Creating meaningful funeral ceremonies

Traditionally, the vast majority of funeral services were conducted by a minister or priest. Where this is the family's wish, we will contact the minister of the church with which you are associated on your behalf, if you have not already done so, regarding the funeral ceremony.  Please remember that we can always contact a minister on your behalf to take a funeral service whether or not you feel you, or your loved one have any up to date contact or involvement with a church.

For families who do not wish to have a minister take a service, celebrants or humanists are available to take a non-religious service (i.e. with no bible readings, prayers or hymns included). The main part of the ceremony will be a tribute or eulogy about the person's life, prepared with information supplied by the family. Favourite music, non-religious readings or poems can also be included. In either case, a family member or friend may take part in the service should they wish. This would be discussed with either the minister or celebrant.  Photographs can play an important part, whether as a slide show presentation, framed photograph with the coffin, or printed cards to give to mourners.  Often a funeral is now referred to as a "celebration of life" 

Some families may wish to prepare their own ceremony without the support of a celebrant or minister.  We can advise and assist with this as required. There is of course nothing that must be said or done at a funeral, and some families prefer to keep the formalities to a minimum. 

The content, order, ritual and context of the funeral ceremony plays a vital role in helping people to grieve and mourn, while also hopefully allowing a sense of celebration or thanksgiving for the life of the person who has died. A sensitive balance of these emotions should recognise the pain of loss, while allowing mourners to have a real sense of privilege at having had the opportunity to know a loved one. 

All too often, decisions as to who will take a funeral service can be rushed, and are often based simply on who is available. However, careful thought and planning for the ceremony should help to make it a truly meaningful, respectful and life honouring occasion. We will be happy to discuss this fully with you and give you time to decide on your choice.

We work with various of the local Mosques providing Muslim funeral services, along with Sikh, Buddhist and Hindu families.