I begin with a family visit, to find out as much as possible about the person who has died. This can take a couple of hours, so put the kettle on! (Alternatively, open a bottle of Prosecco as one family did, and let the memories flow…!)

I usually hold these in person with you, either at the family home, or a neutral (but quiet) place. Sometimes meeting via a Zoom video conference is a more effective way of holding the meeting.

I’ll suggest an outline sequence for the ceremony, depending on who is to speak, and how many.

I can make suggestions for poems, readings and music that reflect the life of the deceased. I can arrange the sourcing and playing of music with the crematorium or other provider, if the funeral director isn’t already doing this.

Together we can quickly get the outline structure of the ceremony settled so that you can get an Order of Service leaflet printed, if desired. Your funeral director will usually handle the production and printing of this for you.

Following our meeting, I will write a detailed and unique funeral ceremony to describe and highlight the life of the person who has died. Within a few days I’ll send you an initial draft of the ceremony so we can make sure it’s what you’re looking for. There’s usually quite a few emails and/or phone calls between us as we refine the details.

At the funeral I’ll deliver the ceremony and co-ordinate any family or friends who wish to speak during the service. I am always willing to step in and speak for a mourner if they are unsure about being up to the task.

I provide a cue sheet for the funeral director and chapel attendant, to make sure everybody knows exactly what is happening and when.

The day after the funeral I’ll send you a high-quality physical presentation copy of the ceremony as a memory of the day and the person’s life. I’ll also email you a PDF copy of the ceremony.

As well as the rigorous and ongoing competency standards required by Humanists UK, I additionally conform to the attributes and skills defined by the Funeral Celebrancy Council.

For more general information about Humanist funerals, see this useful page of Frequently Asked Questions

Above all, I aim to deliver a ceremony that truly reflects
who the deceased person was and what mattered to them

“Simon provided a thoughtful, moving tribute for the funeral of my mother.  Family members all agreed that with Simon the proceedings had both solemnity and those light touches that conjure a person vividly.  I am especially grateful for the extra research Simon put in that added to the quotes he used, let alone locating evidence of Mum’s professional life. Simon gave my Mum a good send off.  She would have been pleased.”