Time to remember in your own way
What is a celebration of life?
A celebration of life is a ceremony or gathering that places the person and their story at its centre.
It gives people an opportunity to come together, share memories and recognise the experiences, relationships and qualities that made that person unique. It can be warm and uplifting, quiet and reflective, or hold a mixture of emotions.
The word “celebration” does not mean that difficult feelings or complicated relationships must be overlooked. Every life has its own shape. The ceremony can be honest, balanced and appropriate to the person and those attending.
A flexible choice
Instead of a funeral, after it, or at a later date
A celebration of life may follow a private funeral or direct cremation, take place after an attended funeral, or be arranged as a separate memorial ceremony weeks or months later.
Holding it separately can offer more time, greater freedom over the venue and the opportunity for people to travel. It can also allow more relatives and friends to contribute stories, music, photographs or readings without the time limits that often apply at a crematorium.
Planning together
We begin by talking about the person
I will listen to your memories, learn about the person and ask what you would like people to feel and remember. We can meet in person, talk by phone or arrange a video call.
We will discuss the tone, venue, music, readings, photographs and who may wish to take part. I can write and deliver the life story, bring contributions together and help arrange them into a ceremony that flows naturally.
You will receive the complete draft before the ceremony. You can correct details, suggest changes and add anything that is missing. Nothing is final until you are comfortable with it.
Making it personal
More freedom for stories, music and shared memories
A celebration of life can include:
- A welcome and introduction
- The person’s story, character and achievements
- Memories shared by family and friends
- Favourite or meaningful music
- Photographs, film or a slideshow
- Poetry, readings or spoken tributes
- A prayer, hymn or cultural tradition
- Quiet reflection and closing words
There is no fixed order and no expectation that every element must be included. The gathering may be a short ceremony before refreshments, or a fuller occasion in which the ceremony, photographs, music and conversation form one shared tribute.
Inclusive of every belief
Led by what matters to the person and those attending
I work independently with families of all beliefs and backgrounds. Your celebration of life can be entirely non-religious or include prayers, hymns, readings, blessings or cultural traditions that have personal meaning.
I am accredited by Humanists UK, but Humanism does not need to be the main focus. I will help you create an inclusive ceremony in which different beliefs are treated with care and respect.
Choosing the right setting
A place where people can gather comfortably
Celebrations of life can be held in hotels, village halls, community spaces, gardens, clubs, woodland venues, natural burial grounds or another place with personal significance. The setting can be formal or relaxed and can often be arranged alongside food, drinks and time to talk afterwards.
I am based in Hardwicke, Gloucester, and lead celebrations of life across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, the Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire and the wider South West.