducted in a variety of locations; more usually a crematorium, cemetery, woodland or natural burial ground. But these are not the only options and, whatever your ideas, I will work with you.

As well as civil funeral ceremonies, I am also able to help you plan and can deliver a memorial service or scattering of ashes. Memorial ceremonies offer an opportunity to remember your loved one in music, poems, readings and contributions from family, friends and colleagues. You can add your own personal touches in many ways, including location, decor, and ideas such as memory books, lighting candles, planting trees…. you can really use your imagination to honour your loved one in a truly memorable way.

You are welcome to contact me to talk about your plans: I will be happy to discuss your options.