‘Grief is the price we pay for love’
– Colin Michael Parkes
Firstly, I’m so sorry for your loss. When a loved one dies it can feel like your world has been thrown off axis.
Please know you are in safe hands, and that I am here to help to steady you and support you as best as I can.
In being your celebrant, I am able to offer you the space you need to honour your loved one and celebrate the rich legacy that they leave with you.
I can write and lead a heart-felt ceremony that feels personal and truly reflects your loved one’s essence. Instead of being a list of dates or places, it’s important to me that your ceremony pays tribute to and showcases your loved one’s personality, their passions, their quirks and anecdotes; essentially to celebrate them in the fullness of who they were.
I can promise that your ceremony will have warmth, affection, wit and nostalgia, each tailored to whatever scale that feels right to you.
So whether you have a clear vision or need help shaping one, I’d love to hear their story…
It would be my honour to tell your loved one’s story
From our first hello to your final goodbyes, I will be there to support you throughout every step. My role is to make the process as simple, smooth and as meaningful as possible. I will make sure every detail is handled with the utmost care and respect, and that the ceremony is enriched with the warmth, memories, anecdotes and true essence of your loved one.
We can shape the ceremony around what feels most important to you, and honour your loved one’s life and legacy in a way that feels special.
For example…
Did your loved one really enjoy cooking? A certain sports team? Karaoke? A particular holiday destination? Were they obsessed with a certain type of food? These little quirks of your loved one can be celebrated in thoughtful ways during the ceremony.
‘love comforteth like sunshine after rain’
– William Shakespeare
With my background in writing and performing, I truly understand the power and importance of words and how precious they are as a vehicle to share, soothe and express how we’re feeling. I also know that when we experience grief it can be hard to know what to say. How do we find the words to express these feelings of love and loss that are so huge and important?
This is where I can help. I will listen, ask questions and gather details all about the rich life of your loved one, and I will help you to find the words that feel full and expressive.
Think of me as your personal storyteller, here to tell the story of your loved one’s life, honouring the true depth and breadth of who they were, what was important to them and what they lovingly leave with those that remain.
Guiding you every step of the way…
Getting to know you
The first step is an initial meeting with me, either in person or via zoom.
We will have the space we need to get to know each other, discuss how you would like the ceremony to be, and I can learn all about your loved one.
Creating the ceremony
Following our discussion I will write the ceremony and the eulogy, adding in readings and speeches as you wish, and send you the script for your approval.
We can edit and adjust the ceremony to fit whatever shape you would like.
Discussing ideas
If you would find them helpful, I have a pool of ideas I can bring as a springboard. Alternatively I am more than happy to follow your lead if you have a clear vision for the ceremony.
It’s important to let you know that the funeral ceremony itself can take place wherever you like. It can be a traditional service at a crematorium, or alternatively, if you prefer, it can be in another place, such as in your back garden on a sunny afternoon, or candle-lit in the evening at a place special to your loved one. It’s entirely up to you.
I will contact the venue and make sure that all elements of the day are aligned for a smooth ceremony.
Every aspect will be thought of.
Review and Rehearsal
Once the ceremony is written, we’ll review it together to make sure everything feels perfect. I will do a live script read through on zoom a few days beforehand, and I can talk you through the choreography of the ceremony, so that everyone feels prepared and comfortable knowing where to stand and what to expect on the day.
The ceremony
On the day of the ceremony I will arrive early, help you set up and welcome your loved ones as they arrive.
I will then host the ceremony, and guide those who have prepared to share something as we go along.
After the ceremony, I will be around to support you and your loved ones. Both on the day and afterwards, I’m here to offer you care and compassion, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a listening ear.
My promise to you
I promise it will be a precious moment that celebrates your loved one, and that the service will be delivered with the utmost care, sensitivity and heart.
Prices start at £400
If you would like to arrange a free initial meeting with me to see if I am the right celebrant for you, then please do reach out.
Stay in touch at hello@fullofheart.co.uk
“Karen is the perfect person to have with you during a time of grief.
Karen is sensitive, caring and a great listener, and she has such attention to detail.
She really puts her whole heart into what she does.”
-Robyn, Tunbridge Wells
