Living Eulogy or tribute,

living funerals & funeral wishes

When someone is moving towards the end of their life, they often think about financially planning for their own funeral to save their family and friends the cost. It can also bring peace of mind.

In the same way, it is now more common for people to want to talk to a professional about their funeral wishes and have them recorded as they feel unable to talk about this sensitive subject with their next-of-kin. Research suggests that family and friends get comfort organising a funeral where they know clearly the wishes of the person who has died.

What is a “Living eulogy or Tribute”?

Rather than a tribute being collated and a eulogy written after someone has died (which of course the deceased never hears), a “Living Tribute” or “Living Eulogy” is co-created with the person who considers themselves moving towards the end of their life. Members of their family and friends can get involved so that the tribute can be read and appreciated with them before the person dies.

What is the cost & what do I get?

This “Living Tribute/Eulogy” service includes up to 1 hour meeting with you to hear your life story as you would like it to be told and what your wishes are for your funeral service in terms of music and readings. The eulogy and funeral service will then be written and checked with you. You will get 2 copies of the funeral service, one to keep with your last will and testament, the other to hand to your next-of-kin.

If I am then appointed to be your celebrant at your funeral, with the funeral already written, it will only be an additional £115 for your estate to pay to deliver the service on the day of your funeral.

• Normal Cost of Funeral Celebrant fee including writing a tribute/eulogy after someone has died = £230

• Cost of of writing a “Living Tribute/eulogy” before someone has died = £115

• Cost of delivering a Funeral Service once the tribute/eulogy has already been written = £115

  These prices are up-to-date for 2024 and are subject to change annually.

What is a “Living Funeral”?

A “Living Funeral” is a celebration of a person’s life whilst they are still alive. It is an event that commonly takes place when someone has a terminal illness and wants to celebrate their life with friends and family rather than waiting until they are dead. Funeral Directors do not normally get involved with “Living Funerals” so instead, clients directly get in touch with a Funeral Celebrant to help plan the event. As well as music, poems and tributes, there is normally a “living wake” where the person who is dying can enjoy the celebration as well as their loved ones.

David can help organise the event or alternatively can simply officiate over the proceedings.

People who request a “Living Funeral” often say that if their friends and family are going to say lots of lovely things about them at their funeral, they would rather it be said to them whilst they are still alive, can hear them and appreciate the love that surrounds them.

Celebrant fees will vary depending upon how much time, organisation, planning and involvement you David to do.

Please contact him directly to discuss your thoughts and ideas and he can give you a quotation.