Julie Farmer Forget Me Not Celebrant

13/03/2026

09/03/2026

Listening is one of the most important parts of my work as a celebrant.

When I sit down with a family, the conversation often starts quietly. People begin sharing memories, little stories, and moments that meant something to them.

Sometimes it is the small details that bring a service to life. A favourite song, a habit everyone remembers, or a story that always made the family laugh.

My job is to listen carefully and gently guide those memories into a service that truly reflects the person who has died.

Every life has a story. Often families already hold the pieces. They just need someone to help bring them together.

07/03/2026

Planning your funeral service in advance is not about focusing on death. It is about making things easier for the people you care about. By writing down your wishes and the story of your life, you give your family clarity and comfort when they need it most.

02/03/2026

Most people assume there is only one way to hold a funeral.

A church service. A cremation. A burial.

In reality, there are several different types of funeral services, and each one carries its own tone, structure and expectations.

There are traditional church services, crematorium ceremonies, direct cremations, celebrations of life, humanist services and even burial at sea. Each choice shapes the experience for the family and the people attending.

Understanding the differences removes uncertainty. It allows families to make decisions calmly rather than feeling rushed.

I have written a new article explaining the different types of funeral services and what they involve.

If you are arranging a funeral or simply want to understand your options better, you may find it helpful.

You can get a copy by linking below. I have reduced the Kindle edition to £0.99 for month of March 2026.

The Funeral Handbook – Essential Steps of Honouring Loved Ones. A Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral Service Navigating the complexities of planning a funeral can be overwhelming during a time of grief. "Honouring a Life" offers a compassionate and comprehensive guide to help you through eve.....

24/02/2026

Have you considered planning and writing your funeral service in advance?

Comment “READY” below if you’d like to know how it works.

23/02/2026

Can a funeral celebrant include The Lord’s Prayer or a Hail Mary in a crematorium service?

This is something families sometimes feel unsure about. A funeral belongs to the family. If a familiar prayer brings comfort, it can be included respectfully and professionally. Boundaries matter. Clarity matters. Most importantly, the wishes of the family matter.

I have written a new article explaining how religious elements can sit comfortably within a personal funeral service.

https://forgetmenotcelebrant.co.uk/can-a-funeral-celebrant-include-religious-prayers

Can a funeral celebrant include religious prayers? Learn how boundaries, professionalism, and family wishes shape personal funeral services.

16/02/2026

A funeral may last around 30 minutes to an hour; however, preparing for a funeral can take close to twenty hours. As a funeral celebrant, writing a funeral service involves far more than standing at a podium and reading words aloud.

When families ask what goes into writing a funeral service, they are often surprised.

• There is the first conversation.
• A long interview where stories are shared.
• Hours spent carefully shaping the tribute.
• Time reviewing drafts together.
• Checking details.
• Preparing the Order of Service.
• Working alongside the funeral director.
• And finally, delivering the service itself.

Every one of those steps matters. A funeral is more than a ceremony. It is a moment families will carry with them. As a funeral celebrant based in Oxfordshire, I believe that time and care make a service feel personal and steady on such an important day.

14/02/2026

Valentine’s Day can feel different after loss.

While many people are celebrating today, others are quietly remembering someone they love. If you have lost a partner, a husband, a wife, or someone who meant the world to you, days like this can bring a mixture of emotions. Love does not disappear when someone dies. It changes.

It moves from shared conversations to treasured memories.
From holding hands to holding onto stories.
From plans for the future to gratitude for the past.

When I sit with families, I am always reminded how strong love remains. It shows itself in small details. A favourite song. A holiday they always took. A tradition that continues because it feels right to keep it going.

Those memories matter. They are not just part of the past. They are part of the life that continues. If today feels heavy, please know you are not alone. Love does not go away. It simply finds a new way to stay with us.

14/02/2026

Valentine’s Day can feel different after loss.

While some are celebrating today, others are quietly remembering someone they love.

Love does not disappear when someone dies. It changes.

It becomes memory.
It becomes gratitude.
It becomes the stories we continue to tell.

When I sit with families, I am always reminded that love remains strong. It shows itself in small details. A favourite song. A shared joke. A tradition that still feels important to keep.

If today feels tender, know that love does not go away. It simply finds a new way to stay with us.






LoveNeverLeaves
CelebrationOfLife
HonouringLife
EndOfLifeSupport

13/02/2026

A funeral is not just a ceremony.

Many people think of a funeral as something practical. A date to arrange. A service to organise. Words that need to be written.

But when you sit with families, you quickly realise it is much more than that.

A funeral is often the first time everyone gathers after a loss. Emotions are raw. Nothing feels steady. And in that moment, the service matters more than people expect.

The structure matters.
The wording matters.
The small details matter.

When a service is written carefully and delivered with calm professionalism, something shifts. Families leave knowing their loved one has been honoured properly. They feel reassured. They feel proud. They feel that it was “right”.

That does not happen by accident. It comes from listening, preparation, and understanding how important that hour really is.

A funeral is not about performance. It is about responsibility. Responsibility to the story, and responsibility to the people left behind.

If you are arranging a funeral or planning ahead and want guidance, you are always welcome to get in touch for a confidential conversation.

12/02/2026

One of the kindest things you can do for your family is write, even a few details, about your funeral wishes. It doesn’t need to be a full plan. A favourite piece of music, the tone you’d like, or whether you prefer a simple service can make an enormous difference.

Families often tell me the hardest part of planning is not knowing what their loved one would have wanted.

A few sentences written now can lift a heavy burden later.