The event of death within a family or community is a time of heightened emotion and often surreal experiences. Ritual and ceremony at the time of a loved one passing can be rich with meaning, healing, inspiration and a celebration of their life. The service is often a powerful rite of passage that signifies a farewell, a time of letting go and the beginning of a new relationship with the person who has gone. .
During a service it is important to create a safe space where your loved one can be honoured and affirmed by family and friends. It is important to acknowledge the person’s beliefs and values, their stories and their personality, their uniqueness, giving space for the expression of all that was felt for the person who has died.
I would like to work with you and your family and friends and assist you to create a special service to celebrate the life of your loved one.
MUSIC
Music, or live musicians, may be played quietly as family and guests arrive at the venue. An audio visual presentation could be made as guests are arriving or at the end of a Eulogy.
INTRODUCTION / WELCOME
The traditional way to begin a funeral ceremony is for the celebrant to formally welcome the guests and introduce who they are.
READINGS
Throughout the service you may choose family or friends to read several inspiring poems, prayers, verse or blessing to honour their departed.
THE EULOGY
The Eulogy is also known as The Homily, Remembrance or Tribute. A typical Eulogy is for 5 to 10 minutes and can be serious, solemn, funny or quirky or somewhere in between. The Eulogy acknowledges and affirms the significance of the person’s life and how they have touched people’s lives. The words spoken at the Eulogies are a celebration of the life lived on this earth. The Eulogy may take the form of a life history, a tribute, shared memories, a poem or reading, a personal letter, a spoken picture, a spoken legacy and/or an audio visual presentation.
REFLECTION
Taking a pause in the ceremony for reflection allows time for personal thoughts, prayers and stillness to be present. The Reflection period can be given a focus or left free of suggestion. It can be held in silence or with quiet music playing. Most commonly, its purpose is to reflect upon the relationship held with the deceased, their life and their legacy.
SUMMARY
The celebrant will conclude the service and may read a prayer, blessing or invite people to express privately their gratitude for knowing the deceased and say goodbye in silence. The celebrant may ask if guests would like to come to the front and light a candle.
THE COMMITTAL
At this place in the ceremony we may commit the body to its resting place. We take this moment to honour the deceased and their departing of this life. The committal can be delivered during the funeral ceremony, by the graveside or at the crematorium or scattering site. There can also be a moment of silence offered for private prayers and blessings.
MEMORY TABLE
Create an altar or memory table at the ceremony where things that have special meaning for the deceased can be placed – eg: photos, treasured hat, items related to their work or hobbies.
SUGGESTED RITUALS
TREE OR FLOWER PLANTING
A tree or flowers can be planted after the ceremony in remembrance.
GUEST REGISTER
Have several guest registers on a few tables. People do not then have to queue for a long time. If you would like guests to write a blessing or prayer, or their address as well as their name, have a friend sign the book first in the manner you want everyone else to follow.
LIGHTING OF CANDLES
Candles can be lit as part of the ceremony. Candles may also be given to guests as a keepsake after the ceremony.
DOVE OR BUTTERFLY RELEASE
A verse, prayer or blessing can be read before the doves or butterflies are released.
BALLOON RELEASE
Guests may wish to write a blessing, gratitude or message for the deceased on a balloon or tag attached to the balloon. People may want to make a wish or say a silent prayer as the balloons are released.
My services include:
A meeting to discuss how we can create a meaningful ceremony together. We will discuss the writing of your ceremony, the Eulogy and possible rituals you would like to include.
If you would like to proceed, I would ask you to sign my Service Agreement.
My Ceremony Resource Booklet with possible readings, prayers, hymns, poems and quotes and music suggestions.
A second meeting, where we will finalise the ceremony script and printing of the Order Of Service,
If required: a professional quality PA system with MP3, CD, USB and Bluetooth. (Please note that I am unable to operate buttons for cued music or sound while performing the ceremony)