Masonic Funeral
Celebrant or Humanist – What’s the Difference?
When planning a funeral, wedding, renewal of vows or baby naming ceremony, many people wonder about the difference between a celebrant and a humanist. The two roles are often confused, but understanding the distinction can help you choose the right type of ceremony for you or your family. What does a celebrant do? A celebrant…
Read MoreA Christmas Reflection: Interment of Ashes ✨🎄
Christmas is a time of light, love, and memories. For many families, it’s also a moment when we feel the absence of loved ones a little more deeply.
One gentle way to honour them is through an interment of ashes — creating a peaceful place to visit not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Honouring a Life of Service: Funerals for Members of Public Service Organisations
Across the UK, countless people dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to organisations rooted in service — groups like the Freemasons, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, the Women’s Institute, and many more. Membership of these organisations often reflects a deep commitment to community, friendship, and charity.
When someone who has lived by these values dies, their funeral becomes much more than a farewell. It becomes an opportunity to recognise a lifetime of service and to celebrate the impact they’ve made on others.
At Top Note Ceremonies, I work closely with families to create funeral services that honour both the individual and the organisation that meant so much to them.
Read MoreEmbracing Love – An Inclusive LGBTQIA+ Wedding or Commitment Ceremony
Welcome to a celebration of love without boundaries—a space where every union is honoured, cherished, and filled to the brim with joy. As a Shropshire-based celebrant, I’m truly honoured to walk alongside you as we craft a day that will live in your hearts forever. Your ceremony is more than an event… it’s a tapestry…
Read MoreChoosing a Reading or Poem for a Funeral or Celebration of Life
It doesn’t have to be solemn – it just has to feel right Choosing a reading or poem for a funeral or celebration of life can feel like a daunting task. In the middle of organising the service, supporting family, and navigating your own emotions, selecting the right words can seem like one more overwhelming…
Read More💬 Thinking about hiring a celebrant? Here’s what you need to know!
As a celebrant I get asked these questions all the time — so here’s a quick guide to the most common ones:
1️⃣ What is a celebrant?
A celebrant designs and leads personalised ceremonies for weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, vow renewals, and more — telling your story, your way.
2️⃣ Celebrant vs Registrar – what’s the difference?
This is the current situation, but it may change in the future. Registrars’ services can also vary, so it’s always best to check with your local registrar’s office for the most up-to-date information.
Celebrant: Personalised, flexible, any venue, any style. (In England & Wales, you still need a separate legal registration.)
Registrar: Legal marriage in a licensed venue, following a set script — no religious/spiritual content allowed.
Read More✨Am I inclusive of all couples? ✨
The short answer: Absolutely. Always.
Am I inclusive of all couples? As a celebrant, it’s not just my job—but my privilege—to stand alongside people as they mark the most meaningful moments of their lives. And that means all people.
Read MoreHow to Support Your Mental Health Through Grief
Grief affects every part of us — our hearts, our bodies, and most certainly, our minds. It’s not just about sadness; it’s about disorientation, exhaustion, anger, fear, even numbness. At Top Note Ceremonies, we often meet people at one of the hardest points in their lives. As celebrants, we know that while we can’t take…
Read MoreBeyond the Beers: Memorable Stag & Hen Party Ideas That Hit the Right Note
Let’s face it—there’s only so many bar crawls and “L-plates” you can take before it all starts to blur into one. If you’re planning a stag or hen party and want something meaningful, active, or just plain different, you’re in good company. Whether the nearlyweds are teetotal, outdoorsy, or just up for something original, there are brilliant ways to mark the occasion without drowning in shots.
Here are some unforgettable alternatives that go far beyond the beers… and still hit all the right notes.
Read MoreYour Guide to Officiants in the UK: Making the Right Choice
ENGLAND AND WALES When it comes to getting married in England and Wales, the law currently allows for marriages to be sanctified only by registrars in a civil ceremony or by nominated religious officials in a religious ceremony. However, many couples – and families – are increasingly choosing to hold non-legally binding ceremonies to celebrate…
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