Hello, I'm Helen, a Funeral Celebrant working in London and Suffolk. I know planning a Celebration of Life, Memorial, Thanksgiving or traditional Funeral, is one of life's most bittersweet of moments.  ​You'll want to capture the best of memories and say an affectionate, respectful goodbye to the person you love ...

But perhaps you don't quite know where to start? After all, there are many more types of funeral than there used to be - even five years ago, let along 50. I can help you create a personalised  funeral ceremony that meets your needs and hopefully makes you feel a little bit lighter along the way. 

As an Independent Celebrant, I can work at any venue, with any Funeral Director (or none). A ceremony can be non-religious, semi-religious, or include some other spiritual ritual or reference that is meaningful to you. ​​

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Although I'm not personally tied to any belief or set way of doing things, I do believe everyone deserves a thoughtful farewell... with their life story right at the heart.

I also believe 'less is more'... so I won't rush around churning out formulaic services or trying to juggle the needs of multiple families at once. I like to immerse myself fully in each family story, and weave the different strands together as effectively as I can.  (Some lives are 'complicated' - but that's OK, I like a challenge, and luckily my 'Pre-Celebrant' life skills come in handy!) 

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It will be my privilege to help you create a truly reflective end-of-life service - for yourself, if planning ahead, or for a loved family member or friend. The planning process will take time and energy, but it will be worth it. 

Choosing the right person to help you is important, so some testimonials from others might bring reassurance. 

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Types of Funeral 

You may already have some idea of what type of funeral you want - or the things you definitely don't want?! You may already know an 'Independent Celebrant' - like me - can be more open-minded when it comes to planning your funeral ceremony, compared to a faith leader or 'Humanist'.  

But if this is completely unknown territory to you, don't worry. I can talk you through service options and how I work, be this a Celebration of Life, or any other end-of-life ceremony... Indoors or outdoors - at home, or another location of choice? Burial; Cremation - or perhaps a short unattended 'Direct Cremation', without fuss and frills?

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Direct Cremation is a new trend that allows you to step away from formality, costly cars or caskets, or the feeling of being on show when you're vulnerable.

The practical aspects of death (the committal of the body) happen quietly, with the help of a Funeral Director.  A separate Memorial or Thanksgiving service allows you more time to get creative or potentially involve more people; there will be less pomp and more personality. We can explore ideas together to really reflect the absent guest of honour.  ​

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Or perhaps you'd like a 'Living Funeral'? The 'pre-funeral' idea started in Japan in the 1990s - you get to be at the centre of your funeral in life, rather than after your death. Importantly,  you get to say what you want to those you care about... and hear their words to you! 

Whatever the type of funeral, we'll spend time together and focus on the person we are saying goodbye to. We'll acknowledge their highs and lows; laugh, cry, reminisce, and blend in aspects of ceremony that bring comfort to those left behind.

On the day I can lead from the front, or be right behind you giving moral support as you stand to pay tribute. Whatever feels right, I'll bring calm and a reassuring smile. If there's room for a bit of humour and a hug, I'll bring them too. 

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