Living Funerals
A Joyous Celebration of Life
Imagine gathering your closest friends and family to celebrate your life - not as a farewell, but as a joyful occasion where laughter mingles with tears, and love is shared in the most meaningful way.
This is the essence of a living funeral - a unique opportunity to express gratitude, share your stories, and feel the warmth of your loved ones' appreciation, all while you’re still here to experience it.
What is a Living Funeral?
A living funeral isn’t about saying goodbye; it’s about celebrating the connections you’ve made and the impact you’ve had upon those around you. It’s a chance to hear the heartfelt words that might otherwise go unsaid, and to know that your presence has left a lasting mark on others. Though the idea of a living funeral may feel unfamiliar, it can be incredibly meaningful for those who choose this path.
By organising a living funeral, you can ...
A Personalised Ceremony - A Living Funeral is about celebrating life in the here and now, surround by the people who matter most. A celebration filled with joy, laughter and unforgettable moments. They don’t replace traditional funerals or memorial services; instead, they offer a different kind of closure.
Lighten the Load - For some, a living funeral also provides comfort by easing the burden of grief on those left behind. By opening up a dialogue about loss and mortality, these ceremonies can help loved ones feel connected during a difficult time.
A Special Location - Whether held at home, on a beloved beach, or in a favourite park, the setting is yours to choose.
Celebrate Your Way - The beauty of a living funeral lies in its flexibility. It can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. You might invite friends to share stories, sing your favourite songs, or simply enjoy each other’s company.
How can I help you?
If this feels right for you, I’m here to help you create an event that truly reflects who you are. Whether it’s a small gathering of close friends or a larger celebration, we can craft a day that honours your life in a way that feels just right.
To learn more about living funerals or to discuss your ideas, please feel free to get in touch. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Planning your
Own Funeral
The death of a loved one, even when expected, is always a deeply emotional experience. For those who are planning a funeral, the number of decisions that need to be made can feel overwhelming. By pre-planning your own funeral, you can relieve your loved ones of this burden, allowing them to focus on honouring your life rather than getting caught up in logistics.
How can I help you ?
If planning your own funeral appeals to you, I can offer personalised ceremonies that focus on celebrating your life and acknowledging the sadness of your loss. My approach is to pay sincere and heartfelt tribute to the life you've lived, the connections you've made, and the impact that your life has had upon others.
What are the Benefits?
Flexibility : The beauty of a pre-planned funeral lies in its flexibility—it can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Although you may wish your funeral to take place in a traditional setting - a crematorium or a cemetery - you can choose a variety of settings and one that holds special significance to you. For example, at your home, a hotel, a favourite beach or a beautiful woodland. The key is that the ceremony reflects your wishes and the life you've led.
An Alternative to Direct Cremation : For those considering direct cremation, where the cremation occurs without a ceremony, I can help arrange a memorial service at a later date or even at the time of cremation, ensuring your loved ones have a meaningful way to say goodbye.
Say Goodbye, Your Way : When you pre-plan your funeral with me, you take control of how your life will be celebrated. We’ll discuss the structure of the ceremony, the content of your tribute, and any other details that are important to you.
Comfort & Peace of Mind : This process gives you the peace of mind that your wishes will be respected, while also providing comfort to your loved ones during a difficult time.
What Do Others Say ?
One of my clients, Sharon England, shared her experience of pre-planning her mother’s funeral:
"We wanted a ceremony that was specifically about our mother, reflecting her life and personality. Planning in advance brought calm and peace during a difficult time, giving us something to focus on beyond the grief. Working with Mike was a personal and comforting experience, allowing us to create a ceremony that truly honoured my mum."
Let Me Help You?
With years of experience in conducting funeral ceremonies, I would be delighted to help you and your family create a meaningful and personal tribute.
If you’re considering pre-planning your funeral and want to discuss how we can create a fitting tribute together, please reach out. I’m here to guide you through the process and support you every step of the way.