Independent Funeral Celebrant

Celebrating Life

When meeting with family members I often get asked questions like ‘What do we have to include’, and ‘How should it run?’ - the answer is whatever you want, and however you want it run. My job is to listen to what you say then shape and create the most meaningful ceremony for your loved one. It is important to reflect and represent the person and so that means ‘anything goes’ and I am very happy to accommodate whatever that may be. To give a few examples of recent ceremonies I have led a Doris Day sing-a-long in a chapel, I have had a dog lie at my feet , we have placed single stem flowers on the coffin , we have all worn rainbow clothes, I have read Shakespeare, I have quoted The Muppets, I have facilitated children speaking. There have also been a multitude of traditional cermonies which are beautifully refective in their own right. I love to hear family members speak but am equally aware of how hard that can be so am always on hand to read your words if need be. After our initial contact we will arrange to meet either at your home, on zoom or at the funeral directors where I will be guided by your wishes and thoughts as to what you would like included in the ceremony - its best to leave 2hrs for this meet . We will discuss the structure of the ceremony and the eulogy. With a wealth of knowledge of literature, poetry, music and verse so am very happy to make appropriate suggestions for readings and music as required. I will then write the ceremony and eulogy based on what you have told me, producing a draft script a few days later for your approval - It is my job to help you capture the life and celebrate the memories. On the day of the funeral I will meet you at the chapel and lead you through the service with the agreed script Happy to discuss any other type of ceremony from scattering of ashes, memorials, final chapter ceremonies etc - and travel wherever may be required.
Ceremony
A funeral ceremony may look like this but this does not have to be rigidly adhered to:
  • Introductory music
  • Words of welcome
  • Thoughts on life and death
  • Eulogy/Tributes
  • Reading of poetry/prose
  • Reflection (possibly including some music)
  • Committal
  • Closing words Thanks on your behalf/invitation to Reception
  • Exit music

Children and funerals
I am very happy to help support any children who may be reading or singing, to help with delivery or to support them through this process. As a child I was often called on to sing or read at funerals and had to really adhere to the old 'stiff upper lip', I do remember always feeling honoured to do so but also a feeling of overwhelming responsibity. The support, for obvious reasons wasnt always there. Should you have children or teens contributing I can support them through the process. I hold a full DBS and work regularly with young children and young adults through drama and music so am very experienced in this area (topandtinyturns.co.uk)
Living Funerals
This way you are the host.Celebrate 'you' with family and friends - celebrate your life worth lived - These exceptional ceremonies are bold and brilliant - they are creative and caring - A truly joyous way to create long lasting memories with loved ones and say goodbye your way. It's vitally important these ceremonies are authentic, joyous and full of love and I will guide with care and compassion to create the perfect day. It could be a ceremony, a party, a show, a dinner , a gathering, a collective - a celebration A funeral director I regularly work with recently said about me 'The jazzy Sarah I know can also be beautifully reflective' and this is exactly what I aim to bring here.
Fees
I can be booked directly by you or through any funeral director The fee covers an initial meeting, writing the eulogy and planning the service, conducting the service and a copy of the funeral words in a presentation folder as a keepsake. Fees includes travel in and around London, any additional travel costs can be discussed individually. Please get in touch to discuss individual fees.

Floristry & Celebrancy

I am able to offer a unique service combining funeral floristry and celebrancy . Floristry has played a large part in my life having completed my apprenticeship at The Gentle Gardener in Wandsworth in the early 90’s.
I am an accomplished florist and floristry continues to play an important part in my world. I currently give time to ‘Floral Angels’ a charity of florists who give their time for free to arrange and deliver hundreds of arrangements to care homes across London.
There is something very special about flowers and the life they both bring and represent. Being well versed in the meaning of flowers enables me to bring this knowledge to compliment any service or eulogy
I am happy to work with florists or to create floral tributes myself alongside the service preparations. Whether it’s a large arrangement or single stem I can create floral tributes to make the ceremony as personal as possible.