Celebrations of life
It can be so difficult to know where to start when arranging the funeral of a loved one, particularly when you want to make it so special. I can guide you and answer your questions and concerns even before you contact a funeral director.
Even if you have experience of this saddest of tasks, you may be surprised by the difference it makes to use a professional independent celebrant who listens to what you want and fully recognises how important this day is.
Funerals
A civil funeral, or celebration of life, is all about your wishes and the wishes and beliefs of your loved one.
I help you create a loving and meaningful ceremony that is as unique as the person who has died. You choose as much or as little religious or spiritual content as you want; we can include prayers and hymns or, if you prefer, leave them out completely.
Words, music and ritual come together to create a very personal time to say goodbye to someone special.
I support you whether you want a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, a woodland burial, a themed funeral (think Star Wars or James Bond!), a biker funeral or any other kind. There are so many options; call me for some ideas.
I also lead the funeral ceremony wherever you want it: in a chapel, cemetery or natural burial ground, of course, but also at your home, a hotel, a theatre, a football stadium or other suitable venue of your choice.
Contact me for pre-planning as well. It can be an extraordinarily comforting and enlightening experience for you to prepare your own funeral ceremony. Have no doubt that your input at this stage will help ease the pain for your loved ones when the inevitable happens.
Your ceremony, your choice
Because every ceremony is tailored to you, the first step is always a chat to find out if I’m the right celebrant for you.
Personalising your ceremony
Words
The words that I write are always completely unique to the ceremony you are arranging. Other family members or friends may write tributes which they read or I can read their words on their behalf.
Your choice of readings, poems and prayers can be included or, with my professional experience, I will suggest options that best suit your loved one’s personality and character.
Music
Music is extraordinarily powerful. It says things that you might not be able to express yourself, it recalls memories, it brings people together.
You may decide to have a hymn for everyone to sing, but increasingly, families now often choose a well-known song from the pop or musical theatre world.
I ensure that all music is provided for you and used in the most effective way possible.
Ritual
So often, your loss cannot be fully expressed just through words and music.
Ritual and symbolism has always been an important part of funerals, from the wearing of black to the lighting of a candle.
We can include traditional actions. Or we can create meaningful new ones that are unique to your ceremony and your loved one. The options are endless and make the ceremony particularly special.
I am so very grateful to you for your exceptional efforts in creating a fitting service for my dad’s final journey. And I truly appreciate the ‘little’ extras!
Juliette.
Funeral package
Your package includes:
- a chat to enable you to decide whether I’m the right celebrant for you
- a meeting at which I find out about you and your loved one so that I can create the most meaningful and personalised ceremony
- a professionally written, unique ceremony with unlimited drafts and amendments so that you can be sure it’s completely right on the day
- professional support to print orders of service if required
- liaison with your funeral director, venue staff and with other ceremony participants where applicable
- professional delivery of the ceremony at the venue of your choice
- a keepsake copy of the ceremony as a memento of your loved one’s final life event
- From £235
Advance package
Your package includes:
- a chat to enable you to decide whether I’m the right celebrant for you
- a meeting so that you can tell me how you would like to be remembered
- a professionally written, unique ceremony that tells your story how you want it to be told and that uses words, music and ritual in a fitting tribute to the life you’ve lived
- Up to five drafts with revisions annually as required
- Liaison with additional contributors and, if appropriate, your intended funeral director
- Secure storage of the ceremony online and a printed keepsake copy
- If required and according to availability, professional delivery of the ceremony at the venue of yours or your family’s choice
- £200, plus ceremony delivery when needed: from £50
Scattering of ashes and memorials
Sometimes, a funeral ceremony isn’t quite enough. A simple scattering or interment of ashes is the final farewell, often just for those closest to the loved one lost.
On the other hand, a memorial can include people who couldn’t attend the original ceremony, or be held on a special anniversary when your grief feels less fresh.
Finally, online celebrations of life bring together people whose health, work or time zone prevented them attending the funeral.
Packages start at £50 for a simple scattering where I led the original ceremony. The package cost for memorials and online celebrations of life will depend on your individual needs but start at £150.
Susan Flipping
I am a professional independent celebrant based in Kent and it’s my joy and privilege to travel throughout the south east to create and deliver ceremonies celebrating love and life.
Open Hours
Mon – Sat: 08:00 – 20:00
Sun: 12:00 – 16:00
Location
Breach House
Upchurch, Kent ME9 7PE
Contact
07506 239970
susan@seceremonies.uk
Susan Elizabeth Ceremonies 