SERVICES
MEMORIAL CEREMONIES
From the moment I’m contacted, I aim to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Here’s how I work:
If I'm contacted by the Funeral Director rather than the family directly, I’ll call the family within 24 hours of being notified (unless asked otherwise) to arrange a meeting.
I’ll keep the Funeral Director informed every step of the way; confirming when contact has been made and when the meeting is scheduled, so you don't need to worry about the logistics.
I’ll arrange to meet the family wherever they feel most comfortable—at home, another venue, or via video call.
The family meeting will take as long as it takes - I don't put a time limit on our meeting as I know that this can be a very difficult time and emotions can be very raw. Together, we'll spend the time talking about the person’s life story and wishes.
If the family hasn't yet chosen the music for the service, I’ll guide them through the options and support the family in selecting meaningful readings, tributes, and contributions for the ceremony.
After our meeting, I’ll send the Funeral Director the Order of Service and the family will receive a draft for approval within a couple of days.
Following the family meeting, I’ll write a ceremony and Eulogy that’s truly personal—capturing the essence of the person and what mattered most to them.
The Eulogy or Tribute will then be shared with the lead family member to make sure it feels right and accurate and together we can make any changes required.
On the day of the service, I’ll arrive at the Chapel 30 minutes early to check the music and make any needed adjustments. and I'll work closely with the Funeral Director and Chapel Attendant to ensure the service is in line with the family’s wishes.
After the ceremony, I’ll provide a keepsake copy of the readings, Eulogy, and any blessings for the family to hold onto.
PERSONALISED TO YOUR LOVED ONE
You can tailor the ceremony especially for your loved one.
Most people don't realised that there are actually no rules with a celebrant led funeral - you can hold them anywhere (assuming you have permission) and there are a multitude of ways to get your loved one there, whether it's on a motorbike and sidecar, a horse-driven cart or even a Land Rover equipped especially for the job.
Some crematoria even allow pets to be part of the service.
You can be as creative as you like.
So whether you choose a crematorium or a woodland burial, don't feel like you have to follow "the norm" and take the time to think about what you really want for your loved one.
JG
EULOGY & TRIBUTE WRITING
Help with Writing a Funeral Eulogy
When someone we love dies, finding the right words can feel overwhelming. A eulogy is a chance to honour their life, share memories and speak from the heart.
Writing a eulogy can feel daunting—especially when your heart is full and time is short. Whether you're honouring a parent, partner, sibling, friend, or someone else dear to you, I can guide you through the creation of something that suits your person perfectly.
If you'd like my help, then please click HERE and I'd be honoured to assist.
If you'd prefer to write this yourself the this guide below is here to help you find the words that matter.
What Is a Eulogy?
A eulogy is a spoken tribute delivered during a funeral or memorial service. It’s a chance to reflect on the life, character, and legacy of the person who has died—sharing stories that capture their spirit and humour, memories of their life, qualities that made them unique and messages of love, farewell and gratitude.
There’s no “right” way to write a eulogy. It can be formal or conversational, poetic or practical, solemn or gently humorous. What matters most is that it feels true to the person and comforting to those listening.
Getting Started
Here are some gentle prompts to help you begin:
• What are your strongest memories of them?
• What values or qualities did they embody?
• What did they love—hobbies, people, places, rituals?
• How did they make others feel?
• Are there stories that capture their spirit or humour?
• What would they want people to remember most?
You don’t need to cover everything. A few well-chosen stories or reflections can be deeply powerful.
Structure You Can Follow
If you're unsure how to organise your thoughts, this simple structure might help:
1. Opening – A brief welcome and acknowledgment of the occasion
2. Life Overview – Key milestones, relationships, passions
3. Personal Reflections – Stories, qualities, moments that mattered
4. Closing – A final message, quote, blessing, or farewell
Tips for Writing and Speaking
• Write as you would speak—keep it natural and heartfelt
• Aim for 5–7 minutes when spoken aloud (about 750–1000 words)
• Practice reading it out loud to check flow and timing
• It’s okay to show emotion—pause, breathe, and carry on
• If you’re nervous, consider sharing the role with someone else
I've created a gentle guide to help you through creating your eulogy. To download it, please click HERE.
Please remember though, that if this all feels too much to cope with, then contact me and I'd be pleased to help you. You don't have to do it alone.
Click HERE to go to the Contact Page.
JG
AFTER "DIRECT CREMATION" SERVICES
Direct Cremation has grown rapidly since 2019, but what exactly is it?
It's the cheapest way to cremate a body and costs, on average, £1600 compared with around £4,000 for an attended cremation (with a limited service and reduced number of mourners) and in the region of £4300 for an "average" funeral.
The increase is being driven by marketing on TV (£10m alone in 2024) which is aired mostly during the day and is aimed at the elderly who are concerned about their family having to pay for their funeral.
While there's definitely a place for both direct cremation and attended cremations, this can often leave the family feeling somewhat lost, as there is no space for them to grieve together with family and friends. It can feel like they've had the chance to say goodbye taken away from them.
These plans are often purchased without the family being aware, so the options are reduced for them and shockingly, their loved ones ashes are returned to them via a delivery van.
If you find yourself in this situation, then all is not lost. it doesn't mean that you can't hold a ceremony and I can provide an "after direct cremation" memorial service. This can be held at any time - days, weeks or months after the ashes are returned, or on a day that holds special meaning to you and your family. The ashes can be interred or scattered giving you the chance to say a heartfelt goodbye.
These special services can take place at your home or outdoors, and offer the chance to be more creative and involve things such as children and family members writing (and reading) letters to their loved one, precious objects, music and photo boards.
If you'd like to talk about an After Direct Cremation Service, please contact me HERE. I'd be delighted to help you.
JG
PLANNING AHEAD
Have you ever considered writing your own eulogy? You don't have to be ill...
I think we've all been to a funeral and thought the eulogy didn't truly reflect the person, so why not write your own?
Would you relish the opportunity to write your own story?
I have a comprehensive service called A Plan To Die For.
Click HERE for the full details.
JG
