Funeral Colours
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. Over a person’s life, they may have shared
their journey with many people; friendships have been made, love shared and
memories created. Adding personal touches to their funeral can involve all these
people who meant so much to them.
It may be the wish of the person who has died for mourners to wear bright
colours, or the family may ask to wear a specific colour or ribbon in support of a
charity.
Dave’s family wanted everyone to wear Manchester United colours. They
draped their grandad’s Manchester United scarf on his coffin and then sang
‘Glory Glory Man United’ at the end.
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.
Songs that have the most impact are often those that were favourites of the
deceased because the lyrics and style reflected their life, loves and achievements.
Music can also celebrate special events in their lives such as a first dance song or
music chosen for their son’s wedding. The music that you choose can be purely
instrumental or with lyrics; it may be a live performance or pre-recorded. If your
loved one enjoyed walking on the moors, maybe you could listen to a recording of
birdsong?
To find out about your loved one’s taste in music, begin by talking to family and
friends and looking at their CD or record collection.
There could be a professional singer who will perform the music that has special
meaning for your family, from sacred music and favourite hymns to popular
songs. Everyone can sing together – maybe a song that strongly resonates with
the loved one’s life and legacy and, ideally, is familiar to the majority of those
present.
Bring Me Sunshine – Morecambe and Wise is a very popular song.
The lyrics can be printed in the order of service so that everyone can
follow the words as they sing 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.
The celebrant is there to hold the ceremony together and make sure it runs
smoothly. They set the tone, cue the music and introduce the speakers. It is
preferable to have someone who is not emotionally attached to the deceased, can
speak well and will also deal with any unexpected occurrences. At a crematorium,
the celebrant also has to make sure the ceremony keeps to time.
This is the one occasion when your loved one’s life story is to be told, their
memories are honoured and their body is put to rest. The celebrant will meet the
family in advance and – through sensitive questioning and careful listening –
enable them to have their stories and feelings shared, before writing the ceremony
and reading it on the day. The family should choose someone they feel
comfortable with.
To find a celebrant, recommendations from friends are helpful and online
research is worth doing – always check the celebrant’s testimonials. It is entirely
your choice who leads the ceremony and, even though the funeral director may
recommend a celebrant, check they are experienced, fully trained and aligned to
your values and beliefs. Bear in mind that celebrants work with the funeral
directors and are not employed by them.
Celebrant fees will be listed under ‘prices on request’ on the funeral director’s
website. This means that celebrants can continue to offer a completely
personalised service at a cost that is appropriate to their creativity, experience
and local economic market.
Steph and Morgan’s Wedding Video
Here is Steph and Morgan’s video for you to copy and paste. Enjoy!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QHCQ6b3v6_p7OC1JauT07VvFggdlGodZ/view
Freckle Photography
Steph and Morgan’s Oak Tree Wedding
It was a warm, sunny day as Steph and Morgan celebrated their wedding with their family and friends at Middle Coombe Farm, Tiverton.
The scene was set under the oak tree.
Freckle Photography
All the guests had collected wildflowers, ferns and leaves on their walk up to the glade and were waiting on benches as Morgan welcomed his bride, Steph by playing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on his ukelele.
Freckle Photography
After welcoming everyone, some had travelled a long distance to be there from as far away as Newcastle, Carlisle, Swansea and Germany, their guests placed their wildflowers into the vase along with all of their hopes, best wishes and love for Steph and Morgan.
Freckle Photography
The happy couple then placed their flowers in this bouquet as a symbol of their unity with their new families.
Freckle Photography
Steph and Morgan exchanged rings, an endless circle of precious metal, as it symbolised that their love for each other will always be precious and never ending.
Freckle Photography
Their hand fasting cord was made of four strands, blue – loyalty and sincerity, pink – tenderness and romance, ivory – warmth and champagne lace for new beginnings. Steph had also woven a shell and 4 wooden charms, whittled by Morgan, onto the rope – a heart, a leaf, a mountain and a water drop. Each of these charms represents their life together and their love of exploring the outdoors.
Freckle Photography
Their mothers were called forward to tie the knot……
Freckle Photography
…… before Steph and Morgan read their vows to each other.
By special request, I wrote the next ceremony specially for them to celebrate their love of Scottish Elderflower beer!
Freckle Photography
Freckle Photography
After signing the certificate together…….
Freckle Photography
We ended the ceremony with…..
Scottish Wedding Blessing
May joy and peace surround you both,
Contentment latch your door,
May happiness be with you now;
We bless you evermore.
Go now to walk the ways of the world together, and may your days be good and long upon the earth.
Morgan, you may now kiss your beautiful Steph
Freckle Photography
A beautiful ceremony for a wonderful couple!
Naomi and Graham 9th Anniversary
I have been privileged to be a part of Naomi and Graham’s journey together as they first asked me to lead their renewal of vows ceremony seven years ago. Since then, we have celebrated on the beach at Watergate in Cornwall and here in their garden but, sadly, their plans to celebrate their 8th anniversary in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid 19.
But the year that Naomi and Graham chose to have their ceremony in Venice stands out in my mind. I was fortunate to be part of their team, travelling together to Italy. The Water Taxi journey into Venice from the mainland was memorable for us all, there is nothing more glamorous than gliding along the Grand Canal in an open-top water taxi, slowly taking in the beautiful views. Their ceremony in St Marks Square was intimate and moving and, even though we were surrounded by history and the beautiful, iconic architecture, it was obvious that Naomi and Graham were in their own personal bubble and had eyes only for each other.
I was honoured to be asked again to write and perform the Renewal of Vows ceremony for Naomi and Graham’s 9th wedding anniversary reaffirming that their marriage has grown and means more to them than ever before and they will grow even closer in the future.
www.tarastattonphotography.com
www.tarastattonphotography.com
www.tarastattonphotography.com
As they exchanged their rings and made their Vows to each other, I said these words:
Hold hands a moment longer and cherish this very special moment in your lives. You are holding the hands of your lover, comforter and best friend. They are the hands that will reach for yours in times of joy and sadness. Although it is your hands that touch, it is your hearts that will hold you together for all time.
www.tarastattonphotography.com
www.tarastattonphotography.com
After the ceremony we celebrated with a hog roast and gorgeous sundaes served from an ice cream van. The perfect celebration for Naomi, Graham and their son Devon.
www.tarastattonphotography.com
