Funerals
A funeral service does not define that persons life. It will not enable us to say everything that we want to say. Many families find it almost impossible to say how they are feeling and the words that they do find do not seem to do our feelings justice.
Families can choose exactly how they want their loved ones service to be. This may be the first funeral that you have had to plan so let me be the guidance that you may need. I can guide you with everything from the initial meeting to the actual service itself.
Initial Meeting
Many people do not know what to expect or what to say. This is where I come in. I will do whatever you require for our initial meeting. Many Funeral Celebrants work in different ways, my preference is meeting in the family home, I feel that families are more comfortable in their own space and this allows them to open up more allowing me to get as much information as possible.
I will be on hand to guide you through every step of the service. There are many elements to a funeral service, all of which should be unique.
Eulogy
Some families like to write their own eulogy as they feel it is the best way as no one knew their loved one as well as they did. However, many families request a Funeral Celebrant to do this on their behalf. Around 90% of the funeral services I officiate, I am left in charge of writing out the eulogy. You will never get two eulogies the same as they are a short story of that persons life. Wether you decide to write the eulogy yourself or ask me to do it, I am more than happy to accommodate either.
I personally break the eulogy into three parts. I think it is easier this way especially if you have not wrote a eulogy before and this way the eulogy will have a nice flow.
Early life which would include where the person was born, any siblings, where they grew up and where they attended school.
This then will lead to the middle part of someones life which is mainly built up of their working life, meeting their partner, marriage and, children and grandchildren. This will also include stories from the family, any adventures they embarked on and any hobbies they have.
We finally come to the later life which will include details of life during the latter years and their personality.
Bringing all of these parts together and writing an in depth eulogy will allow the congregation to reminisce on the memories that they hold dear.
Songs/Hymns
Songs and Hymns have a huge impact on a funeral service. Some people will choose a Hymn due to religious beliefs. Whereas some people choose pieces of music that are fitting to that person, this may be a song that their loved one liked or it could even be a song that you listen to and think of your loved one. During a service there is normally three pieces of music.
The Entrance Music - This is played on entry to the chapel
Reflective Music or Hymn - This is normally during the middle of the service after the eulogy has been read.
Recessional Music - This is played as we exit the chapel.
I have listed some of my favourite songs/hymns that you can find my clicking below.