Funerals and memorials
Funerals are very special occasions. There may be sadness but there can also be laughter. I will work with you to create a unique ceremony which is a true reflection of the person who has died, using any music, and readings you think best. The ceremony may be conducted at a crematorium, funeral parlour, or cemetery, or, in the case of a memorial ceremony, almost any location you choose.
At the heart of the ceremony will be the life story of the person who has died. We will draw up the shape and content of the ceremony together. Family members and friends may wish to give tributes or readings, or, if you prefer, I can incorporate all your memories and anecdotes into an accurate and fitting eulogy to your loved one. After the ceremony you will be given a Presentation Copy of the ceremony script to keep as a lasting memorial, as well as a PDF to share with anyone you choose.
The ceremony is inclusive. It may include a period of quiet reflection where all those present can remember the person who has died in their own way and those who have faith can say a private prayer.
It is also possible to have a memorial ceremony before or after the actual burial or cremation. This is particularly in demand at the present moment and can allow a longer space in which to celebrate the life of someone who has died.
People often say how moving, sincere and fitting they have found a humanist ceremony, and it is my aim to provide that.
This page and video explains what to expect of a humanist funeral.
Testimonials
‘I want to thank you for developing and delivering such a lovely tribute. Each brother, and many of the grandchildren and the aunts messaged me to say how fitting it was and how much they felt Dad would have approved. Feeling contentment after a service is sometimes hard to achieve, but this was so personal and attuned, and very much about Dad. I’m glad I reached out to you, it was definitely the right thing for us and for Dad.’
‘So grateful for your ceremony today; it meant so much for us all. And thanks so much for the presentation copy; we will always treasure it.’
‘The service you delivered at Dad’s funeral was a really nice tribute to him as a man – funny, fair and not at all saccharine (which he would not have approved of!). It was actually the first humanist funeral I’ve been to (I’ve been to weddings), and we definitely made the right choice. So thank you again.’
‘Thank you for today Brigid, so lovely and personal. You were perfect.’
‘I emailed Brigid from Australia to ask her to help farewell my Mum; we pulled it together in 3 weeks via Zoom and emails, she was fantastic! At such a difficult time, she was calm, kind, organised, and friendly. She was excited by my idea to hold an outdoor ceremony on a beach, best suiting my UK-based family, and also agreed on our ideas for playing both recorded music and a live acoustic song. She managed the ceremony, the music, the running order, the ashes and flowers, AND \’held\’ the gathering beautifully for those there in person. My family were very moved & grateful. There were 16 people attending via Zoom, from Norway to Canada and Australia, and Brigid helped us all feel included and present, she was wonderful. I thoroughly recommend her services, and the final PDF of the service she provided was the perfect memento. Forever thankful.’
‘I’m so grateful for your time spent with us and for you finding the words for the tribute in the way that you have; I am confident that Mum would love it!’
Funeral advice
Useful sources of information if you are currently planning a funeral are:
