With more open discussion about death and dying, some people are thinking about they own end of life plan, like preparing a Will or Power of Attorney. Sadly, sometimes with the knowledge of a life-threatening illness, people want to help their family and friends and sort out some practical things before they die.

I can help you if you are not sure where to begin, or you have some ideas and you would like me to help bring your ideas together into a pre-planned funeral or memorial ceremony.

The first step is to let me know what you have thought about. At a meeting we can talk through your ideas and start to form an outline. If you have a partner or close friend they can be involved in the discussion. This will give them a better understanding of your wishes for your funeral or memorial ceremony.

If you would like some suggestions for readings, poems and music, I can help.  We will discuss what type of ceremony you would like. If you would prefer a memorial ceremony rather than a funeral at a crematorium or burial site we can talk about a venue, somewhere that has a personal association for you.

If you would like me to write your Tribute, I would like to hear your life story. It is best to have a separate meeting so you have some time beforehand to think about what key facts and memories you would like to share. If you are in poor health, then I will be flexible to help you and your family collate these so that we achieve what you want without it being too strenuous or stressful.

After the first meeting I will write and send you the outline ceremony referencing your choice of readings, poems and music. If requested, after a second meeting I will write your Tribute and complete the full ceremony including your contributions. After sending you an initial draft of the full ceremony I will make any amendments you request, before completing the final copy and sending you the document to keep. Also, with your permission, Humanists UK can store a copy of all the documents relating to your funeral or memorial ceremony.  Humanists UK do not charge for storing the documents electronically and securely for safe keeping.

My charges will vary depending on the amount of work you ask me to do. Any payment for pre-planning your funeral or memorial will be offset against my charges for delivering the ceremony. This may happen soon after meeting you or at a later date. There is no charge for an initial discussion so please contact me if you would like to know more about pre-planning your funeral or memorial ceremony.

For more information, please take a look at the Humanist Ceremonies webpage:

Pre-Planned Funerals