One of the biggest benefits of a celebrant led funeral is their openness and inclusivity. They allow you create a ceremony that is a true reflection of the deceased.

Many feel that traditional funerals don’t offer kind of emotional weight or psychological transformation, which is a huge part of the grieving process.

However, a funeral celebrant will try to bring a sense of light to the ceremony and reminding mourners of the many stories of the individual and the beautiful and meaningful life they led.

It also gives you the flexibility to factor in different beliefs and wishes, without being tied into a specific structure.

This will usually be part of the costs you pay to the Funeral Director

As part of the service, I will carry out a home visit where I will ask questions to gather information, stories and memories about your loved one. Some areas you may wish to think about include:

• Where the deceased was born and grew up
• Siblings and family members they grew up with
• School days and childhood stories
• Partners, children, grandchildren and other family members or neighbours
• Closest friends
• Musical tastes
• Favourite memories
• Armed forces / National Service
• Career plans and place of work
• Groups and Societies they belonged to
• Interests, Hobbies and Special Achievements
• Significant Events
• Sayings and Stories
• Any “knick names” or other names they were known by
• What will you most remember them for
• Did the deceased make any personal requests about their own funeral?
• Will anybody else be speaking at / participating in the service

It’s your choice. Many people will leave the bulk of the funeral to the Celebrant, which is perfectly normal and understandable given the circumstances.

However, should you wish for a friend or family member to speak, carry out a reading or recite a poem that is perfectly fine and will be discussed as part of my home visit and throughout our time working together.

Naturally there is an order and structure to the service. The Funeral celebrant usually guides the agreed order and introduces the different elements of the funeral.

However, it is completely up to you should you wish to devise a printed order of service to support.

Yes, I can hold a service or celebration of life wherever you wish it to be.