hello…
I´m Chris Skinner an independent funeral celebrant offering personalised services and ceremonies that reflect the life, personality and beliefs of your loved one, whether semi or non-religious, and it will be my honour to conduct the ceremony for your loved one no longer with us.
I´ll meet with you at your home or favourite place to discuss the stories, anecdotes and achievements of the deceased to get to know the person whose life is to be celebrated, complying with their wishes and yours the relatives and friends who are left behind, to create a fitting tribute that truly honours them.
We can also plan the order of service together and I will guide and advise you about the content and structure of the service whilst incorporating any ideas that you may already have.
You will have the opportunity to view the eulogy or tribute in advance along with the order of service, to ensure everything is correct before the day, this is your service, and what you wish for will be honoured.
On the day of the funeral I will lead the service, however participation by any family member or close friend is always welcome, be that music, a reading or a poem, and I will only be a few steps away to give a helping hand if needed or help them prepare their tribute.
Please watch my video showing me reading a eulogy and listen to some of the lovely poems you might also like at the celebration of the life of your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions…
A Civil Funeral Ceremony is about celebrating the life, times and essence of a loved one. It often takes place at a crematorium or non religious burial site. Sometimes it is a memorial ceremony or burial of ashes after a funeral.
As a civil funeral celebrant I meet with the family and friends of a person who has passed away. My focus will be on the service and how to use that time to pay tribute to your loved one.
During our discussion we will put in place an order of service, as well as creating a eulogy or tribute to be read at the funeral. As your celebrant I would usually lead the service, standing at the front and addressing the congregation as well as inviting up anyone you have chosen to partake in offering readings, prayers or music.
My main role as your celebrant is to carry out the wishes of the loved one, their family and friends.
The funeral service usually lasts between 25 and 45 minutes. If you feel you may need more time you should speak with your Funeral Director about booking this for you.
Yes there are no restrictions on a civil ceremony and you can have as little or as much of each.
I will be at the venue waiting for you and will have already liaised with you and your funeral director about the how we shall enter. The service as already agreed in advance will then take place. After the service I will be close by with your funeral director for a short while should you have any questions at all.
I generally wear a black or dark grey suit with a tie.
I would be honoured to incorporate any specific colours you would like, and would generally do this by way of a tie or top pocket handkerchief.
I will work closely with the Funeral Director whose fee will usually include my fee, but it is £240
I can be contacted at Chris@willowcelebrants.co.uk or by calling me on – 07963 727 680
My standard working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, but I regularly check my emails and will also try to answer your call if outside of these hours.
Should I not be able to answer at any time then please leave me a voicemail. If you would prefer not to leave a message then feel free to send me a text and I will call you.
Why a Celebrant?
There is no one reason why more and more people are choosing Funeral Celebrants over members of the clergy today, but rather lots of different reasons which resonate within themselves.
That being said, more and more of the UK population are growing up to be devoid of any religious faith, preferring to identify as either spiritual or non-religious altogether, and therefore would naturally hold their beliefs and values in high stead when the time comes to say goodbye to their loved ones.
As we are all striving to practise our right to be seen as unique individuals, and with many stigma’s and taboo’s disappearing from society, it can only be right that we would want our lives to be reflected during our final goodbye’s and that is only possible with a Funeral Celebrant.
Our Services
Funeral Celebrancy
These days, you can choose to have the funeral the way you want it. By choosing me to be your Funeral Celebrant, I will create a service just as you wish – modern, traditional, humanist, religious, non-religious, buddhist or a blend of your choice.
Memorial Services
I´ll meet with you at your home or favourite place to discuss the stories, anecdotes and achievements of the deceased to get to know the person whose life is to be celebrated, complying with their wishes and yours the relatives and friends who are left behind, to create a fitting tribute that truly honours them.
Scattering of Ashes
The interment or scattering of a loved one’s ashes, if conducted thoughtfully, may help family and friends with the grieving process. As a funeral service reflects on the life and times of the person who has died, so the dispersal of the ashes should also portray the character of that person. I will be happy to assist you in the planning and ultimately conduct the ceremony.
Baby Naming
A new arrival into your life should be celebrated. These days, you may not feel that a religious christening ceremony is appropriate for you, but you still want to introduce your child to your family, your community, the world. A baby naming ceremony gives you the opportunity to create a special, unique day to celebrate your new arrival. Before the big day, I will meet with you to discuss and suggest words to use, promises to make and choices of readings and music.
Living Eulogies
Why wait until you are no longer with us to write your eulogy and plan your funeral? let´s do it now and leave you with the comfort of knowing your funeral plans have been carried out.
Contact Us
Book an Appointment
Please get in contact using this form. I will get back to you as soon as possible.