CIVIL FUNERALS

Choosing a funeral service

There is a shift in thinking around funerals – should a 21st century life be commemorated with a 19th century send off? There is nothing wrong with tradition; many people take comfort from it and have done for centuries. But a more individual approach to creating funerals can help to reflect the colourful, diverse lives and personalities of our loved-ones, while still maintaining a sense of dignity and respect. It would be nice to know that your funeral isn’t going to be exactly the same as the one that went before you, and the one that will come after.

Civil funeral ceremonies

Which is why, for an increasing number of people, funeral services have to include more options than simply a choice between religious or non-religious. Civil funeral ceremonies bridge this gap by simply focusing on the beliefs and unique life of the person who has died, as well as the wishes of those who are saying goodbye.

Civil ceremonies can be held either at a crematorium or non-religious burial ground, including natural or woodland burial sites.

Civil Funeral Celebrant

As a qualified and experienced Civil Funeral Celebrant, I can create and conduct an individual service that is both meaningful and memorable, in close consultation with the family. Music, poetry and readings that meant something to the deceased can be interwoven into the ceremony, and family or friends can speak if they wish to. Other elements, such as photographs, special flowers, or simply a wish for everyone to wear colourful clothes instead of black can all be included. I will co-ordinate everything and liaise with the Funeral Director, as well as staff at the crematorium or burial ground.

After the initial visit to your home, or suitable meeting place, I will put together the service and write the tribute. You will see a copy before the day of the funeral, to ensure you’re happy with the wording and all the details are correct. You will also be given a copy to keep after the ceremony. I will then conduct the funeral on the day.