Firstly, when you get in touch we will have an initial phone call, this usually takes 10–15 minutes.
During this call I'll ask a number of questions about your loved one, your family, and what you would like out of the service. Of course, you can ask me to help you understand anything you're not sure about. During this call we also need to make sure some of the practicalities are covered - for example whether our timings can work together and to make sure you're happy with the fee I charge*.
Next, usually the same day, I will send you by email some more information to read. If, after reflecting, you feel I'm the right person to help celebrate your loved one's life, simply let me know and we'll arrange a time to meet.
There's absolutely no pressure or obligation - I want you to feel completely comfortable that you've found the right celebrant for your family.
If you're happy to move forward with me as your chosen celebrant, then next we will have a meeting, ideally face to face or via video call if it's not practical to meet in person.
Once we've arranged our planning meeting, I'll reserve time exclusively for your family and begin preparing your ceremony. If you decide to cancel after our meeting, I may charge a fee to cover work already completed.
During our meeting I will capture the stories and and detail about your loved one that you would like me to speak about at the ceremony. I record our meeting using an app on my 'phone, so that I can give you 100% of my attention. The recording of our conversation is deleted after the ceremony, but can be shared with you if you wish.
Next I will conduct the ceremony, and provide you with a keepsake copy afterwards.
***
I can also offer some guidance about music or other elements of the ceremony that you may like to think about to give you and your wider family and friends a special experience when farewelling your loved one.
Throughout the process I will liaise with the funeral director to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.
***
$765.00 +GST ($879.75 total) for services delivered in Christchurch City and the nearby surrounding areas. For Canterbury there is a travel fee that we can negotiate depending on the location. This is invoiced either via the funeral director or by me directly. My payment terms are 7 days from date of invoice.
***
Every family is invited, if they wish, to contribute an additional amount towards helping another family who might otherwise be unable to access a personalised celebration of life. There is absolutely no expectation to do so, but I want you to know this option exists.
Where I receive referrals from funeral directors, social workers and other community organisations supporting families experiencing financial hardship, these these contributions allow me to reduce my fee or provide my services at no cost.
Contributions are held in a separate bank account and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to those referred as described above.
It is a simple way for one family to help another, because every life deserves to be honoured with dignity, care and respect.