Independent Funeral Celebrant
Hayley Mansell
No one likes saying goodbye...
Losing someone when they die, no matter their age or circumstances is hard. But I'm here to help you say the 'g' word in a way that truly reflects your loved one's LIFE, not their death. Why not truly celebrate the person they were..?
I'll create a totally individual ceremony. One thats as special and unique - and funny and fabulous and gorgeous, and warm and wonderful, and barmy and brilliant - as they were.
A celebrant is someone who leads a ceremony instead of a registrar or religious official. But the great thing about using a celebrant is flexibility - in location, in timings and in the shape and content of the ceremony.
What about religion..? With an independent celebrant,
your ceremony can involve religion/spirituality... or
NO religion/spirituality...or anything in between - in other words, just some, or just a bit!
So, whatever you and your loved one would wish.
A celebrant-led funeral or celebration of life...
You might want to consider the place... I’m not tied to a certain crematorium, church or location so you can have a ceremony pretty much wherever you would like.
Timings... Using a celebrant means you can have a ceremony at the time of the committal of the body, or at another time or date, as more of a celebration of life.
Content can be flexible, too... It may be that you would like something very traditional, or it may be you'd like something completely different. Don't be afraid to ask - you might think it's a crazy idea but I bet we can do it!
Don’t feel that you have to do things a certain way just because you think ‘that’s how funerals are’, or ‘how they’ve always been done in your family’...
Why choose me?
No matter how you choose to say farewell and celebrate your loved-one's life, my emphasis is on two things - including whatever you want (as long as it's not illegal or dangerous!) and storytelling...
I've always enjoyed crafting the written word, and then translating that into a story that can told... I spent three decades relaying ordinary people's stories in my job as a journalist for women's magazines.
Now I want to tell your loved-one's story. Along with whatever else you'd like...music, poetry, flowers, pictures, objects, dancing, food, drink, laughter, tears and memories. A story as special as they were.
How it works...
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I’ll help you plan the ceremony - wherever that may be. It might be at a crematorium or place of worship. But don’t feel you must be bound by traditional constraints or the type of service ‘you've always been to’... The ceremony could equally be by the river, in a pub, in a barn, at the Football or Rowing Club or in your own garden... I can also suggest other ways we can make the ceremony special and meaningful.
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If you are using a funeral director, I will liaise with them to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly.
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I can write the whole ceremony, including eulogies. All guided by you. Or if you’d rather write the eulogy yourself, I can support you in that.
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I’ll source readings/poems and music as you’d wish.
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I’ll email you a draft of the ceremony for you to approve, change or add to, so that you are completely happy.
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On the day of the ceremony, I will arrive in advance to ensure everything is in order and coordinate with the venue to ensure everything goes as planned. You don’t need to worry about the logistics of the day. And, of course, I’ll officiate the ceremony.
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Afterwards, I’ll provide you with a printed copy of your ceremony. I’ve found this a great comfort to families in the months after a ceremony.
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The end of the service need not mean an end of contact - should you need my help in the days and weeks afterwards, I am here.
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Prices from £290.
Scattering of ashes or interment
This is usually a shorter ceremony, but again can be tailored to be whatever you wish. Prices from £250, please contact me for a chat.
Memorial service
This is a service or celebration held some time after a loved one has died and the funeral (in whatever form) has taken place. Again, the options are unlimited.
Prices from £290, please contact me for a chat.
Pet funerals
As a big animal lover myself, I understand that our pets are very much part of the family. Sometimes, a ceremony to mark losing them feels right and helps the grief process.
Prices from £80, please contact me for a chat.
Contact me to see how an independent celebrant-led ceremony would work for you - and how, together, we can create a truly special farewell for your loved one.