Initial Meeting

Arranging a funeral can be a daunting experience, especially if you’ve never had to arrange one before. I fully understand that you are faced with a number of decisions at a time which is already difficult and painful. Although it may not seem it at first, planning a funeral can actually be quite a positive experience. The funeral is your opportunity to focus on the person who has died, to share memories with family and friends, and to celebrate their life in a special and meaningful way. My role is to provide you with the service, that you want, to do just that.

I will arrange a meeting with you, either at your home or another suitable venue, to discuss the kind of service that you would like. During this meeting we will talk about your loved one so that I can build a clear picture of what they were like; their family history, their personality, their interests and their beliefs about life and death. If you are able to, it is helpful if you can share any particularly special memories or aspects of your loved one’s life that were at the heart of their character. This will help me to write a eulogy which truly reflects and remembers the whole person in a positive and uplifting way.

Planning the Service

After our initial meeting I will go away and write a unique, bespoke service, including the eulogy, which is a personalised and fitting tribute to remember and celebrate the life of your loved one. Once the eulogy has been drafted I will send you a copy for you to review. It is quite normal for people to think of things they forgot to mention at the time, so if you would like to add anything or make any changes I will do this until you are completely happy with the wording.

You may already have thought about readings, poetry and music that you would like to include in the service. However, if you are undecided, I can help guide you through making your choices. There are lots of options available to you but, understandably, making the right selection can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. I have a wide range of resources that you can look at or to which I can direct you.

Even if you don’t want a fully religious service, you may want to include a reading, prayer or hymn that is particularly meaningful, either to you or the loved one you are remembering. I will respect all beliefs / philosophies and am happy to incorporate whatever religious, non-religious or spiritual content that you would like included in the service. My role is to liaise with you throughout to ensure that the funeral you are arranging is a beautiful and fitting tribute to the one that you held dear.

On the Day

On the day of the funeral, I will meet you at the venue and I will then lead the service. You may want me to deliver the entire service or there may be family members or friends who wish to give readings, recite poems or deliver the eulogy. The choice is entirely yours and we can discuss in advance to what extent family members or friends want to participate in the service. After the funeral I will supply you with a presentation copy of the full service for you to keep. You may have family or friends who are unable to attend the service on the day, for various reasons, and if you let me know I will happily provide you with a few additional copies that you can show or send to people afterwards.