Sometimes a family chooses a direct cremation, perhaps because they want something simple and private, or because circumstances and finances make a traditional funeral service difficult.

 

But choosing a direct cremation doesn't mean that you have to lose the opportunity to gather together, share memories and say a meaningful goodbye.

 

That's where I can help.  As a funeral celebrant, I can create and conduct a completely personalised memorial ceremony for your family; a service that reflects the person you loved, tell their story and gives you the time and space to remember them together.

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It doesn't have to take place in a chapel

Your memorial can take place wherever feels right for you.

It could be:

• At home, surrounded by familiar things and memories

• In a village hall or community venue

• In a garden or another meaningful outdoor setting

• In a field or beautiful place that held special memories

• At a place of remembrance

• Or somewhere else that feels special to your family

 

There are no rules about where you have to say goodbye, although if on private land other than your own you might need to get permission.

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A ceremony created especially for you

I will take the time to get to know your loved one, the things they loved, the people who mattered to them, the memories that make you smile, and the stories that make them who they were.

 

Together, we can create a ceremony that might include:

• A personal welcome and introduction

• Music that was meaningful to them

• Poems, readings or special words

• A eulogy telling their story

• Family and friends sharing their own memories

• Photographs and other personal touches

• A moment of reflection

• The lighting of a candle or another symbolic gesture

• A final tribute or farewell

 

And, of course, there is no set format. This is your ceremony, and we can make it as simple, informal, traditional or unique as you wish.

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A different way to say goodbye

A memorial ceremony doesn't have to be held immediately after someone dies.

Perhaps the cremation has already taken place and you now feel ready to come together as a family.

Perhaps you would like to hold a memorial weeks or even months later, when everyone is able to attend.

 

Or perhaps you simply feel that, although the cremation was private, you still need that moment when everyone can gather together and say:

 

"This is who they were. This is what they meant to us. And this is our goodbye."

 

Whatever your circumstances, I will work with you to create something that feels genuine, personal and completely appropriate for your family.

 

My role

My role is to be the voice of your family; to listen to your memories, understand what made your loved one special and then bring those memories together into a ceremony that feels like them.

 

There is no need to worry about what you should say or how a memorial "should" be done.  We'll simply talk, remember, laugh, cry and share the stories that matter.

 

I'll take care of the words and the ceremony, so that you can concentrate on being together.

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The cost

A fully personalised memorial ceremony involves the same care, time and preparation that goes into any funeral service I conduct.

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My fee for creating and conducting a personalised memorial ceremony starts from £270.

This includes our conversations together, getting to know the person you have lost, preparing the ceremony and personalised tribute, and working with you to create a ceremony that feels right for your family.

 

The final fee will depend on the arrangements you choose, including the location and any additional elements you may wish to include. I will always discuss this with you beforehand, so you will know the full cost before making any arrangements.

 

Any venue hire, music or other third-party costs would be additional and, where applicable, arranged by the family.

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There is no right or wrong way to remember someone.

Sometimes the most meaningful goodbye isn't found in a chapel or funeral home.  Sometimes it is around a table at home, beneath an open sky, in a favourite garden, beside a graveside, or in a place filled with memories.

 

Wherever you choose, I can help you create a moment that is truly about them.

 

If you would like to talk about creating a personalised memorial for your loved one, please get in touch.

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There is no obligation and no need to know exactly what you want.  We can simply have an informal chat.