Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult and painful experience, and planning a funeral can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in – As an experienced celebrant, I can offer a gentle and comforting hand to guide you through this challenging time, so you can focus on grieving and healing.
My input can be as much or as little as you need. From being a kind and empathic host that officiates the funeral or memorial service, to utilising my events planning experience and taking care of the whole celebration.
I am flexible, comforting and supportive. I understand grief is a process, and everyone experiences it in their own way.
I am an independent celebrant not bound by set rules and regulations or religions. I work with families of all backgrounds and beliefs.
I believe that every life is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individual’s personality, values, and passions. I am dedicated to creating personalized and heartfelt ceremonies that capture their essence.
Whether you envision a traditional funeral service, a celebration of life party, or something in between, I will work with you to create a ceremony that is heartfelt, memorable, and reflective of your loved one’s life.
It doesn’t have to be a dull and morbid affair.
We can celebrate their life in a meaningful way, in a way that they would have loved. Be that a small intimate gathering at their home or in a park, a garden party with live music, a cocktail evening with canapés, a long lunch at their favourite vineyard, bar or pub, the options are endless and I am here to help create a beautiful event that is fitting of their memory.
Process
After first contact, either from yourself or the funeral director, we will organise a meeting with family and friends to plan the service and talk about your loved ones life, collating tales, fond memories and funny stories.
I like this to be as organic as possible. There is no time limit. You talk and I listen. I may ask questions about their life from beginning to the end, their character and what they meant to you, but generally we just have a conversation about them and what they would have wanted. We discuss the eulogy (and who will deliver it), readings, family or friends participation, music and a photographic slideshow during this meeting. I can also help with planning the celebration at this stage.
I then get to work creating a beautiful celebration of their life. This includes
The order of service – words of welcome and thoughts about the loved one, readings/poems/prayers, moments of silence, music, eulogy, a tribute by other family members, pallbearers, thank you and acknowledgements, closing.
Help writing the eulogy if needed – A unique tribute reflective of their character, journey through life, achievements, and relationship with their loved ones. It can be given by a family member, friend or I can read it on behalf of the family. It can be a formal speech or a more informal approach.
Officiating the service and helping host the event – I can help welcome guests and then ensure I deliver a service that will honour your loved one and your family’s wishes for the ceremony. Again, I can do the readings, or the eulogy if you feel you aren’t up to doing it.
I hold space, offer guidance and ensure the ceremony runs smoothly and honours your loved one, so you and your family can focus on saying farewell.
It’s okay to not be okay right now. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come with this challenging time. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
I consider it a great privilege to help you create a ceremony that truly honours and celebrates the life of your loved one.
Celebrant Frankie Orange. 