FUNERAL CELEBRANT FOR DORSET, SOMERSET & WILTSHIRE
I will support you with warmth, compassion and sensitivity
If you have experienced recent loss, I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt condolences to you.
For some, funeral arrangements can be a welcome focus. For others, the process can feel daunting and overwhelming. However you’re feeling, I am here to support you with warmth, compassion and sensitivity, drawing on my many years of experience as an independent funeral celebrant.
I will listen carefully to everything you can tell me about the person you have lost, and will write – or help you write – a eulogy that celebrates their life, values and personality.
On the day, I will be a reassuring presence, arriving early to ensure that everything is in order. I will deliver a sincere and beautiful ceremony that allows those present to acknowledge their grief and say a meaningful goodbye.
I place the highest importance on good communication with you and your family. I can advise on practical arrangements, ensuring that nothing is forgotten, and can help you choose an appropriate venue, music, poems and readings, if this would be helpful. I can also support any family members or friends who wish to be involved in the ceremony, such as reading the eulogy or a poem.
The ceremonies I lead are not religious but can include hymns and prayers, and all faiths are welcome.
Based in Shaftesbury, I work as a funeral celebrant across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, and am happy to travel further afield.
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Memorials
Some families choose to follow a private funeral with a separate memorial, at a later date, for a wider circle of friends and family.
Even if you don’t yet know when a memorial might be possible, you may find that it helps the grieving process to begin thinking about the content of the ceremony.
As an independent celebrant, I am here to help you do this. Please feel free to get in touch to arrange a free consultation.
What is the cost?
My fee is from £250 and this covers:
- Meeting you (in person, online or over the phone) to understand your needs and wishes, and to learn about the person who has passed away
- Creating a personalised ceremony and eulogy that reflect the life of your loved one
- Unlimited access to support via email and phone
- Liaising with the funeral director and venue if required
- Leading the ceremony, and supporting you, on the day
- Travel expenses within a 30 mile radius of SP8 (if your venue is further than this we can agree the additional travel expenses in advance).
My training
My funeral celebrant training in 2012 led me onto further courses such as the grief journey, suicide prevention, end of life care.
Training accredited by The Open College Network
FAQ’s
I’ve put together answers to the questions I am most commonly asked. Please feel free to contact me directly with any further queries.
Some of the first things to consider when planning a funeral are:
- Whether the person who has passed away left any requests or wishes regarding their funeral
- Whether it will be a cremation or burial, and where that will take place
- The style of funeral – traditional or unconventional, formal or informal
- Details such as the coffin, cars, venue, flowers or donations
- How to make the funeral individual, to reflect the character, values and beliefs of the person
- The choice of music and readings (if any)
- To what extent family and friends want to be involved in the arrangements and in the ceremony itself
- The arrangements for after the funeral – the wake or gathering, memorial stone, ashes or memorial ceremony.
I can talk all of this through and help you make these important decisions.
Yes, I’m happy to arrange a convenient time to visit the family. If you would prefer, this can happen via Zoom or Skype.
Yes, I can offer gentle advice and suggestions for suitable words and music.
Oh yes! Together we can craft a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that does not rely on religious beliefs.
Absolutely. Many families choose to sing hymns that have great significance, such as those sung at the deceased’s wedding. Others prefer to sing along to a favourite non-religious song, or simply to listen to music that evokes memories.
If the family would like prayers then yes of course. While I am not a religious celebrant, there is no reason why prayers from a whole variety of different faiths should not be used.
Of course. You can find my contact details here.
Yes you can. There are many alternatives to a wooden coffin – a handmade willow coffin, cardboard or even just a woollen shroud. Burial may be in a simple woodland setting or, after cremation, ashes can be scattered in some beautiful places.
If you’d like further information on any of these topics please get in touch.