End of life ceremonies
Working out how to best say goodbye can be difficult when someone dies.
People choose to say goodbye in different ways:
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In a funeral service, either burial or cremation.
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In a memorial service, once the burial or cremation has taken place.
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By scattering or interring (burying) the ashes at a time, following the cremation, where friends and family gather and a few words are said.
Services
Below is a general guide of what services you can have. But please remember that each service that I provide is a bespoke service tailored exactly how you want it, which we can discuss when we meet. More Information can be found in my FAQ's here
A Funeral Service
A burial or cremation service to celebrate the life that has been. These services conclude in the committal of the body.
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Normally the service lasts around 30 mins although some Crematoriums can offer services up to 1 hour. Extra time can be arranged with your Funeral Director.
Memorial Services
Memorial ceremonies take place separately after a funeral service. They are an occasion where the individual is remembered, their life is celebrated and their loss acknowledged. As with funeral ceremonies, memorials are created in close liaison with family and friends.
Scattering or Interment of Ashes
It may be that there has already been a cremation at an earlier time, so that a ceremony for the scattering of ashes is required. This can be in a special or meaningful place and a time of closeness for friends and family members with appropriate words to allow for the healing process to begin.
Your Funeral Service Structure
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Most funerals run in this order, which helps with the timing.
Entry Music
This will be chosen by you and will be played over the speakers as the guests enter the chapel and the coffin is brought in and placed on the catafalque
Welcome and Opening Words
This will normally be done by myself but can include the following read by family or friends:-
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A hymn
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A poem
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Or an additional piece of music
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Eulogy and Tributes
Once again, this will normally be done by myself and will include all of the stories and happy memories of your loved one that we discussed when we met. Tributes can also be read by family and friends.
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Reflection
This is the section of the service when family and friends can reflect on the deceased. Very often a video tribute can be shown on the large screens in the chapel containing up to 25 photos of your loved one played with a special piece of music. Alternatively you may prefer just to have a piece of music, a hymn, or just reflect in silence. Should you wish to place flowers on the coffin then this is the time that I would invite family and friends to do so.
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Prayers/Words of Thanksgiving
I am happy to read out any prayers or say any special thank yous at this stage. You may wish to give special thanks to anyone who has helped you at this sad time, anyone who has traveled a long distance to attend the service or thank the Funeral Directors, Chapel Attendants etc.
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Committal and Farewell
This is the part of the service where we have to say a final "goodbye" to your loved one. I'll ask everyone to stand if they are able and will say some words of comfort. You can then choose if you would like the curtains to remain open; to close around the coffin or in certain chapels for the catafalque holding the coffin to lower. Music can also be played. Alternatively, if you have arranged a burial, it will be at this stage that we all leave the chapel and head to the graveside.
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Closing Words
I will say a few final uplifting words and can also include details of where the wake is to be held or any donations that you would like made to a charity of your choice.
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Exit Music
Your final piece of music will be played over the speakers and guests will slowly leave the chapel normally via a side door.
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