Sarah Burley Celebrant

12/10/2025

Following my previous post, it was such a privilege to be a part of this big and joyful memorial service, where so many friends and neighbours were able to celebrate the life of their friend, having led an intimate funeral service a few months ago.

11/10/2025

2 minute read:
I’ve had a few conversations this week about planning for funerals and sensed that the wonderful people I was speaking with were a little surprised by the reactions of their friends and family.
In two cases, the ‘surprise’ related to the fact that so many of their loved ones might really want to attend a funeral.
In both cases, the people I spoke with thought that they’d “save everyone the fuss.” They had assumed that nobody would want to attend a funeral service. But it turns out that they really do.
I completely understand that when the church or matters of faith are not a factor, a traditional funeral service in a crematorium might not be the place you want loved ones to gather, but these days, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Funeral services can be really personal and can be held anywhere! (In fact, today I’m off to help out at a memorial held at the local sailing club, on a floating pontoon.)
The most important factor is in allowing loved ones to attend some type of event together, where they can share memories and say goodbye.
If you’re making plans for your funeral (perhaps while writing your will or perhaps after seeing an ad on the telly) please don’t formalise anything without stopping for a moment to ask the people you care for, what matters to them.
And then make sure your ‘estate’ will allow for that. If you choose to go ‘direct’ they may feel you’ve denied them their right to remember.
You will definitely not be saving them grief, or money. (If you don’t plan for more than a swift and unattended removal, then your estate won’t pay for them to have ‘whatever they want to do later’)
If you choose not to plan for a funeral, then someone else will pay…. Perhaps with a memorial from their own pockets, but perhaps also with hurt, heartbreak and with a feeling that you left without saying goodbye. And maybe you think that will be easier when the time comes. The chances are, if you have loved ones, it won’t.
Talk about what you want. But importantly always talk to your loved ones about what they would want when the time comes. And then plan for that.
Let’s hope it’s a long way into the future. We are not promised tomorrow, but today is a gift!

03/10/2025

Today a fellow musician died. Together we had played music, debated matters of the world and theology, had late night Facebook discussions about cancer, politics, life, death and faith. In the last few days he had to face his own mortality. I know it was not easy.
These words are for you Paul.

And Rest, by Anthea Balham

There is a moment
In musical rehearsal
When all the players
The choir
The woodwind and brass
The strings and percussion
The entire orchestra
Stops
And there is peace

The conductor says two words
‘And rest’
Voices cease to sing
The woodwind put down oboes and clarinets
The brass lay down trumpets and trombones
Others do the same
Because the music is over
There is no audience
There is no applause
In that moment
Quietness reigns
Yet the quiet that follows
Remains harmonious

There is a certain silence
A space
For reflection and repose
The music is remembered
And so we contemplate
The highs
The lows
The passage of melody
Sometimes we feel sad
Because the chords
Have drifted away
Finished
Completed

Some will feel loss
Others experience relief
And others deep sadness
Together
We share
That moment of closure
When the conductor
Says
‘And rest.’

30/09/2025

What a lovely idea. Pick your favourite park.

Help life flourish in their memory

28/09/2025

27/09/2025

If you’re planning to celebrate the life of a loved one, this is a perfect place to do so.
And if you want someone to curate a beautiful service of celebration, joy and reflection, please just ask.
Let me tell their story.
P.S. Their catering is beautiful too!

20/09/2025

She said “If you see something that glitters, that’s me.”
What a perfect moment to see the sparkle on the water after a beautiful and joyous memorial service for a young woman who died far too young.

20/09/2025

If someone you know has been bereaved in recent years, maybe today is a good day to touch base with them…

People often tell us that support from others starts to fade away after the funeral. In fact, when someone close dies, the grief may only just be starting...

There are lots of ways you can continue to support someone, visit https://ow.ly/ijyP50WUn5i

12/09/2025

If you’re planning your wedding for 2026-27, why not come along for a chat and discuss how a celebrant led wedding can create a whole variety of options for the perfect day.

10/09/2025

Planning your wedding or just 'wedding curious'?! Come along and see how you can create the perfect occasion, designed for you, by you, and alongside wonderful suppliers. Ask me about celebrant led ceremonies and all your different options.

04/09/2025

I saw this on my other feed and realised that it probably explains one of the most important parts of my job, in one simple word.
When I meet people on their worst day, it’s not about what they say, but often what they cannot articulate.