Creating a funeral, memorial or ashes scattering/internment ceremony

I am empathetic, patient, organised, and a good listener, so rest assured that you will be in safe hands.

Arranging a meeting

You can get in touch via email or phone and I can answer your questions, discuss practical issues and make arrangements to meet in person, or by video call if you would prefer. Conversations can involve just one person, or multiple family members and close friends.

Before our meeting I will send you a list of prompt questions to help get you thinking about what type of ceremony you might want, what you may wish to say, and who will say it. This can be helpful for reawakening memories of the person, and for trickier considerations like music and potential readings/poems.

As an English Literature graduate, I’m a huge poetry fan, so I’m more than happy to provide recommendations when it comes to choosing a poem that beautifully reflects your loved one.

Grief can be completely overwhelming, and you may not be in a headspace to consider some of these things. If this is the case, please don’t worry. I will carefully guide you through the process, and can help make suggestions if you’re struggling to think of what to say or do.

During the meeting I will ask questions, listen and take lots of notes in order to piece together a cohesive life story and paint a full picture of your loved one. I’ll aim to capture them in all their complex human glory: everything from the people, places and things they loved and valued, to fond memories and amusing anecdotes. We will also discuss the kind of ceremony you want to have: for example, what music might be right and whether there are people who’d like to speak or read something.

Next steps

The next step will be writing a draft ceremony script which I will send back for review in case there is anything to add or change. Following the ceremony I will hand over a presentation copy of the script to reflect back on and treasure.

Conducting the ceremony

I will lead the ceremony, overseeing agreed content and timings:

• Be at the venue early to make sure all is prepared
• Speak to contributors to make sure they are prepared and know their cues
• Stand in for speakers if they are unable to speak on the day
• Introduce the ceremony
• Say a few comforting words about life and death from a Humanist perspective
• Give the tribute and / or introduce other speakers
• Read appropriate poetry and prose or introduce others to do this
• Lead actions which involve family and friends
• Lead a Committal
• Close the ceremony

Costs

I charge £240 for funeral ceremonies, £120 for ashes scattering/internment ceremonies and £300 for memorial ceremonies (if you are using the services of a Funeral Director this will be paid through the disbursements). This fee includes an initial meeting (approximately two hours), digital communication, conducting the ceremony and providing a presentation script. Sometimes I will need to charge extra for travel expenses but this will always be discussed in advance.

Professional standards

I am trained and accredited by Humanists UK, and as such, I’m required to keep professionally up to date and undergo regular peer review. I fulfil the standards of excellence laid out by the Funeral Celebrancy Council. Click here for more information. My work is covered by full public liability and professional indemnity insurance, I have an advanced DBS check and comply with the Data Protection Act. I am also a member of the Good Funeral Guild, a collective of like-minded people working to change funerals for the better.

As a member of the Humanist UK celebrant network, I can call on colleagues to stand in for me if required due to ill health or other unexpected circumstances.