The Celebrant’s Visit Once the initial paperwork is underway, the heart of the planning begins with the celebrant’s visit. Rather than focusing on logistics, this meeting is all about the person you’ve lost. It’s a chance to step away from the “process” and spend time reflecting on their character, their quirks, and the story of their life. Many families find that sitting down to share those “remember when” moments brings a much-needed smile amidst the sadness; it’s often a very healing experience. The meeting is informal and usually happens in your living room, lasting an hour or two. However, we know that life doesn’t always make a face-toface meeting easy. If family members are scattered across the country, or you simply prefer not to have visitors, we are more than happy to chat via video call or telephone, or we can meet with you in our relaxing meeting room. However we meet, these virtual are just as intimate and allow relatives from further afield to join in and share their own precious memories. You don’t need a formal script or a perfect memory for this. The celebrant is there to listen and help weave together a portrait of your loved one that feels authentic. It’s often the smallest details, a favourite catchphrase, a secret recipe, or the music they hummed while gardening, that make a service feel truly personal. Before the chat, you might find it helpful to jot down a few thoughts about their journey, like where they grew up or the jobs they loved. Having a few photographs nearby can also help; looking at an old holiday snap often triggers a wonderful story that might otherwise have been forgotten. Think about their “inner circle”, family, friends, or colleagues who played a part in their life as well as their general “essence.” Were they the life and soul of the party, or someone who found joy in the quiet of the garden? Don’t worry if “brain fog” sets in; if you remember a perfect story or a favourite song after the meeting, you can always just give us a quick call. We’ll also discuss the “soundtrack” of the day, looking at music for the entry, a moment of reflection, and the final exit. Whether you want a traditional, solemn farewell or a vibrant celebration of life, this conversation is the foundation. It ensures that when the day comes, the words spoken are a genuine reflection of the person you knew and loved.
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