“So lucky to have had Kate as a celebrant for my husband’s funeral – Kate quickly understood the family needs and was flexible and understanding- the service went so well” 

A ‘good funeral’, to my mind, is a funeral that leaves you feeling somehow ‘better’ – no matter the circumstances.

It is always my intention as a humanist celebrant to lead funerals that do exactly that, which means most importantly, listening  carefully to everything you may have to tell me about the person who has died so that I come away feeling as if I know that person, even though we probably never met.

At our initial meeting, with a little gentle prompting, things you thought you had forgotten often come to mind. For most, this meeting might be the first time the family has talked together about the person focussing on their life, rather than the death itself.

It is always lovely to include humour in a funeral since most people lead mostly happy lives, with more good times than bad and recalling those happy memories is both important and right.

I listen carefully, making notes that will allow me to go away and prepare a service and eulogy that you will feel does justice to the person you have lost. There is inevitably some of the chronology of the person’s life but importantly, I try to also reflect the person’s character, what really mattered to him or her, their pleasures in life and all they leave and pass on to you, their legacy.

Close family or friends are welcome to take part if they wish, or I’m happy to read words you would like to say, but don’t feel up to saying yourself.

Where can you have a humanist funeral?

 

Humanist funerals are mostly held in crematoriums or green burial sites.

Some choose to hold a private or direct cremation followed by a ‘Celebration of Life’ at a time and location to suit. I have led such occasions in pubs, golf clubs, village halls and at home with the ashes of the deceased present. Such options can feel more informal and perhaps more fitting. It certainly comes as a pleasant surprise to mourners to be able to raise a glass to their loved one during a funeral.

Can I include hymns or prayers?

As an atheist, I don’t personally say prayers – but I always allow time for private prayer.

Equally, if you want to sing or play a much loved hymn because of the memories & associations it brings back, that is ok.

 

 

How Do I Go About Choosing You?

• Contact me katekmh@btinternet.com / 01507 600064 to check my availability and to discuss your plans
• If you are using a funeral director, tell them you have a celebrant (me)
• We meet as soon as possible (or Zoom or telephone) to allow me time to write a ceremony
• I send you the draft prior to the day to be sure the details are correct and to make sure it feels ‘right’.
• On the day, I conduct the funeral in the location of your choice
• Payment (around £200) is usually included within the Funeral Director’s bill, under ‘disbursements’

What if it is my own funeral I’m thinking about?

• Contact me if you would like to talk about planning your own funeral ceremony.
• It gives you the chance to include what’s important to you – and can be so helpful to those left behind.