Paul Cousens
Independent Celebrant

"Not Another Funeral Celebrant?"

Paul Cousens

My role is to work with you to create a funeral ceremony which reflects your wishes and those of your loved one, so that together we are able to provide ceremony as unique as the life of your person. I will work with your ideas, preferences, and choices so that together we create a beautiful and poignant ceremony which captures the essence of your loved one. 

For some a formal style is desired, for others the ‘zany’ – for most people, it will be something in between. I will provide a copy of the ceremony for you to approve in advance and i will give you a presentation copy as a keepsake after the event. I am able to conduct ceremonies that hold no requirements for a specific or set religious theme. They can, however, capture elements of religion within them if desired. I am happy to include hymns, prayers and other sacred songs and words if you would like them.

 

Im Experienced in

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Ceremonial Funerals

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Military & Veterans Funerals

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Themed Funeral Ceremonies

Work With Me

Funeral Ceremonies can be conducted anywhere! Most will be in a crematorium or burial ground; whether a cemetery or a natural/woodland burial ground. many people are now choosing a funeral ceremony in a crematorium, attended by few people, followed by a Memorial ceremony or Celebration of Life ceremony on a different day and in a venue that is not governed by a ‘time slot’. This can be a hotel, hall, home, garden, field, beach – the list is endless and it is your choice.

The Memorial or Celebration of Life ceremony coming after the funeral ceremony may be an appropriate choice when there are large numbers of people attending since it enables many more people to share their memories and stories of your loved one. 

These ceremonies are usually more inclusive for children and you people to attend. Following cremation, an Interment of Ashes or a Scattering Ashes (sometimes called Ashes to Rest) ceremony can be held. These ceremonies can be held almost anywhere, although sometimes permission may be needed depending on where the ashes are to go. Again I will work with you to create a ceremony which is unique and fitting to your needs. 

Ceremony Planning

For some people, the need to let their wishes be known is very important. It may be that they have relatives living far away, perhaps no family, and few people who are close to them. I believe it is important to create a funeral ceremony that reflects the life of the person no matter how few may attend. In the case of terminal illness, it can be greatly reassuring to be able to stipulate what you wish to share with those who will attend your own funeral.

I will help you to establish your wishes, special music choices, poetry and particular stories of your life that you would like to be shared. Most of us have some incredibly interesting life experiences which have shaped our lives and these can be a treasure legacy for those who are remembering you. Together we will record your wishes and have these lodged with one or more people so that when the time comes, you can be assured of knowing that no-one is left wondering ‘What you would have wanted’.

 

 

 

 

Get In Touch With Me

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 7740 278855

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