Saying Goodbye
in
France
Saying goodbye to a loved one is always difficult. Whether sudden or forseen the impact of loss and the waves of grief can be overwhelming. Often this is made harder by the additional need to navigate French regulations and procedures.
As a professional English Funeral Celebrant living in France I hope to ease the process for you. Listening to your wishes, I create and deliver a unique ceremony whilst also supporting you as an additional link with the Funeral Directors.
“Mark visited us at home and his natural warmth and kindness made us feel like we were talking to a friend and his reassurances left us feeling like a weight had been lifted from our shoulders.” J S-G.
Funeral ceremonies in France are traditionally very different from the UK but don't let that constrain you from having the service you desire for your loved one. Whether it's a heartfelt goodbye or a wonderful celebration of life, with an independent celebrant led ceremony it is always possible to have your wishes realised.
How I support you
We will begin with a meeting usually at your home where we talk. I listen to your requests for the ceremony and I discover the Life Story of your loved one. The happy memories, the funny times, the life events.
We will talk about any Readings/Poems/Music you wish to include in the service and whether you would like me to write and/or deliver the Eulogy. With an independent celebrant led ceremony anything is possible so we can add traditional or religious elements if you would like, but we don't have to be bound by traditional constraints. My job is to listen to your wishes and create a deeply personal ceremony to suit.
After our meeting and having discovered your wishes for the ceremony, I put pen to paper and compose a bespoke and loving ceremony fitting your requirements.
I always start with a blank page...every life is unique and deserves a unique ceremony. Never copied, always bespoke.
“I cannot recommend Mark highly enough. I was persuaded it would be better to use Mark's services as a Celebrant. Best decision I ever made.” C.M.
We will stay in contact and I will support you in the days leading up to the ceremony. I will liaise with the Funeral Director and Crematorium to ensure all the logistics for the ceremony are in order and that nothing has got 'lost in translation'.
On the day of the Ceremony my support continues and I will be there to officiate the ceremony at the venue, liaise with venue staff and ensure everything runs smoothly.
You can discover more on my testimonials page ...
Services and Fees
Full Funeral Ceremony including home visit, unlimited contact, liaising with Funeral Directors and Funeral venue, writing and delivering a bespoke ceremony and Eulogy. Live webcast of the ceremony, if requested, and design of the Order of Service**
€380*
Full Memorial Ceremony including home visit, liasing with memorial venue and contributors, writing and delivering a bespoke ceremony and Eulogy (if required)
From €380*
*Travel is included for all home visits within 50km of Monsegur 33580 and is included for ceremonies at the following Crematoria: Bergerac, Montusson, Merignac, Tonniens & Crematorium du Grand Villeneuvois. Other funeral/memorial venues and home visits are subject to additional travel costs to be agreed in advance.
**printing costs are additional
Useful Links
These are some useful links which I hope will help you find information about funerals and procedures when a loved one dies in France