Family-led funerals

We were contacted before Christmas 2023 by someone in shock, following the sudden and premature death of their older sibling.

No directions for funeral wishes had been communicated, so this responsibility largely fell to the younger and only sibling.

Initially, this person reached out to us for a 1-2-1 virtual consultation to talk through options and possibilities for ceremony and ritual design.

But they then asked if we could support the writing of the ceremony, which family and friends would deliver.

So that's what we did. 

Over a week, we listened to stories and memories, we gently asked questions, we looked at photographs, we listened to music, and we suggested ideas for poignant rituals to be included in the ceremony.

The person we were working with was, like us, neurodivergent. So we made sure we found ways to work together that were neuro-affirming and supportive.

We prepared a full written draft of the ceremony, including a bespoke ritual, which family and friends delivered themselves.

It was a really special piece of work.

Photo by The Good Funeral Guide on Unsplash

Permission gained from the family to share this story.

Big shout out to The Good Funeral Guild for the photographs via Unsplash.