What is a Civil/Celebration of Life funeral, and how does it differ from a more 'traditional' funeral service?

A civil funeral is one 'driven by the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased and their family, not by the beliefs and ideology of the person conducting the funeral'.*  

That means you can have anything in the funeral ceremony that makes it completely unique and personal to your loved one.  I may have some ideas and suggestions to help you personalise the service, but ultimately it is you who will decide how the ceremony will be conducted.

Your ceremony is created using whatever feels right for you and may include:

• tributes;
• music;
• readings;
• symbolic acts of remembrance.

It is entirely your choice whether to have prayers and hymns - or none at all. The focus is always on celebrating the life and legacy of your loved one, rather than following more 'traditional' faith-driven ceremonies that you may, for whatever reason, not feel is appropriate.

Where can a civil funeral be held?

Aside from the fact a civil funeral can’t take place at a place of worship, there are generally no rules regarding where you can host a civil funeral. They can take place at any non-denominational venue that is happy to host it, which could include both indoor and outdoor venues, as well as crematoriums, chapels and burial grounds. 

What does a funeral celebrant actually do?

Great question! I will normally be referred to you by your funeral director (or you can contact me directly via this website and I will then contact your chosen funeral director myself). I will first call you to arrange a date, time and place (normally at your home) to meet with you to talk about the person who has died. I will spend the time needed to learn more about their family and life, as well as how you want to say farewell and remember them. 

I will then go away and create a funeral ceremony that I believe truly reflects the life and personality of your loved one. I will email a copy of the ceremony I have produced to you, which will include all the elements we have discussed, including a personalised eulogy that I have written using the details and stories you have told me. You are then free to alter or add to the script until you are totally happy with it. Once we have a final script I will send it to the funeral director.

On the day of the funeral itself I will be in charge of delivering the ceremony. My job is to help make sure the service meets your expectations of a perfect farewell. I am always available throughout this entire journey to support you in organising the funeral and to answer any questions you may have. If I don't know the answers myself I will make sure I find someone who does! 

I don't know what poems, readings or music to choose. Can you help?

That's totally understandable! Organising a funeral can be quite overwhelming for many of us - which is where I can help. I have access to an extensive database of music, poetry and readings, and we can look through as many options as you need to until you find the right words and the perfect music to celebrate and remember your loved one. 

* definition provided by Professor Tony Walter, Centre Director of the Centre for Death and Society at Bath University.