Information for funeral directors

If you’re a funeral director or arranger you should find all you need to know about my work here. If you have further queries please contact me.

Who am I?

Funerals have been a significant part of my work for the last 30 years, taking services of all shapes and sizes. I work with people of little or no faith, who would like their celebrant to include a prayer or scripture reading to help them come to terms with their loss. (Some celebrants are uncomfortable with any religious elements). As a key part of my practice I work with relatives and funeral directors to formulate an event that will celebrate someone’s life, reflecting their unique character and their value to the people mourning them.

I am a Baptist Minister with extensive experience of working in a widely inter-denominational context and with people of no faith. 

How do I go about it?

Each service is purpose-built around the needs of the relatives to celebrate their loved one’s life and is bespoke to that individual. Linking text, eulogies and prayers are written individually to create a service where gratitude to God can be expressed in an compassionate way, without inappropriate religious formality.

My normal practice is to spend time on a home visit with the relatives discussing their desires for the funeral. (If home isn’t convenient we’ll find another place to meet, or do it on a digital platform.) Together, we craft an order of service that will allow them to grieve and contribute their memories.

I normally give the family my personal contact details so they can be in touch at any time during the process. This aspect of support is something the mourners often appreciate and I consider to be an important part of my approach.

Aftercare

If it is appropriate I maintain light touch contact with the family after the funeral. In situations where counselling may be necessary I will connect a person to appropriate other agencies and am content to take referrals from you if my ongoing support will be beneficial.

Graphic design

I can optionally design and print leaflets for the services.

Fees

For 2025 my standard fees are

• for organising and conducting a service is £240.00
• for a ceremony of ash-scattering £55
• for graphic design of a funeral leaflet £25 + printing (obviously the printing costs vary according to media and quantity)

Transport

I usually use my own transport for visits and the funeral itself. I may make an additional charge if extensive travelling is involved (typically more than 10 miles from Churchdown, Gloucestershire).

Getting some background information

I’m aware that if we haven’t worked together before you might want to make some enquiries about me. If that’s the case I am happy to connect you to other funeral directors I’ve worked with, either locally or in other areas of the country.

Cases of hardship

If you encounter a situation of genuine financial hardship, please call me.

Something I haven’t told you?

Then please ring or e-mail me.

Ian White