“We had an ashes centred memorial ceremony for my father based on an idea presented on Doug ‘s webpage. This gave us control over the timing, venue and format of the ceremony. The event was a great success and Doug did an exceptional job throughout: from his first meeting with the family, the format and… Continue reading He had a “direct cremation” – so now what?
Author: douglas.duckworth
I would just like to say a great big thank you
I would just like to say a great big thank you for such a beautiful service you delivered. Everyone commented how brilliant it was. It was so personal and made the day special. Even ‘Grumpy J’ would have enjoyed it. Thank you once again.
How to get the only funeral plan you’ll ever need and it will cost you nothing
I led a funeral last week at which the message in the picture was read out as family and friends said “farewell” to Bikkar. Then at the end of the ceremony I handed out printed A5 cards with the same message as a memento. Bikkar dictated this message to his wife a few years ago when they… Continue reading How to get the only funeral plan you’ll ever need and it will cost you nothing
Are funeral celebrants good value for money?
The honest answer is “it depends” – most tend to charge a similar fee but there are huge variations in quality and it pays to shop around. Most funerals and memorials are led by a celebrant (sometimes called an “officiant”), though there is nothing to stop you doing it yourself or asking a friend or… Continue reading Are funeral celebrants good value for money?
“Doug created the most beautiful ceremony.”
Doug created the most beautiful ceremony. The guests still say one year later how amazing the whole wedding ritual was 🖤 thanks Doug! …
“… we couldn’t have asked for anymore.”
Doug was recommended to my family to be the humanist for my mother’s funeral. To say he really helped is an understatement, he understood everyone’s emotions and gathered all the information together perfectly for the service . The service went smoothly and we couldn’t have asked for anymore.
“Top class”
… Sadly my dad passed this year, so the arrangements were exactly the same. … This time the arrangements involved more family members, … so … gathering information was time consuming. … As per my mum’s funeral, Doug delivered a good service for my dad. Top class 👍
UK couple looking to wed in Italy?
Should you opt for a symbolic or a legal civil Italian wedding? For me, as a celebrant experienced in translating at Italian civil ceremonies and leading symbolic weddings it’s a no brainer … The answer is definitely “go for a symbolic wedding in Italy and have a statutory (two plus two) legal wedding in the… Continue reading UK couple looking to wed in Italy?
What time of day for a Summer wedding in Italy?
As a celebrant who lived in Italy for fifteen years and who regularly leads weddings there, I have worked with so many couples whose instinct is to go for 1-3 pm as they might in the UK. In Italy the Summer heat can be savage, especially in the South, and if you must do it… Continue reading What time of day for a Summer wedding in Italy?
You have a right to get legally married for £56
In 1954 my mum and dad got married for a few pounds. Getting married at a Register Office on a shoestring is an honourable working-class tradition which you can still do for £56. It’s called a “statutory ceremony”. But, surprise, surprise, it’s not quite that easy. Here’s the catch…