Planning the ceremony

• initial telephone conversation
  • agree a face-to-face meeting if possible or arrange a zoom call
  • confirm key details with you
  • briefly discuss your initial thoughts on what you would like for the ceremony

• face-to-face or zoom meeting with you and other close family members and friends, as appropriate
  • create a “portrait” of the person who has died
    • I’ll ask questions and listen to your stories, memories and reflections
    • I’ll ask to see photos
  • discuss the ”tone” of the ceremony you would like to reflect the person who has died
  • content for the ceremony – e.g. music, readings, poetry, significant objects, photos
    • ceremonies often include the following elements
      • opening music
      • welcome
      • tributes
      • a short period of reflection, either silent or with music
      • final farewell or “committal” – when the curtains close around the coffin or the coffin is lowered
      • closing words and music
  • people – who might write and read tributes
  • the practicalities
    • what will happen on the day
    • agree what needs to be done, by whom and by when

• draft “script” for the ceremony
  • I send a draft for you to correct any inaccuracies and change anything you’re not happy with
  • we repeat these steps until you are happy to approve the script

The Ceremony

• on the day, I will meet you outside the chapel
• I will lead the ceremony, as agreed and be available to support any speakers, or step in if needed

After the ceremony, I’ll provide you with a presentation copy of the script.