Many people assume that when some-one dies the funeral needs to be taken by a religious minister or if the person wasn’t religious then the only option is a humanist celebrant. There are other options. You could take the funeral yourself or as many are doing now, choose to use an independent celebrant.

Funerals and memorials can be much more varied and individual than people realise. Using an independently trained celebrant such as Danu is becoming more common. The management of death has historically been taken out of our hands and there is a growing movement in society now to reclaim some of that contact and to honor death in a real and positive way, one which is more meaningful and natural. A funeral can be a loving and inspiring occasion, one which provides opportunity for reflection, love, gratitude and celebration. A good funeral contributes to a healthy grieving process.

Danu has been trained by Green Fuse in Totnes which is known and respected for its sensitivity, creativity and in depth celebrancy training.

What A Funeral Celebrant Will Do

Danu will visit you and spend time getting to know about the life of your loved one, and talk with you about your desires, wishes and any fears about the funeral. Together you will decide on the best possible ceremony, one which really honors the life and beliefs of the person who has died. If the person made known their wishes before they died Danu will help you honour these.

You can decide on the best venue for a service; this could be at home, in a village hall, at the local golf or football club or out in nature, at the crematorium, at a chapel, or in church with their permission. For more ideas go to Locations.

You can choose the readings, songs, any music and what is said at the ceremony. You can place the coffin where you wish and create differing ways for the family and friends to say goodbye. Danu will officiate for you or support you to hold as much or as little of the ceremony as you wish. Danu will also liaise with your chosen funeral director and you can choose how much of their services you wish to use.

Danu also has experience of helping to keep loved ones at home after death, washing and preparing the body and helping with the choice of coffins, decorations and all aspects of home funerals. Danu is happy to visit those in the last stages of life who wish to sort out their funeral arrangements. See Funeral pre-Planning below and for more information on funerals please see the funeral section of FAQ.

Many, many thanks for the wonderful celebration you presided over last Monday following the passing of my sister Pat. Participation from everybody, especially the children, allowed all present to feel included and take the opportunity to honor Pat’s life fully and positively.

John, Patricia’s brother

Music at Funerals

As with the other ceremonies offered Danu is very happy to sing for you at this time and to organise other musicians to play. She can also help you find the right pieces of music to be played on CD, and can help your gathering to sing in full voice. See the Music page for more suggestions.

Fees are decided upon after the initial meeting once your needs and desires have been explored.

Funeral Pre-planning

This is an easy and enjoyable way to let your loved ones know what you would like. Danu will lead you through the may options and at the end you will have a completed Funeral Wishes booklet which you can lodge with your will or give to an appointed person. There are so may ways to celebrate our lives. Think out of the box (pardon the pun) and feel comforted by the fact that you can get it sorted.