What's in a civil ceremony?

I want to help you to create a ceremony that reflects the life and personality of the person whose life is being celebrated. It's usual to include one or two of their favourite pieces of music, or perhaps a song with words which have a particular meaning for the family and friends. A poem can often express a range of emotions in a few words, so many ceremonies include one or two poems. Even if you choose not to have a religious ceremony you may wish to have a hymn, a prayer or a reading from a religious text such as the Bible - a civil celebration can include any or all of these.

The main part of the ceremony will be the tribute to the person, sometimes called a eulogy. This is something I will write after speaking to the family and anyone else connected with your loved one. It will be sent to you in advance of the funeral for approval and so that you can add anything else that you feel is important. Sometimes family members want to write or deliver all or part of the eulogy and in that case I will work with them to help them speak confidently on what can be a very stressful occasion.

Inevitably, the time available for the service is not long enough to include everything that you might want. Most families will continue after the service to share refreshments and memories with those who have attended. If there are some other favourite items of music, this can be an appropriate time to enjoy them.