Di Gilbranch, helping families say farewell to their loved ones across Essex and Suffolk.
The ceremony is written around the life of the person who has died. A celebration of who they were and what they believed in. It could be quiet and simple or full of music, readings and memories, whatever feels right for the person you are remembering.
I’ve led ceremonies throughout Essex and Suffolk, from crematorium chapels to family homes, gardens, pubs, sports clubs and other meaningful locations. The service itself can be held anywhere that feels right for you, but the committal (the final goodbye) itself will take place at the crematorium.
If you’d like to talk things through or ask any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. There’s no pressure or obligation.
Call me on 07812 371590 or fill out my enquiry form.
“Thank you so much for how you handled our Dad’s service. You helped to bring light to a dark situation, helping us smile and laugh as we remembered him. You really did make it a celebration of his life, just as we hoped.”
A minister will usually lead a religious service based on a particular faith. A celebrant like me creates a ceremony that reflects the beliefs and personality of the person, whether that’s religious, semi-religious, spiritual, or entirely non-religious. It’s about giving you choice and flexibility in how you say goodbye.
Yes. I regularly lead non-religious ceremonies that focus entirely on the person’s life, values, and relationships, with no prayers or hymns unless you choose to include them.
Yes. I liaise with the crematorium staff to make sure everything runs smoothly, from timings and music cues to welcoming guests and guiding people in and out. It’s all handled with care so you don’t have to think about logistics on the day.
Many crematoriums offer screens for photo tributes or video clips, and I can work with your funeral director or the crematorium to help coordinate this. If you’d like it to be part of the ceremony, I’ll make sure it fits naturally into the running order.
Yes, I’ve worked with families who choose a more independent route, for example, booking the crematorium themselves or using a direct cremation service alongside a memorial ceremony. I’m happy to support you in whatever approach feels right for you.
Absolutely, I lead the full ceremony from start to finish. I’ll be there to welcome people, guide the ceremony, introduce any tributes or readings, and close the service. I’m by your side throughout, keeping everything calm and respectful.
Yes, I can prepare the full order of service for you, including the layout, wording, music list, and any readings or personal messages. I can also organise the design and printing if it’s something you’d rather not have to worry about.
