Pre-Written Funerals and Life Stories. Let's Have an Obligation-Free Chat About Your Last Wishes and I Can Answer Your Questions.

"As society becomes more open to discussing death and dying, many consider having a pre-written  Funeral Ceremony or life story (eulogy). This important representation of your life captures all the beautiful milestones, memories, and details so your family doesn't have to worry about it during a difficult time. It's a thoughtful and proactive way to ensure your story is told just as you'd like it to be"

Pre-Written Funeral Ceremony from $399*

Many of us are now openly embracing and discussing death and dying, and I have more and more enquiries from people who want to have a complete pre-written funeral ceremony or life story (eulogy) 

​They may be facing a life-limiting diagnosis or want to have input into their ceremony.
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Photo with thanks from Agnes Grace Photography.

It can be pretty cathartic to pre-plan your funeral ceremony. It gives you peace of mind and the comfort that your family won't have to guess your intentions or recall specifics about your life, during a trying and emotional period.
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Knowing that the ceremony part is sorted will enable them to concentrate on practical matters.

If you've thought about pre-planning your funeral ceremony but don't know where to start, or you may already have some thoughts but would like advice - let's connect   Contact

I can create a ceremony that reflects your tastes and personality, as you would like and pool your ideas, memories, and thoughts together. ​​​ 

What is a Pre-Written Funeral Ceremony?

​You will have the ceremony ready in your files for when it is needed.

​A pre-written ceremony is the WHOLE funeral or memorial ceremony written that either myself, another celebrant, or a family member can deliver at a funeral or memorial.

​This means you will have the ceremony ready in your files when needed.

​Many funeral homes offer Pre-Funeral Planning, which is different as it covers your funeral arrangement preferences; your family will still have to organise the CONTENT of the ceremony. 

How Does It Work?

There are Six Simple Steps
I can talk to you and if you choose, you can have your spouse, friend or close family with you. 

​I have outlined as much as possible here (including costs) for you to consider.

Step One: Your Last Wishes Chat 
We can meet in person or over Zoom for an obligation-free chat. You can come to my private office, or I can travel to your home, hospital or hospice. * If out of Timaru there is a travel charge

​Step Two: Your Last Wishes and Ceremony Details 
If you decide to proceed, we'll discuss the kind of ceremony you have in mind. I will get all the essential personal details of your life story. ( Often called a Eulogy)

As well as your life story, we can also discuss what to add to the ceremony:

• Theme or colour for the ceremonial space
• Location preferences 
• Photo show
• Video tribute from yourself or others
• A favourite poem or reading (and if you wish to a particular person to read it)
• Music for entrance, photo show, exit
• Reflection | Silent time
• Candle lighting or other enactments
• Family tributes - we can incorporate tributes or anecdotes from loved ones who want to share their recollections
• Scheduled speakers - people who you want to speak at the ceremony 
• Open floor 
• Any religious components like a prayer or hymns
• Live singer, organist, bagpipes

You don't need to know exactly what you want for these details, but I can put down any preference you do (or don't) want in the ceremony for your family and the funeral director to sort. 

Please allow minimum of 90 minutes for this meeting.

Step Three: Crafting Your Ceremony
I'll write up the funeral service ceremony after our meeting, and then we'll get together again to review it and make any required adjustments. 

We can meet in person and connect over Zoom; I can send you an audio or via google docs.

​Step Four: Completed Ceremony and Invoice
When everything is as you want, you'll get a written copy to give to your family and funeral director (if you wish). You may also include it with your will. 

Please Note: You will be sent an invoice of $399* for the ceremony which is due within three days of issue via bank deposit. Your invoice does not include me officiating at your service,  it is for the written ceremony only.

Photographer: Claudia Pyke Photography

Step Five: Officiating at Your Funeral or Memorial Service
We do not know when we will take our last breath, but you'll have peace of mind knowing that a complete ceremony with a detailed run sheet for a funeral director is already prepared. Your family won't have to bear the burden of organising the ceremony during a stressful time.

I've written ceremonies that were only needed two years later. I've also read out the final ceremony and got their approval, only to have them pass away the next day. It's a reminder of the unpredictability of life but also the importance of being prepared.

When the time comes, I would be honoured to be the celebrant at your service.
There would only be a $99 fee  for me as the celebrant ( This fee is not included in the pre-writing invoice). Note: There may be a petrol surcharge if the ceremony is out of Timaru. I would invoice your family or funeral director.

If I am unavailable, your family can select another celebrant or friend to read the ceremony. (Your family are responsible for any fees a celebrant may charge.)

I have a few wonderful funeral colleagues I can recommend if I am not available.

You Can Have Peace of Mind

Step Six: Peace of Mind
For many, the act of pre-planning their funeral ceremony is a fulfilling experience that provides comfort and peace of mind, knowing they've eased the burden on their loved ones.

I'm here to support you in planning a ceremony that truly encapsulates your life and represents you authentically.

Let's sit down for a chat over a cuppa, and you can share your last wishes with me. Connect with me.  

*Price correct at time of printing and subject to change