Let’s be honest: funerals are usually a bit of a raw deal for the guest of honour – the deceased. Everyone gathers to share brilliant stories, toast their achievements, eat cake and curly-edged sandwiches, and tell the world what a legend they were. But the only ones who don’t get to hear a word of it are the deceased. Doesn’t that seem like a bit of a missed opportunity?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Isabel, that sounds a bit morbid.” But bear with me. A living funeral isn’t about dwelling on the end; it’s about celebrating in the here and now. It’s a chance to gather your favourite people, crack open the bubbly, and say the “thank yous” and “I love yous” while you can still share the joy. As the saying goes: it’s your funeral! Why shouldn’t you be there to enjoy the highlights?
I had the honour of helping a lady plan her living funeral. She is an artist and will open her home as a gallery to display her beautiful works of art. Her guests will be asked to choose from her offerings, including paintings, pottery, felting, fabric, and photography and take them home.
I believe so strongly in the power of having a living funeral that I planned and filmed my own, or as I like to call it, my Final Fling. This wasn’t just a home movie; I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with talented final-year students at The University of Stirling to produce a documentary titled “Bring Death Home.”You can watch it HERE. Together, we captured what it looks like to face the “D-word” with a smile and a heart full of gratitude. It wasn’t morbid; it was moving, hilarious, and deeply cathartic.
A LIVING FUNERAL ISN’T MORBID – IT’S A CELEBRATION!
We spend months planning weddings, yet we often leave our final farewell to chance. Planning a Living Funeral or a “Final Fling” is the ultimate gift to your family. It removes the guesswork and replaces the “I wonder if they would have liked this”.
My friend’s mother held her living funeral a week before she died. “It is such a beautiful memory to have. She looked so well despite having terminal cancer. The love in the room was palpable, and Mum went to bed that night with a smile on her face.”
She was admitted to the hospice the next day, slipped into a coma soon after and died exactly seven days after her funeral. A direct cremation followed, and invited family and friends gathered to scatter her ashes, each taking a handful to release into the wind – just as she’d asked for.
READY TO HAVE A ‘DEAD GOOD’ CONVERSATION? get in touch HERE
The “Sat-Nav” for Your Celebration
You might be wondering, “Isabel, if I’m at the party, what do you do?” Think of me as the sat-nav for your celebration. While you’re busy being the life and soul of the room, I’m in the background, sweating the small stuff. From scripting the “unscripted” to managing emotional flow, I ensure the day feels effortless. Whether you want heartfelt tributes or a “roast” from your best mates, I’ll weave it all together so you can simply stay in the moment.
Let me help you create your unique and personal funeral service… Contact me Isabel Addison.