A Memorial on Your Terms:
A Personal Celebration of Life After Direct Cremation
With Kent Celebrant Marc Lemezma
The Personal Part of a Practical Choice
Choosing a direct cremation, whether through a national provider like Pure Cremation or a local funeral director, is a simple and practical choice. However, while it takes care of the committal, it doesn’t take the place of a proper goodbye or Celebration of Life after a Pure Cremation or Direct Cremation.
Having said that, Direct Cremation can give you something incredibly valuable: the freedom to honour the person you loved, on your own terms in your own time.
Now that the practical arrangements are made, we can create the personal, human part.
A Farewell Free From ‘Funeral Fuss’
Not Sure Where to Start?
My role as a Celebrant is to help you create that essential moment of ritual. This is not about a sombre, formal service. It is about bringing family and friends together for a Celebration of Life in a place you feel comfortable: a home, a garden, a village hall, or a favourite pub, to share stories, to laugh, and to celebrate a life well lived at a reasonable cost. We can combine the dignity of a farewell with the unique personality and fun that made them who they were.
Total Funeral Freedom. Expertly Guided.
The greatest gift a direct cremation gives you is choice for a funeral and celebration of life. You can take as long as you need, completely free from the time constraints of a crematorium’s 30-minute slot.
We can combine the dignity of a farewell with the unique personality and fun that made them who they were.
This is a celebration created for a reasonable cost, focused entirely on what matters to you.
You have the freedom to choose:
The Time
Choose an afternoon, an evening, or even a weekend. This gives everyone the time to gather properly, without feeling rushed or constrained by a set schedule. We can plan the ceremony for when it is truly right for you.
The Location
A place that is full of personal meaning: a garden, a community hall, a favourite restaurant, their local pub, or even at home. You may already have a special place in mind. If not, I am happy to suggest suitable local venues.
The Style
Relaxed and informal, or dignified and traditional. Or, as is often the case, a perfect blend of both. The tone is entirely up to you, reflecting their personality, perhaps colourful clothes, a theme, or quiet reflection.
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The Content
The music they really loved, not just sombre tracks. The stories that really capture their character, and the personal tributes you all want to share. We can include readings, poems, or even share a video or slideshow.
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Expertly Guided
But complete freedom can be overwhelming. How do you ensure this new event still serves its true, healing purpose, keep it realistic and grounded, and make certain it is a meaningful memorial, not just another party?
That is my expertise.
My role is to be your guide. I help you explore all these choices and then craft them into a ceremony that feels authentic. I provide the structure, lead the event, and ensure that in the midst of all that freedom, we create a truly personal and respectful farewell.
If you are considering a more elaborate celebration of life then click here for more information.
How We Make It Happen
My process is simple and clear:
Our Conversation: We’ll talk. You can tell me about them, the stories, the memories, the music, and the small details that made them unique.
The Vision: We’ll explore the choices of location, style, and content that feel right for you and your family.
Crafting the Ceremony: I will take all those elements and weave them into a personal ceremony. I’ll write a tribute that tells their story with warmth and honesty.
The Day: I will be there to lead the memorial, guiding you and your guests, allowing you to be present and to focus on what truly matters: saying goodbye, your way.
A Simple, Honest Price
My fee for helping you create and lead a beautiful, personal memorial service starts from £299. This includes our detailed conversation to share memories, my professional writing of the entire ceremony and tribute, and my role in leading the formal part of the celebration on the day. Once the ceremony is complete, I leave you to enjoy the company of your family and friends. My role is to craft and lead the ceremony itself. The responsibility for booking the venue, gaining permission from the owner, and all other costs for hire, food, or decorations remains with you. In most cases, for a location within 20 miles of Maidstone, this starting price will apply. Costs may vary based on the final location, date, and time, but I will confirm the exact fee with you after our first chat
Funeral Celebrant Marc Lemezma is a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants and was trained and certified by the Academy of Professional Celebrants.
Let’s Plan Your Memorial
You have made the practical choice for your loved one’s funeral by choosing Direct Cremation. Now, let’s plan the personal one.
Simply get in touch for a simple, no-obligation conversation.
Contact Marc
Please do get in touch to discuss planning a funeral service, a celebration of life service, or memorial service, or if you have any questions concerning a funeral I am working on for you or your family. I usually aim to respond within half a day during normal working hours. To email Marc please use the form below or message directly at marc@lemezma.com