Losing a loved one is always very difficult, and decisions often have to be made quickly. Hopefully this guide will help you make the decision that best suits your needs and the wishes of your loved one.
A civil funeral ceremony focuses on the wishes and beliefs of the person who has passed away, with an emphasis on the celebration of life.
In a civil funeral ceremony I will work with you to create a ceremony that is perfect for you and your loved one. I will meet with you at a time and place that suits you. Most people prefer the comfort of their own homes. Meetings are often between 1.5-3 hours long, but there is no time limit set, I can be with you for as long as is needed to capture all your wishes for the ceremony.
Your time, your memories and your loved ones’ story will be treated with respect and care. Cherished and always remembered.
A civil funeral ceremony can be conducted at either a crematorium or burial site of your choice. Your chosen funeral director will book the chosen venue for the ceremony.
This is a ceremony conducted, usually a couple of weeks, to years after the cremation of your loved one.
If I haven’t met with you before, I will arrange a time and place with you to discuss your wishes. These meetings are often 1.5-3 hours in length, but there are no time constraints, when I am learning about your loved one and discussing their wishes.
Here the ashes of your loved one are buried in a designated area. It may be at home in your garden, at a cemetery or often a natural burial site. A short, but important service is given to remember and honour them. Music, poems and words left unspoken at the service can be added to this ceremony.
The area where your loved ones’ ashes are buried may be remembered by a plaque placed or a tree planted, depending on the area chosen.
Similar to the interment of ashes ceremony, this is often done a few weeks or more following the funeral service.
If I haven’t met with you before, I will arrange a time and place with you to discuss your wishes. These meetings are often 1.5-3 hours in length, but there are no time constraints, when I am learning about your loved one and discussing their wishes.
Some wish to have their ashes scattered at their favourite place, whether that be land or water. Or sometimes, their family may choose their perfect place to remember their loved one.
I will work with you to provide a short , but meaningful service, before the ashes are scattered by the family. Again, music poems and/or readings can be added to the ceremony.
This service is often used by families who would like to deliver the service themselves, but would like a little support putting their loved ones’ story together. I would meet with you or if preferred, notes could be sent to me, to write a tribute befitting of the special person whom you have lost.
This service may also be used following direct cremations or burials, where a family member or friend wishes to pay their respects either on the day or a little time later.