“Thank you so much for all you have done to support us and our clients, Emily.  I have been so incredibly impressed by your dedication and professionalism.  You are a shining example of what a Funeral Celebrant should be” (Local Funeral Director)

A good funeral cannot remove sadness, but it can provide some comfort and light.  It is these qualities that I strive for in every ceremony that I deliver.

Good endings are so important in our journey through life, and it is my absolute pleasure to help you create a ceremony that feels right and meaningful to you.  A humanist funeral puts the person who has died at the focus and provides an opportunity to grieve and to celebrate the life that has been, in the most fitting of goodbyes.

With a background in nursing, my working life has been all about compassion and empathy; being beside people at some of the most challenging times in their lives.  Driven by my love of people and my passionate belief in humanity, it is such a privilege to spend time learning   about a life lived and creating a farewell ceremony that is truly personal.

 

 

 

How does the process work?

If you would like a chat about whether I am the right celebrant for you, or if you have any questions please do get in touch by email or by phone – I will never make you feel pressured into choosing me!

If you do decide you would like me to conduct the ceremony, we can check availability and discuss your thoughts about the funeral.  At a time when you have so much to do and think about, I will do my best to make sure the funeral ceremony is everything you want it to be.

If you are using a Funeral Director, I will work alongside them and help advise you on any practical matters.

Depending on your needs, we can meet in person at your home or a suitable location, or over the phone/video technology.  We spend most of this time together discussing the person who has died; what their life looked like, what was important to them. This allows me to get to get a feel of the person we are paying tribute to through you, meaning they can be reflected throughout the entire ceremony.  I can help suggest fitting poetry and/or music too if this is something you would like to include.

I will then write the ceremony for you, or with you, if preferred, and will send you a copy before the day so you can be sure you are happy with it.  I can conduct the whole ceremony myself, or just be there to give it some structure – making as much space as is needed for friends or family to contribute.

On the day, I will arrive early to liaise with staff and the Funeral Director (if you have one) to double-check that everything is in order and runs smoothly. I will conduct the funeral in the location of your choice with professionalism and with warmth and dignity.  After the ceremony, I will give you a copy of the script to have as a keepsake.

Do I have to be a humanist to have humanist funeral?

Not at all. A humanist funeral is for anyone who wants a funeral based on the perspective that every life is individual and valuable.  It’s the perfect option for people who want a sincere, personal reflection on the life of their loved one.

As a humanist myself, I don’t perform any acts of religious worship – but I understand that for some, faith may be important and comforting to them, and as such I always allow time for reflection. Equally, if you want to sing or play a much-loved hymn because of the memories & associations it brings back, that is ok.

Where can you have a humanist funeral?

Humanist funerals are mostly held in crematoriums, cemeteries, or natural burial sites, but it could be anywhere you want it to be… a garden, a village hall, a pub, a home.

Some prefer to arrange a private cremation or burial and then invite the mourners to a ‘Celebration of Life’  or Memorial ceremony in which the person’s life is recalled in just the same way, but within the time frame/location of your choice; perhaps somewhere that person liked to go, sometimes with the ashes of the deceased present.

How much does it cost?

My fee is between £230-£300 to write and conduct a funeral. This will be inclusive of all the work required to do this.  (Please note, that for those arranging a funeral through a Funeral Director this cost is often already included). Whilst Funeral Directors often have a number of celebrants they use, you can request the person you want to lead the ceremony when liaising with them.

What if it’s your own funeral you’re thinking about?

Be that in general terms, or if you already know your time is limited and you would like me to help you prepare the detail of it, it would be an honour to do this with you.  Articulating wishes before you die can really help loved ones through the difficult time to come. It might also give you a last chance to include what’s important to you – and perhaps to say what you want to say to those you will be leaving.

 

For any more information or clarification about any of the above – please feel free to call me and have a chat, whether you chose to use me as your celebrant or not – I am more than happy to help.

Thank you, Emily

07811 210 232 

emily.bartram@humanistceremonies.org.uk