Leading a Funeral for Someone You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

Leading a funeral for someone you love is one of the bravest things you will ever do. This guide makes sure you don't have to work it out alone.

Written by Claire Mountain, an award-winning celebrant trainer who has trained professional celebrants since 2010, this 17-page printable guide, illustrated throughout with photography, gives you the same structure, timings and words that professional celebrants use. It is written in plain English for families in the UK.

Why the workbook edition?

This is the complete, full-design workbook: the edition I use with families myself. You may also see a lower-priced Kindle reading edition on Amazon. That edition is for reading only. This workbook edition also gives you:

• The full illustrated A4 design, with every page exactly as it was created and photography throughout
• Write-in pages: a script builder, timeline and checklists to print and fill in by hand
• Print copies for your family: one for you, one for your stand-in and one for close family to check your words
• An instant download to keep: no Kindle or app needed; read on any device or print at home
• Direct from me: if you have any questions about your guide, you can email me personally

What's inside

• Can I lead it myself? The facts about what the law requires, and what it doesn't
• Who does what: you, the funeral director, the venue team and your readers
• A week-by-week plan, from confirming the date to the day itself
• A timed running order that fits a standard 30-minute crematorium slot
• 12 questions to gather your loved one's life story
• How to write the tribute, including a four-part structure and word counts for 3, 6 and 8 minutes
• A fill-in script builder covering the welcome, introductions and closing words
• Farewell (committal) words in non-religious and gentle faith versions
• Music, readings and a checklist of questions to ask your venue
• On the day: how to handle emotion, pace yourself and stay on time

Who it's for

• Family members or friends leading a funeral, memorial or celebration of life
• Anyone giving a eulogy who wants a clear structure
• Families arranging a direct cremation who still want a few words said

How it works

This is an instant digital download (PDF, A4). Your file is emailed to you straight after purchase. Print at home or read on screen.

Please note

• This guide gives general information for families in the UK. It is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements with your funeral director, registrar or venue.
• It is an introductory guide, not a regulated qualification.
• As this is a digital product, refunds are not available once the file has been downloaded. If you have any problem with your file, please email me and I'll help straight away.
• For personal use only. Please do not share, copy or resell.

Would you like help with the words?

Memories in Words by Claire Mountain offers personal eulogy and ceremony writing for families across the UK. Visit www.clairemountain.com or email IPChospitality@outlook.com.

With care,

Claire Mountain

IPC Celebrant Training