If a funeral director has been appointed to care for your deceased then they are very likely to be able to suggest the right kind of Celebrant, based on your preference for religious content or not.
You may however, wish to find your own Celebrant using an online search, a directory or personal recommendation. Whether it’s a Celebrant offered by a funeral director or one selected by the family, this might be a Civil or Independent Celebrant (who creates and leads either completely non-religious ceremonies, or, if some religious content is wanted, most are comfortable providing ceremonies in which acts of worship are included, such as prayers and hymns).
I can ensure your ceremony is all-inclusive and respectful towards those in attendance and if a family wishes to include something which does have some religious content, for example a hymn or a reading, incorporated for any reason other than as an act of worship e.g. the deceased person always enjoyed listening to it or singing it at school or at Christmas – or perhaps it was said or sung at their wedding or at a loved-one’s funeral, and it has sentimental value – then I am to able to include this or indeed any other wishes.
I can make your funeral ceremony absolutely bespoke to your wishes and help you choose the most appropriate way to celebrate the life of your loved one at this difficult time.
How to celebrate the life of a loved one
A celebration of life can be part of a non-religious funeral, which includes a service and committal. Or it can be a separate memorial that’s held on a different day to the funeral – perhaps in the days or weeks that follow.
Here are some things to consider:
- Dress code – black is the traditional colour for funerals, but at a celebration of life mourners could wear a bright colour, or your loved one’s favourite colour.
- Transport – instead of a traditional hearse, you could organise something a bit different to carry the coffin. Perhaps a VW campervan or a horse-drawn carriage?
- Coffin – coffins come in a range of colours and prints, why not pick one that reflects the personality of your loved one?
- Day and time – you don’t need to feel restricted by time or day. If it suits you and your guests better, consider a weekend, early evening or night time memorial service. Create a soft warm ambience with candles, fairy lights and fireworks with a night time or ‘twilight’ memorial service to mark your loved one’s final journey.
- Venue – a funeral service doesn’t have to be held in a church or crematorium. There are lots of places which will host a service for you.
I can help you carry out your own unique celebration of life, working with a funeral director of your choice if required.
What will I do?
- I can help you plan an order of service and ensure that it reflects how you want your loved one to be remembered.
- Talking points will also be the funeral poems readings, songs and hymns you'd like, as well as who you'd like to play a part.
- Once you contact me, I will meet with you and any family or friends involved to discuss your wishes and ideas. If you don't live close by then you can keep in regular touch by phone and email.
- I will ask about the person who has died, to get a sense of who they were and what they meant to you.
- I will then use this information to write a eulogy about the person and their life, which I can deliver during the service
Memorial Services
A memorial service is very similar to a funeral, except that the body is not present. This might be because in the last year or two it wasn't possible for all those to attend funerals because of Covid.
A memorial service might also be held for a larger gathering of family and friends, following a smaller, more intimate funeral service and burial. It may also be conducted to include the scattering of their ashes at their favourite place.