Living Ceremonies
The Celebrant by Your Side™
Some people receive the news that their time is limited, and they often have the wish to organise a Living Ceremony.
It can be a very moving, personal, and emotional ceremony to which you invite those closest to your heart. Family and friends gather to celebrate you, your life, love, passions, and joys, while also giving you a place to acknowledge the gift that those present have been in Your life.
I'm Sue Anne, The Celebrant by Your Side
Based in Fethard, Co. Tipperary I am a Holistic Funeral and Family Celebrant. I travel the country offering alternative ceremonies to celebrate you, your life, your loved ones, your life’s milestones.
Every ceremony is unique, written and delivered with respect, compassion and kindness, always ensuring your specific wishes are followed.
As The Celebrant By Your Side you are not alone, I am here to help, plan and support you every step of the way.
"It’s true, my song may be ending, but I believe the melody will live on, remember to cherish the magical moments we shared."
Why choose a Living Ceremony?
I believe in the importance of honouring life, of offering gratitude for the gifts in our lives, of telling those we love that we love them. This is what happens at a living ceremony: you celebrate the gifts life brought to you, achievements that mattered to you. This could be a big award, it could be becoming a parent, or anything you are proud of.
civil ceremony is full of emotions as you share memories precious to your heart with those you love. It may sound strange to say that this can be an incredibly happy event too. It is love-filled and for many people offers closure and peace, as those present have time and space to say goodbye, to give thanks for a friendship shared. It is a life celebration and can
include anything you want, music, poems, or people reciting their own chosen poem that reminds them of you.
Although holistic ceremonies are generally non-religious, you can include spiritual or religious aspects if this is something that is important to you. And if at any stage during the ceremony you or someone involved suddenly feels they cannot say their piece, I am here to step in, to support, to be beside you.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.”
— Rumi
Where can my ceremony take place?
Living Ceremonies can be held in Your home, the home of a friend, by your Hospital bedside/Hospital Chapel (with hospital permission) or in any place of significance.
The reality is there are no rules as to how the ceremony will be, it is Your time and space, following your instructions. Some people like to include ‘remembrance’ elements in their ceremony. This could mean planting a tree, or giving cuttings of their favourite plant to those present, while others may ask someone to adopt their dog/cat so that they know their pet will be cared for when they are gone.
Ceremony Preparation
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We'll arrange to talk in person, by phone, or Zoom to gather a sense of you, of those you would like honoured as part of the ceremony. Maybe you have a specific theme in mind and the ceremony will reflect this.
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I'll write the initial draft of your ceremony, send it to you, and together we make final adjustments.
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I will speak with any family or friends who have a role in the ceremony, helping them prepare for their role in the ceremony.
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I will arrive 50/60 minutes prior to your celebration and be on hand to answer any questions which might arise from those involved in aspects of your ceremony and to welcome your guests with you on the day.
Please feel free to contact me directly to discuss and plan your personal Living Ceremony.