The Ceremony
A funeral or memorial ceremony can be designed to suit your unique wishes.
In death, we have the chance to honour our loved ones by creating a ceremony that is perfect for them and those who loved them. There’s no need to follow a set structure or prescribed words—this is your opportunity to design a meaningful farewell.
You can choose the elements that will best celebrate their life, including contributions from family and friends in ways that feel right to you. Some families prefer to write their own tribute, and if you’re struggling with the words, I’m here to help. Together, we can craft a tribute that reflects their story and your memories. I can also offer suggestions for other elements to make the ceremony truly special.
I’m here to help you plan a ceremony that feels personal and fitting, ensuring your loved one is given a beautiful farewell filled with love and cherished memories.
No two ceremonies are the same; each one is personally crafted to reflect your loved one’s story.
Cremation or Burial?
If you're planning a funeral, you’ve likely already decided between cremation or burial and discussed your options with your chosen Funeral Director.
Your loved one may have shared their wishes with you, but if they haven’t, the choice is entirely yours, and there’s no right or wrong decision. With the availability of natural burial grounds, there are more options than ever before.
Your Funeral Director can guide you through the available choices in your area, and I’m always happy to chat and offer support if needed.
If your loved one specified they wanted a Direct Cremation without a service, but you’d still like to celebrate their life, a memorial service could be a meaningful way to honour their memory.
What can be included in the ceremony?
The simple answer is – whatever you want it to be. The only limit is time, which may vary depending on the venue, especially in crematoriums.
If you're not sure where to start, here are some common elements that are often included, but we can personalise everything to reflect your loved one’s life:
Music
Music can be played for the entrance and exit, and sometimes during the service, depending on the length. You might also choose specific songs that were meaningful to your loved one or that evoke the right emotions for the ceremony.
A Tribute (Eulogy)
A tribute or eulogy is a chance to share the story of your loved one’s life, and the impact they had on those around them. Typically, I would deliver this, however, if you would prefer to speak yourself, I can support you to write, and prepare a tribute, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable.
Poems or Readings
Poems, readings, or religious verses can be incorporated to reflect your loved one’s character, beliefs, or passions. I’m happy to offer suggestions or work with you to find the perfect words that capture their essence.
A Photo Slideshow
A slideshow of photos can offer a beautiful visual journey through your loved one’s life, often accompanied by music. If this is a funeral, your Funeral Director can assist with organising this.
Symbolic or Spiritual Gestures
Including something special like lighting candles, laying flowers, or placing messages on the coffin can add a personal touch to the ceremony. Whether symbolic or spiritual, I can guide you on meaningful rituals or gestures that would resonate with your loved one’s story.
Spiritual or Cultural Elements
If you’d like to incorporate spiritual elements, such as prayers, blessings, or rituals, I can help weave them into the service. Equally, I respect any preference for a non-spiritual service and can create a ceremony that reflects your beliefs or lack thereof.
The goal is to create a ceremony that truly reflects who your loved one was and the life they lived. As we plan together, my aim is to ensure that their funeral or memorial service is a beautiful and fitting final tribute, capturing the love and memories you hold for them.