Bespoke, authentic and meaningful non-religious funerals

Grief is often the price you pay for love, and funerals can be difficult days, full of memories, farewells, sadness, and loss. But they also, as much as anything else, give us the opportunity to come together as family and friends to celebrate and reflect on love and the life that was.

One of my core beliefs as a humanist is that we only have this one life to live. I do not believe there is anything that comes next and, because of that, I think funerals and memorials should focus on the person being remembered, their life’s journey, and the impact they had on the world, rather than on anything else. This is what I focus on.

The non-religious nature of a humanist celebration of life means there will be no prayers or hymns. However, the ceremonies are inclusive of everybody, and time is always given for personal reflection. This can be used for private prayer if anybody of the mourners wish to do so.

Dear Quentin,

I am writing to express my sincere thanks for all your help and understanding in preparing for my mum’s celebration of life.

I truly felt that you understood the essence of my mother and this came across in the script that you prepared. The service truly reflected mums views on life and the afterlife , the poem you read was truly beautiful.

The whole service  was a highly personal ,beautiful, touching tribute to a very special woman.

All the family commented on your presentation and attention to detail, how beautifully you helped our little Isla with her reading .

I would recommend your services to anyone who wishes a Celebration of life

I can’t thank you enough

Katie, Guildford   

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Dear Quentin,

You did an absolutely fantastic job today. My Mum was truly impressed. Thank you so much – we all really appreciate your hard work in understanding us.

Everyone at the wake complimented your service and each person said it represented my Dad perfectly. They said how you had captured his character and did him proud. Even my Aunty K… thought the service was him to a tee.

Thank you so much.

Sue C. Yateley

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Dear Quentin,

Thank you for the handwritten note, very much appreciated from all three of us. We would like to tell you that the service was superb and Mum would have been delighted.

There were so many comments, even from the church goers, who thought the service was spot on.

Thanks again, for all of your help and support.

WAITA HAKO [Thank You in Shona, one of the languages spoken in Zimbabwe, my home country] 

Rob C, Wokingham

 

 

 

 

 

I offer discounted rates to NHS staff, in recognition of the great work that they do in helping people who are often going through the toughest times of their lives. They help us and we should, whenever we can, help them too.

I look forward to working closely with you to deliver the bespoke, meaningful, and authentic funeral ceremonies your loved one deserves, and I am here to help in whatever way I can.

 

Call me on 07454 402024 or email me on quentin.wray@humanistceremonies.org.uk.

For more on what makes humanist funerals so special, watch the video below:

 

 

The process

The format of the funeral will be up to you and I will help you make sense of all the options. I encourage family and friends to get as involved in the tribute as they are comfortable with, and I will work with you to choose the words, music and poetry that reflects your loved one’s history, interests and passions.

The Home Visit

Once you have decided I am the celebrant best suited to conduct the funeral, we will arrange a time for me visit you in your home. During this conversation, we will get to know each other better and I will have the chance to learn more about the person the ceremony is honouring. You will be able to decide how you want the ceremony to run and I will, of course, advise you on all aspects of the funeral. If needed, and if it is what you want, I can help you make choices about readings, music and poetry.

The Script

Once we have met, I will put together a script for the complete ceremony, including music choices, readings, and any contributions from family members or friends. The script will be created so that the funeral provides a fitting send off for your loved one and comfortably fits into the time we will have available so that it doesn’t feel rushed. You will have the opportunity to review the script to ensure that it meets your needs, and that the words properly reflect and do justice to your loved one.

The Funeral, or Celebration of Life.

The funeral will be hard enough for you without having to worry about everything going smoothly – that’s my job. I will have been in contact with the Funeral Director ahead of the day and I will arrive at the venue in good time and will endeavour to ensure everything is the way you want it. I will greet the chief mourners as they arrive and will conduct the ceremony with decorum and dignity – my role is to ensure that you, and all the other mourners present, can say goodbye properly and in a way which, I hope, will provide some comfort.

The Presentation Script

After the ceremony, I will give you a presentation copy and electronic version of the final script for you to keep and perhaps share with people who could not be there. All words and readings will be included in this script.

I will be available via phone or e-mail throughout the process.