Creating Your Ceremony
What We'll Include In Your Ceremony
To make sure we cover all the aspects that you'd like we use a series of questions as a guiding structure for us to gather information from you to create the ceremony.
We'll discuss with you whether your loved one left any written or verbal instructions or wishes about what they would like for their funeral service.
We'll find out about the religious or spiritual beliefs of your loved one and the family, and what terminology you'll be comfortable using (God, Spirit, Something else?).
We'll ask about whether there are any favourite or especially meaningful or comforting readings, or songs/ music you'd like included in the ceremony? We've put together a selection of many comforting and universally appealing writing, prayers and poems. We'll share them with you to help you find something fitting for the ceremony we create for your loved one, should you wish to have readings.
You may have no problems in knowing what music should be played at your loved one's funeral; perhaps they left clear instructions or you're familiar with their favourite pieces. Should you need any guidance, we have a collection of suitable music on CD ranging from soothing, calming and comforting, to moving, to uplifting; from instrumental to vocal.
You or your loved one may have had friends who are musicians or who offer to sing at the funeral which is always a beautiful tribute. And you may not wish to have any music at your ceremony - as with all elements of the ceremony we create for you, it's your choice.
We'll discuss who'll participate in the ceremony? If you'll have a eulogy (remembrance), who'll write it or read it? This is very much the heart of the ceremony and whilst we're happy to write this and read it, should a family member or friend feel called to either write it or speak during the ceremony we'll support them to do that. We can offer whoever writes the eulogy some questions as a guide or there are books/guides to download from websites eulogy-to-remember.co.uk and www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk.
We'll cover practicalities such as will there be a collection after the service or would you like donations towards a particular organisation? If there's a gathering for refreshments following the service? And whether these things will be announced by us at the end of the ceremony?