Finding your way to say a personal goodbye

“My thoughts often turn to the memorial service and the pivotal role you played in making it such a profound and meaningful experience for everyone who attended. My wife and I will always be grateful for what you did that day”

Memorials
You may not want a traditional funeral. We have well established funeral traditions in the UK – and tradition is exactly what many families need. But for a few people, the tried and tested approach can occasionally feel like it is steamrollering along and what they need to be able to mourn their loved is getting left behind. It’s ok to say ‘stop – this is not what I wanted’ and I can help you work out what it is you really want.

Sometimes a funeral takes place abroad and few people can attend. A memorial at a later date can offer a chance to create a moving experience where everyone can participate.

Occasionally, a funeral has to take place without a body, and a memorial can offer an alternative.

You can choose any venue you like or have it in the open air. It can involve the presence or scattering of ashes, or not.

Direct Cremations
Some people are choosing to have a direct cremation – where there is no funeral at the crematorium – and the family decide they would prefer to have a meaningful ceremony after their loved one’s ashes have been returned to them, at a time and venue or location of their choice.

Messages of farewell scattered into the river (non-toxic)

Memorial order of ceremony example (you can use your own ideas instead)

• Music playing as guests arrive
• Welcoming words
• Thoughts on Life and Death
• Readings of poetry and prose
• Reflection – a few moments for private thoughts about the person who has died, either in silence or accompanied by music
• Tributes
• Everyone singing e.g. ‘Always look on the bright side of life’
• Sharing Memories – family and friends take turns in coming to front, sharing a memory and placing into a box.
• Box of messages is presented to family
• Closing words – including thanks on your behalf
• Final music

If you would like to arrange a memorial you are welcome contact me directly on 07771 866875, ingrid.birchell-hughes@humanistceremonies.co.uk.
My fee is £195.00 (+ travel expenses if you live over an hour/40 miles away)