A Civil Funeral Ceremony is about celebrating the life and personality of a loved one.

It often takes place at a crematorium or non religious burial site. Sometimes it is a memorial ceremony or burial of ashes after a funeral.

The ceremony can be non-religious or contain religious elements such as hymns, readings or prayers. It can also include elements of different faiths.

As a civil funeral celebrant I meet with the family and friends of a person who has passed away. My focus will be on the service and how to use that time to pay tribute to your loved one.

During our discussion we will put in place an order of service, as well as creating a eulogy or tribute to be read at the funeral. As your celebrant I would usually lead the service, standing at the front and addressing the congregation as well as inviting up anyone you have chosen to partake in offering readings, prayers or music.

My main role as your celebrant is to carry out the wishes of the loved one, their family and friends.

I generally cover Leicestershire, parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, however if the funeral is to be outside of those areas but you would still like me to be your celebrant, then please get in touch as I am happy to travel further upon request.

The meeting is generally held at your home, but can if you prefer be held at your funeral directors premises.

Anyone you feel was close to your loved one can attend whether family or friend.

The meeting will typically take 1 - 2 hours.

I have listed below a few things that if thought about prior to our meeting will really help to give me an insight into the life of your loved one.

• Any poems, music, readings or prayers that you would like to include
• The names of anyone that played a significant part in their life or were close to them
• Significant Events - Date of Birth, where they were born, any marriage or children
• Where they lived and worked
• Their interests, hobbies and achievements
• Any words that describe them as a person
• Any humorous stories or anecdotes, even if you choose not to use them in the service
• What they will be most remembered for including any particular things they would say
• Whether they had any beliefs, religious or not or held any opinions on life and death
• Most importantly talk to me about them and their life story

There are very few restrictions on what you can have at a civil funeral, so I would advise you to be as creative as possible with the additional touches to offer your loved one the very best final farewell that they would have wanted.

Depending on how much time we have before the funeral you should have this within a few days of us meeting.

Yes there are no restrictions on a civil ceremony and you can have as little or as much of each.

I will be at the venue waiting for you and will have already liaised with you and your funeral director about the how we shall enter. The service as already agreed in advance will then take place. After the service I will be close by with your funeral director for a short while should you have any questions at all.

The funeral service usually lasts between 25 and 45 minutes. If you feel you may need more time you should speak with your Funeral Director about booking this for you.

I generally wear a black or dark grey suit with a tie. I also offer a full tailcoat attire should this be your preference.

I would be honoured to incorporate any specific colours you would like, and would generally do this by way of a tie or top pocket handkerchief. I also offer a number of different coloured suits if you are specifically looking for something more colourful.

I can be contacted by email at richard@funeralcelebrant.co.uk or by calling me on 07505403412

My standard working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, but I regularly check my emails and will also endeavour to answer your call if outside of these hours.

Should I not be able to answer at any time then please leave me a voicemail. If you would prefer not to leave a message then feel free to send me a text and I will call you.