Pre-planning your own funeral ceremony

People are becoming ever more willing to talk about death and to be more open about the process of dying.
This leads many of us to pre-plan our own funeral ceremony.

It might be that you are approaching the end of your life – or maybe it’s just something that you’re thinking of for the future.
Perhaps you don’t know where to start – or maybe you already have some ideas but need some help.

I’m a Humanist Funeral and Wedding Celebrant with more than 20 years’ experience, as well as a Humanists UK Trainer and Mentor. I’m also a former Funeral Director. As such, I’m well-placed to offer a comprehensive pre-planned funeral ceremony service to perfectly match your needs.

How we’ll work

The process of putting together your funeral ceremony will be a collaborative one. You and I will begin by thinking together about what’s important to you – about your values, your principles, your relationships and your experiences – all the elements that will influence the way people remember you after your death.

I’ll advise you on how to organise your ceremony, who to inform and how this links into the funeral arrangements.

Drafting a fitting tribute

Together we can put together the actual script – planning its structure – either writing the script word for word or just documenting the elements that you want to include. This could be poems or other readings. It might be music that you wish to be played. We could also put together a ‘values document’ to set out what in life means most to you. You might want specific friends or relatives to contribute their own recollections or anecdotes.

I could also help you to think about other matters, such as Advanced Wishes, Power of Attorney or Wills.

Where I can’t help

I can’t commit to being available to conduct your funeral when the time comes. Although it’s always a privilege, neither of us know when you’ll need my services and there’s a chance I won’t be available.

However, the benefit of planning in advance is that, if someone else is brought in, they’ll have everything they need to give you the funeral ceremony you’re looking for.

The service you’ll receive is very much one of ‘planning’. I won’t be able to arrange the funeral. This will be a role performed by your family and/or friends – either independently or with my support, or with the help of a Funeral Director (if your family decide to use one).

My role certainly is to help you make your ceremony the best, the most memorable and appropriate ceremony you could possibly have.

What’s the fee for a pre-planned funeral ceremony?

If you’re approaching the end of your life and want me to conduct your ceremony, then there will be no fee for the pre-preparation. I’ll simply charge my usual fee at the time of the funeral

If you’re planning your ceremony as part of an Advance Plan, the fee will depend on the kind of support you’d like from me. For example –

1. A phone or zoom call to find out more alongside general advice – no charge
2. A visit to discuss your options and drafting the structure of a ceremony – £130
3. As above, plus drafting the whole ceremony  – £200

Find out more about Humanist pre-planned funerals. Nett Furley – 07771 595626.

End of Life Doula

I feel passionately about the need to ensure that we are all supported at the end of life; that we are able to choose the way we end our final months, days, weeks and hours; and most importantly, that we are able to live until the very last moment.

This is why I am an End of Life Doula and accompany people (and their friends and family if appropriate) who know their life is soon to come to an end.

Read more about my work as an end-of-life Doula