Funerals matter. Whatever our beliefs, they give us a precious opportunity to gather, remember and honour someone we love, surrounded by the people who were part of their life.
I knew I wanted to be a Funeral Celebrant when I was just 16, after attending the funeral of a young man who deserved so much more than the cold, generic service he received, one that seemed to focus only on the tragedy of his death, rather than the amazing person he was.
Gone are the days when solemn mourning was the only expectation. We can mourn deeply while celebrating the life, love and legacy of the person at the heart of their ceremony, creating something profoundly personal and, even in the midst of sadness, wonderfully uplifting.

Natural Burial Willow casket

Those we cherish deserve to be remembered with more smiles than tears, through a service that reflects everything that made them uniquely them - afterall, no two people are the same, so no two Funerals should be the same.
Increasingly, Funerals are becoming Celebrations of Life, even on the heaviest of days, they can be filled with stories, smiles, laughter, singing and, yes, even the occasional impromptu Zumba class!












A little note for the forward thinkers…
Why wait until you’re gone to have a say in how your story is remembered? You can plan your own Funeral, from the music and location to your story, memories and letters to loved ones, through a planning meeting with your Celebrant about your Living Wishes.
And why stop there? You can actually be there for your own Celebration of Life! I have been so priviledged to be invited to officiate Living Celebrations of Life, where the guest of honour is very much alive and takes an active part in the proceedings. How often have you been at a Wake or Memorial and heard someone say, “They would have loved to be here!” Well, for some of you, that might be your thing! It’s your life, your story and your legacy. Living Celebrations of Life can of course be bitterswee! but they can also be brilliant, empowering, liberating, cathartic - and enormous fun!


Whatever your beliefs, scattering ashes at sea can be a beautiful, intimate profoundly comforting ceremony. Watching the ashes of loved ones return to the sea - feeling them once again connected to the earth, oceans, sky and stars; free and unbounded - can bring a tangible sense of peace, love and release. I’m privileged to work alongside a wonderful crew who offer these beautiful, thoughtful ceremonies.

Ash Interment or Scattering Ceremonies can be deeply beautiful, intimate moments that are often overlooked after the Funeral. They offer a final act of love and respect, bringing people together to honour someone they’ve lost. Though usually brief, these ceremonies can bring comfort, peace and a sense of closure, knowing their loved one has been given a final, meaningful resting place or release.

Cremation Fireworks, sometimes called Memorial Fireworks, use a small amount of your loved one’s ashes to create a truly uplifting tribute filled with light, colour and sparkle. A wonderfully memorable way to celebrate a life - and for those who like to do things differently, what a way to close the book of your life on a high and with a bang!


I'd love to hear it! Get in touch for a no obligation chat, and discover your perfect Wedding, Naming, Celebration of Life,
Funeral, Scattering ashes at sea Ceremony or any other bespoke Service or Ceremony you are hoping for!
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07857 426640
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Emma Sewell-Hunter is a National Award winning Eastbourne based independent Civil Celebrant, providing bespoke Ceremonies of distinction, across Sussex, the UK and overseas. Emma's services include Baby naming & True Name ceremonies, Wedding & Handfastings, Funeral, Direct Cremation Memorials, Celebration of Life. Lving Wishes Celebrations and tailored ceremonies. Emma is a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants, and proud winner of several UK 'Celebrant of the Year' and Outstanding Celebrant Awards.