I am a qualified
Funeral Celebrant
gaining a City and Guilds Distinction with Regent Academy in 2024
I write and lead the funeral service you would wish for – all of it or in part, and I am happy to work with you and your family to ensure all who wish to participate in the service can do so.
The process begins with us talking – for however long (or short) you need. Usually first on the telephone but then I prefer to talk in person. If not, we can always make use of internet calls. It might sometimes be good to have other friends and family along, maybe some photos. I like to hear all the stories and get to know the people you have lost, so that I can portray them fully for the funeral.
I will ask you for any ideas or preferences you might have for the service – such as music and readings and other people’s involvement. I can also suggest ideas if that suits you better. Whilst I cannot lead an entirely religious service, I am perfectly happy to include religious elements if so desired, or not.
After our meeting, I will write and plan the service and then check it is what you want. I can liaise directly with other participants (friends and family) and also any funeral directors. On the day of the funeral, I will be present when you arrive at the venue to greet you, and lead the service.
I prefer services to be unconstrained by time, and so the choice of venue is an important consideration.
Holding a service at a crematorium can often be time restricted .
While I will lead time-restricted services, remember, there are other options – feel free to contact me to discuss these!
This gives us chance to talk about your options (e.g. venue, timing, what you want), before committing with a funeral director. If it is useful, I offer to accompany you to any meetings with a funeral director. With this option I ask you to pay whatever you feel you can / want to afterwards. I’m not solely in this for money – but for purpose and connection. It is my privilege to be involved. I would hope to cover any travel / overnight stay costs as a minimum. Alternatively I can offer a simple flat fee quotation based upon our agreed time requirements, if you prefer.
Through a Funeral Director
If you have been to see a funeral director, they may have recommended me or booked me for the funeral themselves. Alternatively, you might have requested that your funeral director uses my services and they will contact me directly. With this option I charge a standard fee – the funeral director will be aware of this and can advise you of it accordingly.