TYPES OF FUNERAL SERVICE
FULL RELIGIOUS
A full religious service is a ceremony centered around faith, sacred traditions, and worship, guided by the teachings and practices of a particular religion. Led by a religious leader, it includes prayers, readings, rituals, and expressions of devotion that honor significant life events or spiritual beliefs. The focus is on
connecting with the divine, following long-standing traditions, and offering comfort, meaning, and
guidance through shared faith.
CELEBRANT
A celebrant service is a personalized ceremony led by a trained celebrant who creates and conducts meaningful events tailored to the individuals involved. It can be non-religious, semi-religious, or spiritual, depending on the wishes of the participants. The focus is on crafting a warm, inclusive, and unique
ceremony that reflects personal stories, values, and preferences, making the occasion truly special and authentic.
HUMANIST
A humanist service is a non-religious ceremony that focuses on people, personal stories, and shared
human values rather than religious beliefs. Led by a humanist celebrant, it celebrates life events—such as weddings, funerals, or name-giving ceremonies—in a warm, personal, and meaningful way that reflects the individuals involved.
WHAT DOES A
CELEBRANT DO?
A celebrant plans, designs, and leads ceremonies that mark important life events, in my case primarily funerals, although celebrants also work on weddings, baby naming
ceremonies, and anniversaries. They work closely with the people involved to understand their values, stories, and
preferences, then create a personalized, meaningful service.
During the ceremony, the celebrant guides the proceedings, delivers speeches or readings, and ensures the event runs smoothly, making it memorable, heartfelt, and reflective of the individuals being honoured.
WHAT DOES
A SERVICE INCLUDE?
01 MUSIC
Music forms an important element of most services of celebration & thanksgiving, and the choices are endless because there are no right or wrong choices.
It is all about pieces that speak to you about your loved one, so be brave!
Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz.......
You might want to consider:-
Gathering Music
Entry Music
Hymns (if you want them)
Reflection Music, possibly with a visual tribute if you want one.
Exit Music
02 READINGS
Poetry. You may want to include some of your favourite poems, or choose from the extensive though not exhaustive list provided below.
You can also search for additional poems online if you’d like to
explore further.
Book Readings. Alternatively you may wish to include favourite book readings.
A Prayer. Should you wish to
include a prayer during the
service, please feel free—whatever brings you comfort is perfectly okay.
A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared at a funeral or memorial service to celebrate someone’s life.
It’s a chance to talk about the person’s qualities, the moments that made them special, and the memories that will stay with those who loved them.
Rather than focusing on loss, a
eulogy gently highlights the warmth, humour, kindness, and impact the person had, offering comfort and connection to everyone listening.
It’s simply a way of honouring a life with love. I will be more than happy to prepare this for you (or I can help you prepare it yourself).
It might also include tributes from family & friends, which I would be happy to read during the service on their behalf.