Typically, your Funeral Director will discuss the option of whether you would prefer a religious or civil service. If you opt for a civil service, they may talk to you about celebrants in the area.

If you decide you would like to meet me about the funeral you are organising, your Funeral Director will call me and pass on your details. I will call you within 24 hours of speaking to the Funeral Director. If you would like to go ahead, I will arrange to meet with you and start the process of writing the ceremony.

You can CONTACT ME directly about leading your funeral ceremony. I will then contact the Funeral Director to inform them of my involvement.

I am based in the Ongar area of Essex. I am happy to travel up to 25 miles, which covers considerable areas of West Essex and Greater London. Please CONTACT ME if you live further afield or if the funeral is due to take place beyond this distance.

Civil Funeral Celebrant fees vary, but are usually in the region of £200 – 250 (the same as a religious celebrant charges). I agree my fee with the Funeral Director who can advise you of this. I will invoice the Funeral Director after the funeral, so there is no need for you to pay me directly.

Ideally, yes. I like to meet all people I work with, face-to-face before the funeral. This is a key part of writing the ceremony, when we can have a chat and I can get to know about your loved one’s personality.

Normally, this would be at your home, but we can meet somewhere different which is convenient for you and is quiet enough for us to be able to concentrate on our conversation.

Because each civil ceremony is tailored to your wishes, no two funerals are exactly the same.

They may include an introduction, one or more readings or poems, a tribute, the committal and music. So that I can produce a script and ensure everything runs smoothly, as  the officiating celebrant I will need to know everything that is taking place at the ceremony.

Importantly, if you would like to read something you’ve written yourself, or other family and friends would like to read at the funeral, I will need a copy of what is said before the ceremony. The main reason for this is so I’m able to deliver the reading, if the person is unable to make it, or finds it too difficult to read on the day. Also, I’ll make sure that all readings get included in the Presentation script that I give you afterwards.

Yes, you will see it. The ceremony will not be complete until you are happy with it. From our initial discussion, I will produce a draft script for the entire ceremony, which you can alter or make suggestions as you see fit. I will make any amendments and send you another draft. There can sometimes be more than one round of changes before it is right: I will work with you until you are happy.

Ceremony lengths vary. Slots at crematoriums range can range from 25 – 45 minutes. A burial ceremony will not be so time limited. It is best to check with your Funeral Director who will be knowledgeable about local crematoriums, cemeteries and burial sites.

Whatever length of time available, it is my role to ensure that the ceremony includes as much content, which reflects the person you love, as possible.

You can include religious content like hymns and prayers if you would like to. Hymns can be a good way of involving everyone in the congregation in the ceremony.

Most certainly you may. You, your family and friends can do as much of the reading, be that tributes or poems, as you would like. I am happy to facilitate this and offer tips on delivery, for those who haven’t done it before. I offer tribute writing as a SERVICE.