Funeral Arranging and End of Life Decisions – a Step by Step Guide
My new book has now been published by Troubador Books and is available on Amazon and in all major book stores as well as the smaller independent bookshops.
Recent Posts by sarahchapman
Joyce and Jiapeng Castle Wedding
Joyce and Jiapeng chose the beautiful Bovey Castle Hotel in Devon for their wedding ceremony. Their families came all the way from China and, on one of the hottest days of the year, they witnessed the love between the couple and their gorgeous daughter Emma.
To unite their families I performed a Candle Ceremony. I invited both mothers to come forward to light two candles representing the love and support of their families. I then invited Jiapeng and Joyce to take the candles and light the centre candle. As the one light cannot be divided so they would be united from this day forth and go forward into a shining lifetime together.
Joyce and her mother had made the Hand Fasting cord together and all their guests placed pink roses, a symbol of grace, joy, admiration and happiness, in the vase along with all of their hopes, best wishes and love for them both.
From this day forward,
You shall not walk alone.
My heart will be your shelter,
And my arms will be your home.
Jiapeng and Joyce sent me their photographs with a lovely note:
Jiapeng and I would like to thank you very much Sarah. You have been very helpful since our first phone call and meeting. You used your experience to help plan the whole wedding ceremony. It was a perfect day and everyone enjoyed it so much!
Mark and Lisa’s Beach Ceremony
Beach Ceremony
On a warm sunny afternoon at Pentewan Sands, St Austell, Mark and Lisa celebrated their 10th Wedding Anniversary together.
Surrounded by family and friends, with three little girls in white dresses totally entranced and all the boys digging in the sand, they made their vows to each other, exchanged rings and signed the certificate
I had asked Mark and Lisa the secret to their successful marriage and they told me that they had no idea!
However they asked their guests to send me their opinions and I shared those with everyone there on the beach.
Much laughter and tears later we raised our Mason jars full of bubbly to the happy couple.
“We want to thank you for producing such a wonderful ceremony, everyone was completely relaxed and enjoyed every minute of it. You were professional but so warm and friendly which everyone commented on.
I’m sure if there is ever another ceremony being planned then you would be the first person any of us would think of to conduct it.”
Coffin Drape
Coffin Drape
A coffin drape is a piece of material to place over the coffin that tells the story of the deceased. Family and friends can write words, draw pictures and attach photos and poems that reflect their loved one’s interests and life story.
As their mother was a keen seamstress, Alison’s family made a patchwork coffin drape using their mother’s clothes she had kept over the years. At the funeral, everyone came forward to stand around the coffin and the history of each patchwork piece was discussed.
The drape can go with the deceased, but many families take them home and hang them in pride of place.
My New Book is to be Published!
Funeral Arranging and End of Life Decisions – a Step by Step Guide
My new book is to be published by Troubador Books on June 28th 2022 and will be available on Amazon and in all major book stores as well as the smaller independent bookshops.
Bev and Barney’s Wedding
There was so much love and laughter in Torbay Barn, Devon when Bev and Barnaby celebrated their wedding with their family and friends. It was extra special for me as I had known Bev and her family for years and was so touched when she asked me to be a part of their wonderful day.
Chloe and Rob’s Festival Wedding
The scene was set for a festival themed wedding at Holsome Park near Diptford, Devon.
For Chloe and Rob, attending gigs and festivals together is a regular occurrence included attending V festival, Glastonbury, Reading and even Benicasim in Spain. Camping, dancing and having a great time in a field clearly linked to their chosen venue.
Funeral Feathers
The most meaningful funeral captures the life and personality of the person, which can be shown through the choice of music, poems and flowers and the involvement of family and friends.
Music for Funerals
Every ceremony is unique and personal, and music can be crucial in setting the tone and feel. Music can bring people together in emotionally distressing times and also give pointers back to the past, drawing on family traditions that have been laid down and maintained over the years. Hymns and religious music are sometimes chosen for this reason and it is always moving to see family and friends stand and sing a favourite hymn together.
What Does a Celebrant Do?
The dictionary definition of a celebrant is: ‘a person who performs a rite’. This has traditionally meant a vicar, minister or priest, with the ceremony taking place in a church or other religious building. These days, we have more choices and the importance of selecting the right celebrant for your loved one’s celebration of life cannot be underestimated.
