No Fuss Funerals
Traditional Funerals
If you are looking to create a no fuss funeral or simple funeral to celebrate a life, you are in the right place.
Funerals should be about the person you love, what you’ve learned from them during their life, and all the wonderful things we’ll miss about them. And a no-fuss funeral may seem to good to be true, but they are possible.
Celebrant-led funerals are doing exactly this, forging a new path for families and loved ones to follow and leaving everyone feeling comfortable with a no-fuss approach to the traditional funeral service.
Together with you, I will share the stories of your loved ones in a meaningful, respectful and dignified way. The ultimate goal? For everyone to feel like they are right there with us, celebrating and honouring a special life.
Your no-fuss funeral or funerals for the living will be a deeply personal and cherished experience that honours your life in the way you envision.
Contact me now for a FREE discovery call. You can also download my free 5 Alternative Funeral Ideas to Inspire You.
The UK’s First
Funeral Celebrant
Jess May, Celebrant
IT’S MORE ABOUT LIFE, THAN DEATH -NO FUSS FUNERALS
Are you feeling like this about the ‘D’ word?
Do you feel like the only alternative is the crematorium? Full of traditions irrelevant to you with cheerless, sorry formalities and expectations.
Do your own desires and values feel misrepresented with the way you wish to celebrate your loved one compared to traditional funeral services?
Imagine if…
This can be taken care of with a funeral ceremony that promises joy and prosperity throughout the day.
Your family and friends can gather together in a relaxed setting like a serene woodland, a country barn or even your local pub for a funeral ceremony.
Each and every guest is smiling, laughing and expressing how ‘them’ the ceremony was and how much they would have loved it.
“Jess was kind, intelligent, compassionate and interested in our family. She was very supportive and caring and really made a sad, difficult time a bit easier. Very grateful to her.”
– Sarah
NO FUSS FUNERALS
No Fuss Funerals: A Simple, Personalised Farewell
When it comes to no-fuss funerals, the focus is on creating a meaningful and simple farewell that truly reflects the life of your loved one. This is where I step in, working seamlessly with you and your family to ensure that you have full control over how to remember and celebrate them. Together, we’ll create a personalised ceremony that honours their life in a way that feels right to you.
A No Fuss Funeral That Reflects Their Life
A no-fuss funeral should be beautiful and centred on your loved one’s unique life and character. It’s a time to remember them in all their colours—their laughter, their stories, and the joy they brought into your lives. While there will be tears of affection and sadness, there will also be moments of joy as you reflect on the memories that made their life special.
No Presets, Just What Feels Right
There are no rigid formats or presets for a no-fuss funeral. The service can be as simple or as creative as you wish. Perhaps you’d like to hold the ceremony in the garden where you spent time together, sharing stories and nurturing plants. Or maybe a picnic in the park, where you felt closest to them, would be more fitting. The choice is entirely yours, allowing you to create a farewell that feels authentic and comforting.
A Safe Space for Healing: No Fuss Funerals
Funerals are not just about saying goodbye; they are a crucial part of the healing process. A no-fuss funeral offers a safe and supportive environment where you can begin to heal, surrounded by love, comfort, and the company of those who care about you most. In this space, you’ll find the support you need to start moving forward, knowing.
A guided process with a fully accredited double award-winning Funeral Celebrant with over a decade of experience.
INTRODUCING MY UNIQUE SERVICES
NO FUSS FUNERALS
BEFORE
The Outline – No Fuss Funerals
The first stage allows us to get to know each other. This can be done in person or via a phone/video call.
This is where I can answer your questions and share my experiences of funerals to help guide the process.
This is where we generate our outline of the funeral service. We discuss your person’s life, work out your wants and needs and begin to build their story.
Any questions or concerns about who is involved, what is involved as well as any any unique and personalised requests will all be taken care of here. You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment.
DURING
Simple Funeral
The day has arrived… I will meet with you an hour before the ceremony begins and begin liaising with everyone involved to ensure a smooth day.
I will facilitate and lead during and after the ceremony to ensure everything is cared for seamlessly.
Because of our careful planning, the funeral service will be personal.
AFTER
The Keepsake – No Fuss Funerals
This is the chance to have a physical keepsake of their life lived, captured and remembered.
You will receive a printed copy of the funeral service and eulogy with the details and memories captured from the ceremony.
This will be printed on handmade seed paper in a commemorative box.
A catch up call at a time of your choosing where we can remember the day and ensure that the ceremony was everything you wanted and left a lasting memory for all.
Simple No-Fuss Funerals
Cost-Effective No-Fuss Funerals
Cost is a big and completely understandable factor when arranging a funeral ceremony. Whatever your funeral options—whether you choose a traditional service, a simple cremation, or something in between—I am here to facilitate and guide the process.
My role is to work with you to create an affordable but memorable funeral that focuses on celebrating the life of your loved one. Whether you are considering an affordable cremation service or another cost-effective option, I will help ensure that the farewell is both meaningful and within your budget, while you remain in control of the decisions.
CREDIT: Annie Werner, whose terminal breast cancer has metastasised to her liver and bones, held a living wake on the New South Wales south coast, near Bega. Photograph: Jay Black. Article: The Guardian.
Celebration of life ideas to honour your loved one
More No Fuss Funerals client love
Made a sad, difficult time a bit easier…
“Jess was kind, intelligent, compassionate and interested in our family. She was very supportive and caring and really made a sad, difficult time a bit easier. Very grateful to her.”
– Nancy
It was one of the most wonderful days
“Jess is the most amazing human and even more amazing celebrant.
Jess delivered my friend’s woodland burial at Westall Park, and although it was a truly sad occasion it was one of the most wonderful days. Sincere, bright, well-composed and appropriately humorous.
It went way beyond anything I was expecting. If you’re reading this you already know you’re going to book her. She’s amazing. Do it. “
– Sarah
Memories are in the forefront of our thoughts
“She took us back to our childhood, bringing back happy memories that had been forgotten over the years. This really helped us through the sad, heart-wrenching time we had with him in the months leading up to his passing. I’m happy to say that those childhood memories are now in the forefront of our thoughts and for this I can’t thank Jess enough. She is amazing 🤩.”
– Amanda
Truly an amazing spirit
“Thank you again from the bottom of my heart you truly are an amazing spirit and I felt it flow through me when you took my hands in yours xx”
– Margaret
Jess enabled a joyous celebration…
“Jess was the best celebrant – funerals are never fun, but Jess enabled a joyous celebration of a life very well lived and very much loved – thank you”
– Fiona
Jess met my sister and arranged her celebration
“Jess is an exceptional celebrant. I was lucky that Jess met my sister and arranged her celebration of life before she died. As Jess spoke you could tell the amount of time she had spoken with my sister and her friends so it was such a personal tribute. Jess spent so much time preparing, making sure that the day ran perfectly, you could feel her passion for her job. Jess is a beautiful person, who did a beautiful service for a beautiful day.”
– Jane
My Mission Around No Fuss Funerals
I’m jess, a celebrant who helps to create SIMPLE FUNERALS
Working with funeral directors who are gatekeepers and dictate how long a celebrant has to deliver a eulogy (and how much to be paid) has been tough.
As a funeral professional with many years of experience and knowledge I empathise that funerals, as important as they are, are tricky events.
And as a human being who has suffered loss, this is the problem as I see it… 20 minutes to summarise a life (however old the person) isn’t enough.
Some people may reflect on funerals and feel it didn’t do justice to their loved one and have regret.
Family politics, disagreements and other dynamics affect things.
This leaves a gap, a disconnect or an expectation that doesn’t feel right in a lot of cases.
Something aimed at people who have more a sense of being nearer the end of their life than the beginning.
Contact me to discuss a simple no fuss funeral you are looking to arrange.
No Fuss Funerals – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular No Fuss Funeral services?
In the UK, popular funeral services include traditional funerals with religious customs, cremations (now more common than burials), and direct cremations without a ceremony. Eco-friendly funerals are on the rise due to environmental concerns. Celebration of life services honour the deceased’s life, while humanist and non-religious funerals cater to those without religious affiliations. Pre-paid funeral plans are also popular, allowing individuals to arrange and pay for their funerals in advance. Each service can be personalised to meet specific cultural or religious preferences.
What is the average cost of a No Fuss Funeral in the UK today?
The average funeral cost in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of service chosen, location, and specific arrangements. Today, the average funeral cost in the UK is around £4,000 to £5,000. This includes basic services such as the funeral director’s fees, a coffin, and transportation. Cremations are less expensive than burials, with direct cremations being the most cost-effective option, often costing under £2,000. Additional expenses, such as flowers, memorial services, and catering, can increase the total cost significantly. Direct cremations and no fuss funerals are becoming increasingly popular.
What is a personalised No Fuss Funeral?
A personalised funeral is a ceremony designed to reflect the deceased’s unique personality, interests, and life. It departs from the traditional, standardised funeral formats to create a more personal and meaningful experience for the family and friends of the deceased. It incorporates personal moments and elements that celebrate the unique aspects of the deceased’s personality, interests, and relationships.
Can a person plan their own No Fuss Funeral?
Yes, a person can plan their funeral. This process, known as pre-planning or pre-arranging a funeral, allows individuals to make decisions about their funeral or memorial service in advance. This can provide peace of mind and relieve loved ones from making these decisions during a difficult time. Planning your funeral involves deciding the type of service, location, music, readings, and other personal touches. It also includes practical arrangements with a funeral home and documents your wishes. By pre-planning, you can ensure your funeral reflects your preferences, provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, and relieve your family from making difficult decisions during a time of grief.
How Jess May Can Enhance Your No Fuss Funeral Experience
Jess May, as a skilled and empathetic celebrant, can facilitate your no-fuss funeral experience by making it both meaningful and stress-free. Here’s how she can help make your no-fuss funeral truly special:
Personalised Planning
Jess takes the time to understand your unique wishes and personality, crafting a ceremony that reflects who you are. Whether you want a relaxed, informal gathering or a straightforward, streamlined event, Jess tailors every detail to align with your vision.
Stress-Free Co-ordination
Organising a no-fuss funeral can still be overwhelming, especially during emotional times. Jess handles all the logistics, from coordinating with venues to managing the flow of the event, so you can focus on being present with your loved ones without added stress.
Creating a Warm Atmosphere
With her calm and compassionate presence, Jess ensures that everyone feels comfortable and at ease. She guides the event gently, encouraging heartfelt sharing and connection, while maintaining a relaxed and positive atmosphere.
Capturing Memories
Jess can assist in creating a keepsake book that records the stories and memories shared during your no-fuss funeral. This thoughtful touch provides you and your family with a cherished memento to remember the day and celebrate the life lived.
Support and Guidance
Throughout the entire process, Jess is there to offer support and guidance. Her experience with no-fuss funerals allows her to provide valuable advice, ensuring the event is a beautiful, memorable celebration of your life, tailored to your preferences.
With Jess May as your celebrant, your no-fuss or living funeral will be a meaningful, personalised experience that honours your life in the way you envision.