Funeral Celebrant in Exeter & Devon
A funeral ceremony as unique as the person you are remembering
Imagine a ceremony that captures the essence of your loved one. A ceremony that is as unique and memorable as they were.
Unravelling someone’s life story is fascinating
An enthralling collection of moments and connections that made them who they were. A thousand reasons why we loved them.
Many of us have attended ‘conveyor belt’ funerals where we’ve come away barely recognising the person we’re there to mourn.
Maybe their name was mispronounced. Or there was little detail about them. Perhaps the service could have been about anyone.
This is just heartbreaking.
Each of us has our own story to tell, and we deserve a final farewell that is memorable, meaningful and one of a kind.
The person you choose to lead the ceremony can make all the difference
As a qualified funeral celebrant, I take the time to understand the life of the person who has died – their passions, interests, relationships, achievements and the things that made them tick.
I work with compassion and sensitivity to create a funeral ceremony or celebration of life that reflects the life, spirit and values of your loved one.
Together, we’ll create a ceremony that gives family and friends the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that feels meaningful, personal and appropriate.
A different approach to funerals
Religion is a very personal choice, and it can sometimes feel confusing to know what type of funeral service is right for your loved one.
A traditional religious service may not seem appropriate, particularly if they weren’t especially religious during their life.
Equally, some family members may still want to include a hymn, a prayer, a reading or another religious element.
I take all of this into account when creating a funeral ceremony, ensuring that it honours the wishes and beliefs of the person who has died while also bringing comfort to family and friends as they say goodbye.
From first call to final goodbye
My role begins with my first telephone conversation with you.
Our first conversation
I’ll ask you to gather together as many members of the family as you can, and we’ll arrange to meet at a time that suits you.
I’ll also ask you to think about whether anyone would like to deliver a tribute or eulogy during the service.
Our meeting
We’ll talk about your memories of your loved one and piece together their life story.
There can be laughter and tears as we remember the good times, the happy times and the sad.
For me, these conversations are at the heart of creating a truly personal funeral ceremony. It’s how I begin to understand the person behind the dates and facts of their life.
Preparing the ceremony
By working together in this way, I can prepare and deliver a eulogy which not only commemorates the life of your loved one, but focuses on the moments and memories that were important to them.
In effect, the funeral service becomes a celebration of their life.
I’ll compose a beautiful, individual ceremony for you – a fitting tribute that reflects the person you knew and loved and helps you begin the healing process.
Music and readings
I have a wide library of suitable poems and readings to draw on, and I can help you choose music that feels right for the service.
It might be something classical, a song by a much-loved singer, or even the theme tune from a favourite television programme.
I can also suggest those special finishing touches that can make a funeral or memorial service completely unique.
There to support you all the way
Sometimes a member of the family will want to give the eulogy personally, and I’m always happy to take a supportive role.
But grief can be overwhelming. If, on the day, they become overcome with emotion, I can step in and speak on their behalf.
You don’t have to worry about what happens if you can’t get the words out. I’ll be there to support you.
On the day
On the day of the funeral, I’ll arrive early to check that everything is as it should be and liaise with the other professionals involved to ensure everything runs smoothly.
I’ll welcome the family and other mourners and guide everyone through the ceremony we’ve prepared together.
My aim is to provide a funeral service that will be remembered for all the right reasons.
I’m entirely focused on providing a high-quality, personal service, and I’ll always go the extra mile to make sure that everything is handled with care, dignity and respect.
A final farewell full of love and respect
Your loved one deserves the best send-off we can give them.
We’ll work together to create a final farewell that tells their story, celebrates their life and gives the people who loved them a chance to say goodbye.
Planning your own funeral
Your funeral. Your words. Your way.
Have you ever thought about what you’d like your own funeral to be like?
It might sound like a slightly strange thing to think about while you’re still here – but planning your own funeral can be a thoughtful and incredibly helpful thing to do for the people you love.
I can help you plan it.
Tell your story, in your own words
I’ll sit down with you and capture your life story – the people, places, experiences and moments that have made you who you are.
We’ll talk about the things that matter to you, the people you love, the memories you’d like remembered and anything else you’d want your family and friends to know.
I’ll make sure your story is recorded in your own words, ready to be told when the time comes.
Create a funeral that is completely you
Together, we’ll devise a completely one-of-a-kind funeral ceremony.
You can choose the music, poetry, readings and words of wisdom or comfort you’d like included.
Perhaps there’s a particular song that always makes you smile, a poem you love, something you’ve written yourself, or simply something you’d like your family and friends to hear.
There are no rules about what your funeral has to look like.
It can be traditional, unconventional, funny, reflective, spiritual or completely secular.
Most importantly, it will be your funeral.
One less thing for your family to worry about
When someone dies, there’s an enormous amount for their family to deal with.
Having your ceremony planned in advance means they don’t have to make difficult decisions about what you would have wanted at a time when they’re already dealing with their loss.
Instead, they’ll have your wishes, your words and your story to guide them.
And they’ll know that the ceremony is one you’ve thought about and chosen yourself.
I’d be very happy to talk to you about how it works.
You don’t need to have all the answers. We can simply start with a conversation about what you’d like and take it from there.
Get in touch
If your funeral director has put us in touch, or you’d like to talk about a service for someone you love, or about planning your own, please get in touch.
