Funeral Celebrancy
A funeral is not a fuss; it’s saying goodbye with dignity and purpose, a symbol of our love and a meaningful life event.
​
Grief is the price we pay for love, and people need time to mourn the loss of a loved one.
Grief is hard, unbearable at times, but certainly doesn’t go away if we try to deny its existence. All our significant life events are shared with others. Birthdays, holidays and weddings provide an opportunity to come together and share.
A funeral should be the same, allowing those who knew us to show that our life mattered to them, to remember and to celebrate a life lived. Funerals offer finality and understanding that loved ones have died and beginning a journey of our life without them in it.
I want to understand and appreciate the families loved one, and how they want to celebrate their life. I will endeavour to condense a lifetime of memories, celebrating that life. With permission I will record our meeting so I don’t miss anything important.
I can attend our meeting in person or via zoom, whichever is convenient. Zoom can be useful if some members can’t be at the meeting in person.
Where will you have the ceremony? Chapel, cemetery, hall, club, beach or park. What type of ceremony? Burial, cremation, memorial, celebration of life or scattering of ashes. What to include? Tributes, eulogy, music, art, rituals, memories, video, photos, readings. Favourite colour or clothes- hats, ties, shoes, wear a favourite colour. Dress code for the ceremony.
After I have created a personalised ceremony I will send you the draft to review and alter if needed. I will make anyone live streaming the funeral, know they are acknowledged and welcomed.
Planning The Service
Eulogy
Who will write and deliver the eulogy? If it’s me I will send a list of information I will require which can be filled out prior to our meeting. See the eulogy guidelines I've provided below in the next section.
I will keep the ceremony to the allotted time if needed, introduce speakers and support those struggling with their grief.
I have readings, poetry music and ritual suggestions available on my site to give you ideas. I will work closely with you and your funeral director to deliver a service that exceeds your expectations.
Music
can be reflective, familiar, humorous
​
Photo Tribute
Choose 25-35 photos. Good quality where possible, placed in the preferred sequence. The sound track- run time of music matched to photos. Suggestion of 3-4 seconds per photo. Format suitable for the venue- use a new USB if applicable and test before the service.
​
Rituals
Photo on coffin, lighting a candle, decorating coffin, hand written notes. Rosemary for Rememberance- lay sprigs on the coffin. This dates back to ancient Egypt.
​
What was your loved ones favourite things? Sweets-provide a small bag with a thanks for your support note. Gardening-give seeds or plants. Craft display. Have flat stones and pens for written messages so family can keep them. Plant a remembrance tree or shrub with a memorial plaque.
​
I will gift you a copy of the ceremony script.
Eulogy Guidelines
The eulogy should be approx. 3-5 mins. Practice and time yourself, be authentic in your delivery.
​
Introduction Introduce yourself and your relationship to the deceased. Thank everyone for their presence and support.
Early Life Birthdate, place of birth, childhood memories and significant experiences.
School and Work Schools and careers, achievements or awards.
Family and Relationships Family life including partners, children, grandchildren and other close relationships.
Hobbies and Interests Passions, hobbies, sports and activities.
Memories and Special Qualities Personal stories and anecdotes that illustrate the deceased personality, character and unique qualities.
Summary and Legacy Highlight major accomplishments and impact they had on others.
End with a message of love, appreciation and remembrance.
Get a Quote
Fill in your info below and I'll get back to you with a quote