Funeral Celebrant

Some celebrants are introduced to families by a funeral director, others are approached directly. Marisa is completely independent and fully respect people of all faiths and those with none. As a celebrant, there are few limitations on what can be included. Therefore, all your wishes & requirements can be incorporated in the tone of the event; be it semi-religious, this can include hymns, prayers and readings- or non-religious; sometimes known as Humanist, or spiritual, nature-based spirituality, for example, Pagan, Goddess or Elemental. Marisa follows nature-based spiritual paths herself from her many different teachings gained,  so she can create a ceremony that honours the spiritual path of your loved one.

The death of a loved one, whether it is expected or not, is an emotional time and the funeral is our chance to celebrate the life of an individual, a chance to share our memories of their life, to remember them, and to say goodbye.

Today people want a more personal and individual funeral which reflects the life values and beliefs of the individual who has died, and in today’s modern, increasingly secular and multi-faith society, there is a multitude of beliefs; many people describe themselves as spiritual but not religious, religious, semi-religious or atheist.

Marisa usually starts by meeting with the family, or close friends, and will sit down with you in your own home to discuss your requirements, and together will talk about the person who has died.

Each ceremony is written specifically for your loved one. Marisa will do as much or as little as you want or need her to do, some families only need help to pull together their ideas and Marisa acts as a facilitator on the day of the funeral, others prefer Marisa to write and present the whole tribute.

Marisa will work closely with you to create a ritual which the individual would have wanted and which will provide solace to those who are grieving.  Each ceremony created is a bespoke tribute, written respectfully and with honour.  She will try to find the right emotional mood which fits what the mourners deem appropriate: whether that is dignified, sombre, humorous, positive, or uplifting.

You may want to choose some words, readings or poems that will be read by family and friends, Marisa can help and guide you through this process. After this meeting, she will write a bespoke service for the funeral. You will receive a draft of the service beforehand, for your final approval.

Marisa offers a service that honours the individual who has died by celebrating their life and legacy, creating a eulogy to remember them and to say farewell.

She is a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants UK and adheres to their code of ethics and code of practice.

Charges

Unless there is a lot of travelling involved or a very complex amount of material or organisation to work with,  Marisa will usually cost between £300 and £330 including travel.

Testimonials:

Dear Marisa “.. thank you so much for holding the space so sensitively and humbly at our dad’s funeral. Your presence was so holding and the words you gave were perfect and created a beautiful spirit at the funeral. We couldn’t have hoped for a more fitting ceremony. Thank you from deep in our hearts. With much gratitude”  Morwena Lewis and family.

“Marisa Picardo recently officiated at the funeral of a very dear friend of ours and we have nothing but praise and thanks. We wanted to have an unconventional service for an unconventional person and Marisa interpreted our wishes perfectly. At times it was as if she as speaking from the heart to somebody she personally knew, and the whole procedure was exactly right for the person in question. Many of the people in the congregation were neither alternative nor spiritual, but even so several of these commented afterwards that the service was far more moving and heartfelt than a standard service. We are truly grateful to her”.

Jan Smith and Peter Collins

“I witnessed Marisa conducting a  funeral ceremony today. I was so impressed by the gentle and beautiful way she held those attending, and how honouring she was of the woman who had passed. I gained a real sense of the essence of a life well lived. Marisa was warm and encouraging to all those who took part, and her calling in of the four elements was a very moving and thought provoking experience.  I heard the Funeral Director describe the funeral afterwards as ‘very spiritual’ and I couldn’t have agreed more!”  Lorraine

“For me, the best kind of funeral is respectful, of course, even solemn where appropriate, but which also conveys some of the joy of having known the person who has died, of having shared in their triumphs and sorrows alike.  The best kind of funeral remembers the whole person, through both tears and smiles. I attended a funeral recently where Marisa was the celebrant, and am grateful and happy to say that she managed all of the above.  Thank you!” GC