Funerals

Funerals

'Grief is the price we pay for love'

Queen Elizabeth II

Firstly, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.  Grief is a very personal emotion and my role is to help you navigate the difficult days ahead and to find the words that will help you know you have said an impossible goodbye.

Your funeral director will have selected me as you have chosen an Independent Celebrant to lead the service for a loved one.  This is a time when you are at your most vulnerable and you will have so much to say and will not be sure how to find the words.  Initially, I will make contact with you through a phone call and arrange a time to meet with you.  During this meeting, we will just sit and talk.  You will tell me stories that may make you feel sad, stories that may make you laugh out loud and stories where you will need to pause...take a breath...and then carry on.  We have time to ensure that we tell the story of a special life and make sure that you have the chance to say goodbye in your way.

I will liaise with your chosen funeral director, informing them of your music choices and the order of service making sure that yours and your loved ones wishes are met.  As a celebrant, I am also able to include elements of religion such as prayers or hymns if this is something you would like.

Prior to the service, I will arrange a visit to the chapel where the cremation or burial will take place.  This is to familiarise myself with the setting and to meet the staff.  You are most welcome to join me as you may find it comforting to also be familiar with the chapel.  This will also give you an opportunity to ask questions, have a look around the grounds and to feel prepared.  I am more than happy to support you with this.

We will also spend some time discussing the ceremony and how you would like things to run.  Some families like to follow their loved one into the chapel while others prefer to have everyone inside to stand in respect as the first song is played.

On the day of the ceremony, I will arrive a little earlier to make sure everything is ready and to greet the friends and family of the deceased.

This is the most difficult of time for anyone and I can assure you that I will work sensitively, with integrity and ensuring you have the time to say goodbye, using your words, your memories and your love in the way that is best fitting for your family and loved ones.