Skip the limos. Don’t skip the story.

What can you do after a direct cremation?

After a direct cremation, you can create a meaningful goodbye in your own time and your own way. Some families hold a small gathering, celebration of life, ashes scattering, meal, wake or private memorial. Others choose to create something lasting, such as a written tribute, photo book or memorial video.

Direct cremation takes care of the practical arrangements. A Story of Life tribute helps you honour the person behind the arrangements — their stories, humour, character, relationships and the moments that made them who they were.

Can you have a memorial after a direct cremation?

Yes. Many families choose to have a memorial, gathering or celebration of life after a direct cremation. Because there is no formal funeral service on the day of the cremation, you have more freedom to decide when, where and how you want to remember the person who has died.

A memorial can be held at home, in a favourite pub or restaurant, in a community venue, outdoors, or somewhere that meant something to them. A written Story of Life tribute can be read aloud, shared with guests, printed as a keepsake, or used as the heart of the gathering.

What is a Story of Life tribute?

A Story of Life tribute is a professionally written tribute that captures the life, personality and memories of the person who has died. It is similar to a eulogy, but it is designed especially for families who may not be having a traditional funeral service.

It can include childhood memories, family stories, friendships, work, hobbies, funny moments, values, achievements, quirks and the small details that made them unique. The aim is to create something warm, personal and true — a tribute that helps family and friends remember the whole person, not just the fact that they have died.

Who is this service for?

This service is for families who have chosen, or are considering, a direct cremation but still want a meaningful way to honour their loved one.

It may be right for you if there is no funeral service, if the cremation has already happened, if family members are spread across different places, or if you want something more personal than a standard announcement or order of service.

It is also suitable for families planning a celebration of life, ashes scattering, memorial gathering or private moment of remembrance.

Is this connected to the direct cremation provider?

No. This is an independent tribute-writing and memorial service.

Your direct cremation provider handles the unattended cremation and practical arrangements. I help with the personal side afterwards: writing the story, shaping the memories, and creating a tribute that can be read, shared or kept.

You can use this service whether you have booked with Pure Cremation, Co-op Funeralcare, Memoria, Aura, Distinct Cremations, Simplicity, a local funeral director, or another provider.

Can you help if the cremation has already happened?

Yes. In many cases, this service is especially helpful after the cremation has already taken place.

There is no deadline for remembering someone properly. Some families come to me days after a death, while others decide weeks or months later that they would like to create a tribute, hold a gathering, or have something meaningful to keep and share.

Do we need to know exactly what we want before contacting you?

No. You do not need to have everything worked out.

You may know that you want “something” but not yet know whether that should be a written tribute, photo book, video, memorial gathering or celebration of life. That is completely normal. I can help you think through the options and choose the simplest, most meaningful way forward.

How does the process work?

The process is designed to be gentle and straightforward.

First, you complete a short questionnaire with key details, memories and stories. Then we have a video call so I can hear more about the person, ask thoughtful questions and understand the tone you want. I then write the tribute and send it to you for review.

You can suggest changes, add extra memories or ask me to adjust the tone before the final version is completed.

What if we are not good with words?

That is exactly what I am here for.

You do not need to write beautifully, organise everything perfectly, or know how to turn memories into a finished tribute. You simply share the stories, details and impressions you have. I shape them into something coherent, warm and meaningful.

Often, the little details are the most powerful: the phrases someone used, the food they loved, the way they laughed, the advice they gave, the habits everyone remembers. I help you bring those details together.

Can more than one family member contribute?

Yes. In fact, this often makes the tribute richer.

Several family members or friends can contribute memories, either through the questionnaire or by sharing notes before our call. Different people often remember different sides of someone’s life, and those small pieces can help create a fuller, more rounded tribute.

Can the tribute be funny as well as heartfelt?

Yes, absolutely.

The best tributes often include warmth, humour and honesty. A person’s funny habits, favourite sayings, memorable mishaps and little quirks can be just as important as the bigger life events.

The tone will always be handled with care. The aim is never to force humour, but to reflect the person truthfully — including the moments that made people smile.

Is this suitable for non-religious families?

Yes. This service is ideal for non-religious, civil or humanist-style remembrance.

The tribute can be completely non-religious, gently spiritual, or include religious references if they matter to the family. The tone is always shaped around the person who has died and the wishes of those closest to them.

Can the tribute be read at a celebration of life?

Yes. The written Story of Life tribute can be read aloud at a celebration of life, memorial gathering, ashes scattering, family meal or private remembrance.

Some families ask one person to read it. Others divide it between several family members. It can also be printed and shared with guests, or used as the basis for a photo book or video tribute.

What is included in the Story of Life | Tribute?

The Story of Life tribute is a professionally written, 100% personal tribute based on the memories, stories and details you provide. It is designed so you can read it aloud, email it to family and friends, print it at home, or keep it as a digital memento.

It gives you a finished piece of writing that captures the person’s life and personality with care.

What is included in the Story of Life | Photo Book?

The Story of Life Photo Book includes the written tribute alongside selected photographs, arranged as a keepsake book. It is designed to be something family members can hold, revisit and share.

This can be especially meaningful when there has been no traditional funeral service, because it gives the family a tangible reminder of the person’s life and story.

What is included in the Story of Life | Video?

The Story of Life Video combines the written tribute with photographs, music and gentle visual storytelling to create a short memorial film that can be watched, shared or played at a celebration of life.

It is designed for families who want something more personal than a slideshow, but simpler and more affordable than a full filmed memorial service. The video can include key moments from the person’s life, family photographs, meaningful music, and selected words from the Story of Life tribute.

It can be shared privately with family and friends, played at a memorial gathering, or kept as a lasting digital tribute.

How long does it take?

Timings can vary depending on the option you choose and how quickly memories and photographs are gathered. In most cases, the written tribute can be created within a short timeframe once I have received the questionnaire and completed the family call.

If you need the tribute for a specific memorial date, let me know as early as possible and I will tell you what is realistic.

Can you help us plan a memorial or celebration of life too?

Yes. As an independent funeral celebrant, I can also help families shape a memorial, celebration of life or ashes scattering ceremony.

Some families only need the written tribute. Others want help creating a full ceremony or gathering around it. If you would like support with the structure, readings, music, tone or running order, I can help with that too.

What if the person who died did not want a fuss?

That is very common.

A Story of Life tribute does not have to be grand, formal or over the top. It can be simple, honest and understated. Sometimes the most fitting tribute is a quiet piece of writing shared among close family.

Honouring someone does not have to mean making a fuss. It can simply mean taking time to remember them properly.

How much does it cost?

There are three main options:

Story of Life | Tribute — £195
A professionally written tribute delivered as a digital PDF.

Story of Life | Photo Book — £395
A written tribute presented with photographs in a keepsake book.

Story of Life | Video — £450
A tribute video combining words, images and music.

If you are not sure which option is right for you, you can start with the written Story of Life tribute and decide later whether to turn it into a book or video.

What if I hate public speaking? 😱

You’re not alone! Most people find it tough to stand in front of people and read a speech at a memorial event. My video option might be just what you need — see options above.

What are your payment terms?

50% deposit, 50% on delivery.

How do we get started?

You can get started by completing the short enquiry form or booking a free initial call.

You do not need to have all the details ready. Just tell me where you are in the process, whether the direct cremation has already happened, and what kind of tribute or memorial you are considering. I will guide you from there.