Dealing with the immediate and most pressing needs when someone dies is a full-time commitment and it’s natural for everything else to be placed on hold.
In moments when there is more space for you to think, there are more ways in which I will be pleased to serve you. Whether it’s to lead a scattering of ashes ceremony, or a memorial service, or to help you make a plan for your own funeral, I can help.
In the sections below you’ll find more details.
Memorial services
Sometimes, once the funeral ceremony is over, it feels appropriate to recognise the person who has died in a different way. This may be because some friends and family were not able to attend the original ceremony, or that there was simply not enough time to say everything that you would liked to have said.
Memorial services can be really helpful occasions and opportunities for reflection on the difference that someone has made to those around them. They may be conducted wherever you wish – maybe a place that was special to the person for who the service is being conducted, or somewhere local and convenient for people to get to.
I will help you to think about the practical issues you’ll need to consider in making a venue choice. And, together, we’ll prepare the service. If you’re involving other people, then I’ll liaise with them to make sure that the ‘i’s are dotted and the ‘t’s crossed. I’ll lead the service on the day to coordinate every element to ensure that the service is one to remember.
Scattering of Ashes Ceremonies
If the person who has died is being cremated, then soon after the day of their funeral you will receive their ashes. Some people choose to retain them, some elect for them to be buried and some decide that they wish to arrange for them to be scattered.
There are very few restrictions regarding where ashes may be scattered, although if you are thinking about scattering them on property that doesn’t belong to you then permission should be sought. Usually, the crematorium you used for the funeral will permit you to scatter ashes within the grounds of the crematorium. If you want to use a different crematorium, there is likely to be a charge.
Often, this last goodbye is an intimate moment for close family, who may share in the physical act of the ashes scattering. As they are conducted outdoors, ceremonies tend to be simple and dignified.
Planning for your funeral
Would you like to leave some personal instructions for your funeral? It can be something of great help to the people who will responsible for the ceremony if they know more about the kind of event that you would wish. Do you want colour? Would you prefer hymns, or pop music, or both?
I will work with you to create a document for you to keep alongside your will, or with your personal effects, that provides the guidance you wish to provide. I’ll draft the first part of your tribute (remember, there will be more to include the longer your life goes on…) for you to keep with the order of service.
I can’t promise that I will be able to be involved in the ceremony when the time comes though. You may have lived longer than me!
