Celebrations of Life led by Louise

Planning a funeral service is a daunting task, especially as it is usually done in a relatively short timeframe.  

Even with family and friends supporting you, it can still seem like you are alone, and wholly responsible. You may have a set idea what to do and just need someone to lead the ceremony. You may have no idea where to start the process. As an Independent Celebrant I will be by your side through every step.

I will spend as much time as needed with you prior to the service, usually within the comfort of your own home, listening to your wishes, hearing your anecdotes and memories to gain a true sense of the person who has died. 

I will work alongside you to create an uplifting and unique service respecting and acknowledging any challenges they may have faced along life’s pathway, but most importantly celebrating the life which has been lived.

I do not have any professional affiliation to any church nor humanist organisation. I can conduct funeral services which are totally non-religious, or include an element of religion or spirituality, advising you in choosing suitable content such as readings, hymns, prayers or blessings.

Family Participation

You may wish for family, friends or colleagues to participate in the service by means of spoken tributes, readings or live music. There are no set rules to this, and I will welcome and encourage all those who wish to take part. On the day of the ceremony, many people are too overwhelmed to stand up and speak. I will step in, either by offering a gentle guiding hand or reading the tribute on their behalf.

You may wish to include symbolic elements which are meaningful to you and inclusive to all those present, for example a candle lighting ceremony or placing single flowers on the coffin during a reflective piece of music or as you leave the chapel.

Where can a funeral take place?

Funeral services normally take place at a crematorium, cemetery or natural burial ground. However, either prior to or following a cremation or burial it is possible to have the ceremony itself in a more unusual or intimate location. For example, a sporting venue, a hotel or in your own home.

Memorial Services

A memorial service acknowledges their passing and celebrates the life they lived; if your loved one opted for a Pure/Direct Cremation there is no ceremony. Together we can create a personal service to help you say your farewells. These services have absolutely no restrictions on time or content. For instance, you may wish to go to your favourite pub, use a hotel or other outside venue. A Funeral Director does not need to be involved in the memorial service, giving you complete freedom to celebrate your loved ones’ memory.

Scattering or Burial of Ashes

Once you have your loved ones’ ashes returned to you, you may decide that you wish to inter or scatter their ashes and would like to acknowledge this with another short ceremony, to say that final farewell. I will work with you to craft an extra service for you to say your goodbyes.