Melissa Jane Ceremonies

29/04/2025

Being a self-employed funeral celebrant can be difficult at times when trying to maintain a work/life balance.

However, on admin days like these, the balance seems pretty perfect!

14/04/2025

This Wednesday evening I shall be joining a panel of other funeral professionals to answer questions from the public at the event 'With the end in mind' in Ely.

I’m delighted to share that Melissa Jane Ceremonies will be one of the speakers at our ‘With The End In Mind’ Q&A Evening Event … which is happening this Wednesday!

Melissa who works as a funeral celebrant also has many years experience working within the funeral world so I am sure she’ll
have so much knowledge to share with us ❤️

With Ely Funeral Service , Elizabeths florist and Fenland Crematorium

22/03/2025

Whether you embrace tradition or celebrate individuality, there are so many beautiful ways to say a final goodbye to a loved one.

Today's service was unique for a lady who loved leopard print. The chapel was filled with bold and vibrant animal prints—even her coffin reflected her signature style. To honour her love of horses, a stunning horse-drawn carriage carried her on her final journey.

I couldn’t resist getting into the spirit of the day, wearing a leopard print skirt in her memory. It was a powerful reminder that funerals can be as colourful and personal as the lives they celebrate.

22/03/2025

Receiving messages like this means the world to me—it reminds me why I do what I do.
Thank you to this wonderful family for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful farewell. 🌿✨

13/03/2025

There are times in my work that remind me just how deep and delicate the role of a funeral celebrant can be. Today, I was asked to lead a service for a family facing unimaginable loss—one of many occasions where I have been entrusted with the most sensitive and difficult of goodbyes.

Over the last 5 years, I have been honoured to stand beside families grieving tragic losses, including the loss of children, those who left this world too soon, and those whose passing was sudden or unexpected. Each time, I am reminded of the immense trust placed in me to bring comfort, to find the right words when none seem enough, and to hold space for love, grief, and remembrance.

To the funeral directors and their staff who seek me out for these services, and to the families who allow me into their lives at their most vulnerable moments—thank you. It is a privilege I never take lightly.💙

08/03/2025

What Does a Funeral Celebrant Do? ✨

When we lose someone we love, we want to say goodbye in a way that truly reflects them. That’s where I come in.

As a funeral celebrant, my role is to create and lead a service that is personal, meaningful, and respectful of the family’s wishes. Whether it's non-religious, includes spiritual elements, or blends different beliefs, I ensure it feels right.

💬 I spend time with families, listening to stories and memories, so I can create a service that captures the essence of the person they’ve lost. 📖 I write and deliver a eulogy (or support a loved one in doing so), help choose readings or music, and guide everyone through the service with warmth and care.

🌿 A funeral should be more than just saying goodbye—it should be a moment to celebrate a life, share memories, and find comfort together. If you ever need someone to help honour a loved one in a way that feels right for you, I’m here to help. 💛

08/02/2025

✨ A Week of Gratitude and Personal Requests ✨

This week has been one to remember. I’m feeling moved by the personal requests I've received from families who have trusted me with their loved ones' services.

It started with a gentleman approaching me after one of my services, telling me how lovely he thought the ceremony was and that he’d like me to take his when the time comes. Such an unexpected and heartfelt compliment!

Then, a funeral director I haven't worked with in a while reached out because a family I had previously worked with specifically asked for me again. Then, a request from one of my regular funeral directors followed, as someone who had attended a recent service I led also asked for me.

The week finished on a special note when I traveled to London to take a service for friends of my family. They were so pleased with the funeral I did for their uncle last month that they asked me to take their mum’s service too. And just as I was on my way home, a friend reached out asking me to take her dad's funeral in a few weeks.

It’s incredibly humbling to be chosen by so many families, and I’m so grateful to be able to support them during such personal times. 🙏

31/01/2025

Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. Knowing I've provided even a small measure of comfort during such a heartbreaking loss is truly rewarding. It's so nice to receive beautiful feedback 🥰

30/01/2025

Being a funeral celebrant is such a rewarding and meaningful role. I feel incredibly privileged to help families celebrate the lives of their loved ones, particularly during some of their most challenging times.

Of course, there are moments that are especially difficult, such as when I'm asked to lead services for children or babies. These moments can be deeply emotional, and they remind me just how precious and fragile life is.

It's in these moments that I'm reminded how important it is to prioritise self-care - both for myself and anyone in a role like mine. Taking time to recharge ensures that I can continue to offer the compassion and support these families truly deserve.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve these families, and for the reminder that caring for ourselves helps us care for others.

24/12/2024

🎄As the year draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the funeral directors who have trusted me to support families during their most challenging times.

To each family I've had the privilege of serving this year, thank you for allowing me to honour your loved ones.

Wishing you all a peaceful and comforting Christmas filled with cherished memories and moments of joy. 🌟

11/12/2024

Recently, I had the privilege of leading a beautiful internment of ashes for a vibrant lady who was so deeply liked and loved by many. It was a true celebration of her life, held outdoors in the presence of her family, friends and even some of their beloved dogs 🐾

With a heartfelt reading from her sister, music that reflected her personality, and a joyous sing along to Fairytale of New York, it was a touching and memorable tribute. 💖

This service was a reminder that funerals and celebrations of life don't always have to follow the traditional path. Sometimes, they take place in separate settings, allowing families to create moments that truly reflect their loved one's spirit.

If you're looking for a way to make your farewell as unique as the person you're honouring, I'm here to help. 🌿