Caroline James, Farewells & Funerals

07/08/2025

I was delighted to receive my 60th 5 Star Google Review today! So thrilled in fact, that I am posting about it here, alongside a professional photograph of yours truly. It was taken just after the Celebration of Life/ Memorial Service held last Saturday at the inimitable Chichester Yacht Club overlooking the marina. I was able to utilise much of my precious event managing experience for this memorial, sourcing suppliers and then officiating - such a rewarding day. So here is a copy of the review.
“Caroline was instrumental with putting together a beautiful memorial service at Chichester Yacht Club. She managed to liaise with us and keep us updated of every detail even though we were on another continent. Caroline took over the organisation on our behalf and we couldn’t have been happier on the day. The flowers were spectacular, the room itself looked so calm and beautiful and the eulogy depicted exactly the great man our late brother was. Thank you for your amazing professionalism at all times, we appreciate the effort you put into this memorable occasion.”

31/07/2025

This post did make me laugh - and don’t forget to check out the comments!

23/05/2025

I very much agree with this but I also feel it’s vital to leave behind a blueprint to act as a guide. It’s so tough for those who are left behind and grieving to make some of the fast decisions required. Why not give them a helping hand? My ‘Wave Me Goodbye’ form continues to prove very popular. More info and download available on my website at carolinejamesfunerals.com

Funeral plans.

We’re not great fans of the one person who definitely won’t be there organising an event for others to participate in…

We believe funerals are for the living.

We understand why so many people feel they should get their funeral organised and paid for, we really do.

Advertising is extremely powerful, and the subliminal pressure to do ‘the right thing’ and sort out your funeral in advance has almost become part of our accepted culture. But who does this actually benefit?

Obviously, for some people, in some circumstances, pre-arranging their own funeral, deciding in advance what will happen after they die might be the right thing to do, but mostly we think funerals would be vastly improved if they were the creations and expressions of the love and loss of the living, not a result of a choice of a carefully curated package of pre-paid plan options decided by the person in the coffin.

The wise undertaker and author agrees.

28/01/2025

Personally, whenever I am looking for a product or a service, I always search Google reviews which are found on Google Maps. In my experience, these reviews are the most dependable sources of recommendation out there. This week I received my 50TH FIVE-STAR GOOGLE REVIEW for farewell services I have provided over the past few years. As you can imagine, I was delighted. Link in bio.

24/01/2025

Whenever I take a service, I am struck by the importance of telling your loved ones just that - don’t put it off. ❤️

15/01/2025

This post is courtesy of my friends nearby at The Meadows Pet Crematorium. I can personally recommend their top level of service and support

08/01/2025

People find me in all sorts of way. Some look on Google for a celebrant with consistent 5* independent reviews. Some ask their friends for recommendations while some have attended my ceremonies before, often years ago. Others are recommended by local funerals directors who have worked with me to provide the highest possible standards. However my families come to me, I am always pleased to give them my best.

13/12/2024

Bedecked in my Christmas jumper, clutching my coffee and looking very excited, today found me giving a presentation on the importance of sharing our funeral service choices with our loved ones; no unwelcome surprises please, once we’ve gone! Thanks to the team at the stunning Wellington Grange Residential & Care Home in Chichester for inviting me to speak today …..and for the terrific bacon rolls!! Let me know if you would like me to speak at your event.

01/12/2024

Here’s a ‘shout out’ for my favourite celebrant, . Five years ago, almost to the week, we trained together with and became firm friends.
This week won an incredible award - Winner of the category for the Southwest Celebrant of 2025! A remarkable achievement and appropriate accolade for the passion and love she pours into her creative ceremonies, I couldn’t be more proud of her.
Based in beautiful Lyme Regis in Dorset, (but she’s travelled for weddings as far as France and beyond!) I know that Juliette’s wedding creativity and sparkle truly deserve this recognition. I highly recommend you follow her and definitely bear her in mind for your upcoming wedding and vow renewal ceremonies!
I look forward to celebrating in style with my pal soon! Congratulations, fabulous Juliette ♥️ 🥂 🥳 and a big thanks to where it all began!

08/11/2024

Wave Me Goodbye - make it your very own simple funeral wishes form

My new funeral wishes form is proving very popular for its ease, simplicity and reasonable cost. You can download it, fill it in with a pen no less….or simply save it and fill it in online! Just remember to tell your loved ones where you have stored it, (keeping it with your Will is a good plan.) They will be so grateful when it’s needed.