Coffin decorated with flowers and photo

I couldn’t attend my friend’s funeral. This is how I remembered him.

This summer marks the first death anniversary of my dear friend Christian, who died in August 2021. Covid travel restrictions were still in place and I did not attend his funeral. I was concerned that I could not say my farewells properly and felt awful about not going. However, I found meaningful ways to mourn[…]

Online funeral service led by Rosalie Kuyvenhoven, London based celebrant

Virtual funerals: honouring a life in times of COVID-19

A virtual funeral offers a meaningful alternative when a physical get-together is not possible. Rosalie Kuyvenhoven, London based celebrant, explains how a Zoom funeral works.

Supporting people with dementia: how to have a dementia-friendly funeral?

How to have a dementia-friendly funeral? In this blog, I take you on my own journey in finding out who to support bereaved people with dementia. Learn why this is important, what it involves and how you can make a positive difference. Check also my online training on this subject: It started with awareness …[…]

Beautiful ways to honour a loved one at your wedding ceremony

Meghan Markle’s wedding bouquet included forget-me-nots, Diana, Princess of Wales’, favourite flowers. Prince Harry had handpicked them. I was quite moved by this detail. A subtle, gentle, heartfelt and truly personal way for Harry and Meghan to honour Harry’s mother. How to honour a loved one at your wedding When you are getting married you[…]

The Goodbye-box: a playful way to help children grieve

Children grieve too but they do this differently than adults. Unlike adults, children have a limited ability to express their feelings, thoughts and memories verbally. Alternatively, play can be an effective and safe way for them to give messages on how they feel. Bonnie Jansen, who teaches at a primary school in the Netherlands and has[…]

Is taking children to a funeral a good idea?

“I am not sure if I should take my children to the funeral. What do you think?” Can I take my child to a funeral? It’s a question parents often ask me as a funeral celebrant. If prepared well, attending a funeral can be a healthy, healing and positive experience for children. The following feedback from a[…]

How to grieve an invisible loss: 5 rituals for miscarriage

More than one in five pregnancies in the UK ends in a miscarriage. That’s about a quarter of a million each year. And yet, pregnancy and baby loss is not often openly talked about. Many people are not sure how to respond to bereaved parents who are grieving an invisible loss. This article suggest five[…]

The future of funerals: what the UK funeral industry can learn from the Dutch

A few weeks ago, I went on a funeral field trip to The Netherlands. I was curious to learn more about the funeral practices in my home country. The Dutch are well known for the relaxed, personal and innovative way of dealing with their dead. What can de UK funeral world learn from their neighbours?[…]