Funerals

There can't be a greater privilege than to help and to offer guidance in the creating of a ceremony of sincerity and meaning at a time when people are in grief, even shock. I am a warm and committed listener, and take time with families to really learn the story of the person they have lost – to try, with the right words, music and reflection, to paint a picture as much as possible of the person who, during that short ceremony, they are trying to recreate. To form the framework of the memories they will carry into the future.

"The very definition of professionalism! Karen Archer provided Celebrant Services at our Father’s funeral.

Following his sudden death she was recommended by the funeral directors, who could not have made a better choice for our Fathers character.

Karen skilfully guided us though the creation of his Eulogy with compassion and caring. Unexpectedly, for me this was healing in itself.

Any questions, queries or requests were not a problem and were dealt with efficiently and in a professional manner.

At my father’s service she was perfect! She had strong delivery and was discretely personable, filling the chapel with tears and laughter as she shared his life story.

Thank you Karen for allowing an unbearable goodbye, to our beloved Father, to become a celebration of his very special life."

Mrs T.H-S

“This is to thank you for the ceremony yesterday. Your words were very touching. You helped to make a traumatic experience bearable. And a fitting tribute to D.”

Mrs K.L.

“Thank you, Karen, for leading the beautiful service yesterday, for your sensitive and deeply moving tribute to E, and for your humour... it was all perfectly fitting."

Mrs C.H-P

“Dear Karen, thank you for Dad's wonderful service on Thursday. Your voice is beautiful. It was the best funeral I have ever been to?!”

Mrs C.K.

“Thank you so much for the service you did for Dad – it went so well, was sensitive, inclusive and true. I really enjoyed working with you.”

Mrs K.S.

“I commend you for your outstanding eulogy. It captures the essence of S, and sets the bar!"

Mr. P.Q.

“I wanted to thank you personally for helping to ensure that D got the best send-off ever, and she did. Your presence was truly welcomed, and gave a beautiful calming dimension to the proceedings. I know D would have appreciated you as much as we all did. I wish you could have met each other. Thanks for being part of it”

Mrs J.B.

“I would like to thank you on behalf of the family and those who attended Mum's funeral for making it a most encapsulating occasion. We all felt that your direction and delivery was excellent, sensitive and really appropriate. All commented on what a wonderful service it was.”.

Mrs J.W.

“I wanted to say thank you very much indeed for conducting the service for Mum, and for speaking so well about her. Many people said how lovely they found your presence and voice, and it was comforting to have someone like you help to see her on her way”.

Mrs R.C.