Paula Clements Celebrant

23/12/2025

“When robins appear, loved ones are near.” Christmas is a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one. The robin is a bird we associate with the festive period. It is also a symbol of hope and love. When they see a robin, some bereaved people believe the robin is their loved one paying them a visit. To others, it is a sign that their loved one is at peace.


Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash

18/12/2025

In my spare time I am an avid reader. I always have a book on the go. I enjoy the escapism of fiction or reading about real life experiences. One of the most interesting and inspirational books I have read is Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming. Her life story to becoming the First Lady was interesting and uplifting, and I was fascinated by the insights into life in the White House.
Do you have a favourite book, or one that inspired you?

11/12/2025

Wanting something unusual at a funeral service doesn’t mean it’s impossible. One of the things I love about my job as a funeral celebrant is helping families achieve the farewell they want for their loved one. At a recent service we had a Morris dance coffin procession complete with bells and hankies.

04/12/2025

As a funeral celebrant it is such a privilege to help create and deliver a fitting farewell. Sarah’s lovely message of thanks shows how well a celebration of life ceremony can work in achieving the right farewell for a loved one.

27/11/2025

Watts Gallery at Compton near Guildford was an amazing venue for a Celebration of Life ceremony. I had helped the deceased pre-plan the ceremony in early 2023. Knowing it was exactly what he wanted made it extra poignant and such an honour to be part of.

21/11/2025

Today is Funeral Celebrant Day.
This year’s theme is Ask a Funeral Celebrant.
Not many of us know all the ins and outs of planning a funeral so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Creating a meaningful farewell for your loved one starts from knowing your choices.
Do you have a question? Please pop it in the comment box and I’ll be happy to answer.
You can visit my website www.paulaclementscelebrant.co.uk where my blogs and FAQs may be of help.

10/11/2025

It’s World Celebrants Week. Let’s give a big hand to all the wonderful celebrants around the world who have the passion and drive to ensure that every ceremony they deliver is personal and perfect for the occasion.
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31/10/2025

When people who have lost their loved ones come together to remember them it is very special.

Gathering together to remember loved ones.

Brian and his family come to our Light up a Life service every year, to remember his dad Peter, sister Janet, and father-in-law Ken.

“We all come from wherever we’ve been that day and meet up there. We look forward to going; it's a lovely way to remember someone. It’s nice to look for the names being projected up, that’s quite special.”

This year's service will be held inside Guildford Cathedral on Sunday 7th December at 7.45pm. To make a dedication in memory of a loved one, visit www.pth.org.uk/lual2025 Their name will be projected onto Guildford Cathedral after the service, printed in the Order of Service booklet, and added to our virtual night sky.

28/10/2025

The Power of Poetry
The careful selection of a poem for a funeral can be very meaningful. This short poem gives such a positive message.

Afterglow by Helen Lowrie Marshall
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times, and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.
I’d like tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave, when life is done.

17/10/2025

As direct cremations become more popular how can family and friends say that important "farewell" to their loved one?
Here are 3 ideas:
Have a Memorial or Celebration of Life Ceremony;
Have an informal get together perhaps at home or somewhere with special meaning;
Plant some seeds or flowers in a special place.

08/10/2025

I got to know a wonderful 97 year old gentleman when I helped him and his step-daughter pre-plan his celebration of life ceremony. I was sad to hear that he recently died. However, there is joy in knowing that every part of the ceremony will be what he wanted. RIP.

01/10/2025

Funeral hymns?