Question 1

How do you make the ceremony personal?

Accepted Answer

Every ceremony I conduct is different, because it is written especially for and about the person who has died.  I will spend time talking to you and anyone else you want to be involved, so that, but the time I come to write the ceremony, I know a great deal about your loved one - not just the facts of their life, but what they were like and what they meant to you.

Question 2

How do we choose the music?

Accepted Answer

Choose music that the person who died enjoyed.  Whether it’s Mozart, Sinatra or Def Leopard, it doesn’t matter - what’s important is that it reminds you of them. You may well have something in mind, but, if you’d rather leave it to me, I can choose something appropriate for you.  The same goes for poems and readings - we can use something you have chosen, or I can suggest ideas to you.

Question 3

Can I, or someone else speak at the ceremony?"

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  If you would like to speak, or read yourself, or there are others you’d like to do it, we will include them in the ceremony.  However, not everyone feels able to speak in public on the day, so I will be ready to do it for you if you need me to.

Question 4

How long will the ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

The length of a funeral ceremony depends on the crematorium - some allow 30 minutes per ceremony, some allow longer.  Your funeral director will be able to advise you. You can usually book a double slot if you want a longer ceremony.  A memorial, which might be at home, somewhere outside, or at a venue you choose, can be as long as you want it to be.

Question 5

What is the fee?

Accepted Answer

My fee for a ceremony is £200, which includes a presentation copy of the script for you to keep.

Question 6

Can we have hymns and prayers?

Accepted Answer

I’m not a minister, so can’t take a religious service.  But we can certainly include religious elements in the ceremony if that’s what’s right for your loved one or family.