A funeral that is appropriate to the departed person, celebrates their life and provides comfort and consolation to those left grieving, is one of the most challenging and rewarding ceremonies that I am called upon to perform.
I always arrange a personal meeting of at least 1 hour's duration with the deceased's family so that I can learn something about the person for whom I will be officiating and ensure that I fully understand the wishes of their nearest and dearest. This can either take place at your home, or a mutually convenient public venue. This is the most important part of the planning process - how often have you attended funerals that were rendered unsatisfying and lacked meaning, because the person conducting the ceremony obviously had no knowledge of, or interest in, the dear departed? This will NEVER be the case with me.
I will be happy to give advice, if requested, on the style, content, music, readings and any other elements of the ceremony and as I mention on my home page - religious, secular or a combination of both, the choice is YOURS.
After our meeting I will prepare what I am going to say at the funeral and will email it to you for your correction or approval. You are free to make changes as many times as you like - I appreciate that this will be a difficult and distressing time for you, so nothing will be rushed.
On the day I will dress according to your wishes. I normally wear a formal dark suit with a traditional black tie, but if you feel that more casual attire/colour would be appropriate, I'm more than happy to brighten things up to any degree - Hawaiian shirts all round? Don't be afraid to flaunt tradition, the style of a funeral should reflect the character of the departed and those attending should be allowed to celebrate his or her life appropriately. I also understand that some cultures require white clothes to be worn as a sign of mourning, I will happily comply with YOUR dress code.
If requested, I can also attend and assist at the scattering or interment of ashes at a later date after the funeral.
Funerals, by their very nature, are sad events, but should always be celebratory and provide a source of inspiration and comfort. Let me make the funeral of your loved one an appropriate and memorable celebration of their life.
Stephen Henderson 07973 254472 [email protected]
I always arrange a personal meeting of at least 1 hour's duration with the deceased's family so that I can learn something about the person for whom I will be officiating and ensure that I fully understand the wishes of their nearest and dearest. This can either take place at your home, or a mutually convenient public venue. This is the most important part of the planning process - how often have you attended funerals that were rendered unsatisfying and lacked meaning, because the person conducting the ceremony obviously had no knowledge of, or interest in, the dear departed? This will NEVER be the case with me.
I will be happy to give advice, if requested, on the style, content, music, readings and any other elements of the ceremony and as I mention on my home page - religious, secular or a combination of both, the choice is YOURS.
After our meeting I will prepare what I am going to say at the funeral and will email it to you for your correction or approval. You are free to make changes as many times as you like - I appreciate that this will be a difficult and distressing time for you, so nothing will be rushed.
On the day I will dress according to your wishes. I normally wear a formal dark suit with a traditional black tie, but if you feel that more casual attire/colour would be appropriate, I'm more than happy to brighten things up to any degree - Hawaiian shirts all round? Don't be afraid to flaunt tradition, the style of a funeral should reflect the character of the departed and those attending should be allowed to celebrate his or her life appropriately. I also understand that some cultures require white clothes to be worn as a sign of mourning, I will happily comply with YOUR dress code.
If requested, I can also attend and assist at the scattering or interment of ashes at a later date after the funeral.
Funerals, by their very nature, are sad events, but should always be celebratory and provide a source of inspiration and comfort. Let me make the funeral of your loved one an appropriate and memorable celebration of their life.
Stephen Henderson 07973 254472 [email protected]
