ARRANGE A FUNERAL WITH AN AWARD-WINNING FUNERAL CELEBRANT IN KENT
If the answer to any of these is 'yes' then you probably have plenty of questions which I am happy to answer! I'm a modern compassionate Civil Celebrant otherwise known as an Independent Celebrant who will help to plan your own or your loved one's funeral service. I can guide you through all your choices and create your perfect funeral ceremony. The ceremony is written specifically for you - there is no standard approach when I write about your loved one. I will then help you through one of the most difficult days of your life.
Funeral ceremonies, memorials or celebrations of life do not have to be limited to a crematorium, a cemetery or a burial ground - consider having a ceremony for a loved one in the family garden or a local beautiful venue, such as a barn, castle, event venue or a woodland - you do not have to follow the 'normal funeral' that many Funeral Directors will lead you towards.
Non crematorium ceremonies are so relaxed and special because there are no time limits and no constraints. They are legal, beautiful, memorable, unhurried ceremonies but so often grieving families do not understand the options that are out there! I can make some amazing recommendations to you: natural burial sites, theatres, barns, castles, gardens and hotels and I can recommend good funeral directors based on experience too. With a Civil Celebrant or an Independent Celebrant funeral service you have flexibility and endless possibilities to create a bespoke ceremony and that is what I am passionate about! Together, we can create a special, unforgettable and meaningful occasion that is completely unique and celebrates their life and achievements. From the first meeting to the delivery of the service, I can guide you through the process and give you ideas on beautiful and relevant readings and songs. You will be able to incorporate any elements, cultures, traditions, beliefs and readings that represent who they were, what they stood for and how they wanted to be remembered. Find out more here: How To Organise A Celebration of Life Ceremony |
Are All Celebrants Humanist?
No! As an Independent Celebrant I do not have to be Humanist - I can create a totally non-religious ceremony or I can include some elements of religion or spirituality such as a prayer, a hymn or a mention of angels - I am here to reflect your beliefs. As an Independent Funeral Celebrant I offer real choice and flexibility. The ceremony is all about the person and what was important to them and their family. 
"Mum deserved an impactful, respectful and courageous day and I don’t believe we could have achieved that so perfectly without you."
Esther "Thank you for being so easy to talk to and being genuinely interested in Mum's life." Alex "You were very good at quickly understanding what Mum was like, what was most important to get across and in sussing us all out. Your judgements on the script and flexing the service were spot on." Barry 
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Click to see & hear about the ceremony space at Bradbourne House
We can include any life highlights, music and special memories that you want to share or that they wanted shared. If you want hymns or a prayer included in a service we can do it, if you want no mention of religion - that is fine too! As your Funeral Celebrant, I will be able to make appropriate suggestions too.
If you already have a clear idea of the type of ceremony that you would like, I can help you to create your vision, so message me and we can talk through your options.
Every goodbye is unique but my favourite Celebration of Life Ceremonies have been:
- A Direct Cremation and then a ceremony at a venue.
- An Attended Cremation (closest family members present to say a private farewell prior to cremation) followed by a ceremony at a venue.
- A Natural Burial.
Let's incorporate some smiles and even laughter into the ceremony - we are celebrating life, their funny anecdotes, their stories - how they will always be remembered.
We will talk, I will listen and by the time we are at the ceremony, I will be able to share stories about the person - whose life we are celebrating - almost as if I knew them too. Some lives are very long; others are much shorter; but all lives are important, have significance and leave a legacy and we want to mark that in a special way.
I work very closely with families and funeral directors, and together we always create an appropriate, special and memorable ceremony for you and your loved ones.
I lead celebrations of life all over the South East of England, however, my local areas are Maidstone, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
We will talk, I will listen and by the time we are at the ceremony, I will be able to share stories about the person - whose life we are celebrating - almost as if I knew them too. Some lives are very long; others are much shorter; but all lives are important, have significance and leave a legacy and we want to mark that in a special way.
I work very closely with families and funeral directors, and together we always create an appropriate, special and memorable ceremony for you and your loved ones.
I lead celebrations of life all over the South East of England, however, my local areas are Maidstone, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
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I am passionate about creating choice in funerals.
I'm a member of The Good Funeral Guild - a collective of like-minded people working to change funerals for the better,
The Natural Death Society - to explore choice when it comes to funerals and
The AOIC for ongoing continuing professional development.
I am very proud to have been named winner of The Debbie Brooke Award for Outstanding Contribution to Celebrancy in 2023, having won other awards in previous years for my work as both a Celebrant and a well known Celebrant Coach in the industry.
I'm a member of The Good Funeral Guild - a collective of like-minded people working to change funerals for the better,
The Natural Death Society - to explore choice when it comes to funerals and
The AOIC for ongoing continuing professional development.
I am very proud to have been named winner of The Debbie Brooke Award for Outstanding Contribution to Celebrancy in 2023, having won other awards in previous years for my work as both a Celebrant and a well known Celebrant Coach in the industry.
Living funerals are a new concept that is becoming more popular - celebrating your life before you die.
Find out more here:
Find out more here:
FEEDBACK FROM CLIENTS
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"Justine led the ceremony for my wife's funeral. She was kind, empathetic and attentive to our needs. The ceremony was beautiful, moving, sad and uplifting all at the same time. What a fantastic send off we were able to give thanks to Justine. I cannot recommend her highly enough for handling such a sensitive and emotional ceremony." Mr C
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"Everyone commented on how beautifully you told the story and many thought you had known G personally. I don’t think you could ask for a greater accolade than that!
Should anyone ask me about celebrants I would for sure recommend you." Mrs G |
ECO FRIENDLY FUNERALS
An eco friendly funeral is so special - not only because it is beautiful, but also because it is more environmentally friendly. These celebrations of life tend to be natural, 'green' and ecologically considered with sustainably sourced coffins such as willow and maybe at a natural burial ground.
What is a natural burial? Find out more here in my blog : 5 Top Tips on Eco Friendly Funeral Options In The UK
If you are interested in finding out more about a local Funeral Director that encourages families to consider an eco funeral - I can help. There are options for non-traditional coffins such as willow, pandanus, wicker, banana leaves and bamboo which are all beautiful, sustainable and good for the environment, as well as beautiful sustainable burial grounds which are very calm and serene.
What is a natural burial? Find out more here in my blog : 5 Top Tips on Eco Friendly Funeral Options In The UK
If you are interested in finding out more about a local Funeral Director that encourages families to consider an eco funeral - I can help. There are options for non-traditional coffins such as willow, pandanus, wicker, banana leaves and bamboo which are all beautiful, sustainable and good for the environment, as well as beautiful sustainable burial grounds which are very calm and serene.
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SUPPORTING CHILDREN THROUGH GRIEF
Supporting children through grief can of course be very difficult. There are a number of small charities that work to support children: Winston's Wish which is a national charity and here in Kent: Holding On Letting Go which is a local charity.
There are also some books which could help, depending on the age of the child. Take a look at my Recommended Books
There are also some books which could help, depending on the age of the child. Take a look at my Recommended Books
DEMENTIA AND THE FUNERAL
Dementia has affected so many people - some people die with dementia-related illness, others are going through dementia when a loved one dies.
Just because someone had dementia prior to death - no matter in which form it manifests - it does not have to define them - it is a disease that they have suffered for the latter years of their lives. Many have lived long happy lives prior to dementia and we can celebrate their lives, their achievements and their story.
Sadly, I have first-hand experience of dementia and how it affects the individual and the family. I am also a 'Dementia Friend' and can share advice on how to make the funeral as inclusive and as easy as possible.
Just because someone had dementia prior to death - no matter in which form it manifests - it does not have to define them - it is a disease that they have suffered for the latter years of their lives. Many have lived long happy lives prior to dementia and we can celebrate their lives, their achievements and their story.
Sadly, I have first-hand experience of dementia and how it affects the individual and the family. I am also a 'Dementia Friend' and can share advice on how to make the funeral as inclusive and as easy as possible.
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If you have a relative with dementia - whose loved-one has died - their reactions to this situation can be disconcerting and agonisingly, they often have to relive the awful news that their nearest or dearest has passed away - over and over again. They may not behave 'appropriately' at the service because of their illness - this we can accommodate and make it as stress-free for all those involved by making it as relaxed and as inclusive as possible.
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Celebrant Funeral Prices
Bespoke Funeral at a Crematorium
- A bespoke 30/45 minute funeral service within 10 miles of West Malling in Kent. But I will travel if available (extra travel and time costs to be added).
- A double slot may be up to 90 minutes.
- We will talk at great length, whilst I scribble copious notes.
- I then go away and write the ceremony, incorporating all your ideas and bringing my own recommendations to the table.
- You make as many tweaks as you want - we want it just right.
- I will liaise with the Funeral Director about music choices and running order for the service.
- On the day, I will be there nice and early to ensure everything is in order and just as we have discussed.
- I will always officiate the ceremony with care, empathy and a fair few smiles (after all, it is a celebration of life) and I keep an eye on timings to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- You will receive a copy of the script that you can share.
Bespoke Funeral or Memorial at a venue
- This ceremony is perfect for a beautiful events venue or garden, a natural burial or non-conventional setting. It also works well if you book a double slot at a crematorium and therefore we have plenty of time. I can advise you on many suitable venues to hold a beautiful funeral ceremony and work with you and the funeral director to ensure every detail is perfect.
- This ceremony can include interment or scattering of ashes, planting of a tree or bush or other meaningful ritual where we have the opportunity to take our time.
- Unhurried, extended time for the ceremony (Up to 2 hours on the day) or any ceremonies that are further afield and therefore require the full day to be allocated to this ceremony. Any ceremonies further than a 10 miles distance of West Malling in Kent will also be quoted mileage costs and may incur extra.
- I supply a portable, cable-free PA system with microphones and music at no extra cost.
- I will create a beautiful and fitting ceremony as detailed above.
Fully planned memorial ceremony
£950
- This ceremony is perfect for a beautiful events venue or garden, a natural burial or non-conventional setting. It also works well if you book a double slot at a crematorium and therefore we have plenty of time. I can advise you on many suitable venues to hold a beautiful funeral ceremony and work with you and the venue to ensure every detail is perfect.
- The ceremony can include interment or scattering of ashes, planting of a tree or bush or other meaningful ritual where we have the opportunity to take our time.
- Unhurried, extended time for the ceremony and the wake (Up to 6 hours on the day). Any ceremonies further than a 10 miles distance of West Malling in Kent will also be quoted mileage costs.
- I supply the PA system with microphones and music at no extra cost.
- I will create a beautiful and fitting ceremony as detailed above.
- Ahead of the ceremony day, will liaise with suppliers and confirm timings and requirements.
- I will oversee the venue decoration ahead of the arrival of guests.
- On the day I will co-ordinate and manage all suppliers, including venue, food, drink, live music, fireworks etc to ensure that the celebration of life is as stress-free as possible for you in terms of arrangements and a happy memory for everyone as we celebrate this life in style.
GRIEF CHAT
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Most people expect to be very upset or distressed when someone close to them has died. What takes many people by surprise is how strong the emotions can be, how they can change very quickly, and how long they last. People around you may seem to think you should be ‘back to normal’ after a few weeks or months. You might appear to be your usual self to other people, but you know that on the inside, you’re not even sure what normal is anymore.
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Link to Grief Chat Website here
or call 01524 782910 |
Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them and their relationship with the person who has died. Well-intentioned people may say to you, ‘Time is a great healer.’ Sometimes, however, it can seem that life is more difficult as the weeks and months go by.
GriefChat was created by bereavement experts and by clicking on the GriefChat box above, you can chat online directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need. GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm or by email out of these hours.
GriefChat provides emotional support for bereaved people, access to trained bereavement counsellors and referral into other specialist bereavement services.
GriefChat was created by bereavement experts and by clicking on the GriefChat box above, you can chat online directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need. GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm or by email out of these hours.
GriefChat provides emotional support for bereaved people, access to trained bereavement counsellors and referral into other specialist bereavement services.
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