What you can expect

• Meet with the family to get an understanding of the person who has died, their personality and history.
• Draft a unique tribute, capturing the life of the deceased.
• Check the facts and tone are accurate and in keeping with your wishes.
• Create a structure for the ceremony building in appropriate time for individual contributions, music, readings and a pause for reflection.
• Help, where desired, in the selection of poems, readings and music to reflect the individual and complete the ceremony.
• Coordinate with the funeral director, crematorium or natural burial ground to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly.
• On the day, I will meet you outside the chapel.
• I will lead the ceremony, as agreed and be available to support any speakers, or step in if needed.
• Provide the family with a presentation copy of the ceremony script.

What are the rules?

Most people decide to have their ceremony in the crematorium.  Individual crematorium will provide different options, and your funeral director will probably outline a typical service taking twenty minutes or half an hour.  If you expect a large turnout or several mourners wish to speak, you have the option of booking a less constrained ‘double slot’.

There is nothing to stop you choosing something more individual or personal.  Natural burial grounds vary in character, but usually offer a peaceful space in nature where you can hold a more relaxed ceremony.  They can also be a beautiful spot to visit afterwards.

Whatever you want, I will do my utmost to support you and help make it happen.

Religion or no religion

My own philosophy comes from a belief in humanity, human rights and the dignity that every person on earth is entitled to, along with a belief in the science that we only have one life and that there is no afterlife.

However, each funeral ceremony is about the deceased and mourners, so I take a flexible approach to the issue of religion within your ceremony.  It’s understandable that there may be different views on religion among the family and mourners.  We can always look to be flexible in the service and include readings or a piece of music that will ensure the ceremony is relevant and appropriate.

I am there to assist and advise, but not to prescribe a specific way to do it.

Testimonials

“I can’t put into words just how grateful we are to Simon for all the help and support he gave us with my father’s recent funeral. 

His compassion, patience and calmness throughout was really comforting at such an emotional time.  Having sat down with us and listened to our stories, Simon really understood the ‘essence’ of my father, delivering a beautiful, heartfelt service that couldn’t, in my mind, have been any better.”  MH

“We had lovely feedback from everyone, they were especially moved about what you said about Dad and how you were able to piece it all together, it was just perfect.”  KS

More testimonials

When should you book

You can either book through your funeral director, or directly with me and I will coordinate with them.

I am usually available for ceremonies with 10 – 14 days notice, which provides a reasonable time for us to develop the ceremony with your input and feedback.  I aim to schedule the family meeting at the earliest opportunity, and recommend an early evening so we can so we can cover everything that we need to discuss in an unhurried fashion.

My Fees

I charge a fee of £250 for cremations and burials.

For a memorial service or a ‘double’ cremation ceremony, I charge £350.

I make no charge for funerals of children aged 16 or under.

Normally your funeral director will pay the fee as part of their disbursements (the incidental costs associated with a funeral).

Next Steps

If you feel I would be a good fit for your ceremony, please contact me on either:

• Phone 07768 353297
• Email simon.leech@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Please feel free to phone or email with any questions.