Welcome to Wild Oak Funerals

​My name is Michele Bentley and I am an Independent Funereal Celebrant offering ceremonies from the heart. For me, being a funeral celebrant is a vocation and it is truly an honour to have the opportunity of supporting bereaved families and creating a funeral or memorial service to really celebrate the life of someone who has died.

​If you have found this page because you have been recently bereaved, please accept my condolences. There is so much to deal with and organise when someone has died, (as well as coping with all the emotions involved) it is good to have someone to help ensure you have a funeral service truly befitting your loved one.

This is where I come in

As an Independent Funeral Celebrant, it is my privilege to be able to help you with the funeral service itself and support you though the process. Being independent means that there are no restrictions in the type of ceremony I can create for you.
Often, I am asked to perform the role of officiant directly by the funeral director, but you may choose any celebrant you would like to write the eulogy and hold the ceremony. It is important to find someone you are comfortable with and that you can trust to write and lead a fitting tribute and celebration of life. Whatever the circumstances of the death, I will be supportive, sensitive and empathetic but professional throughout.
​All details are confidential, and you will be able to see the finished service in advance of the funeral and make any changes until you are totally happy. My aim is to create the funeral service you really want. I am especially drawn to eco and green funerals but am happy to be of service however and wherever the service is being held.

How it works >

With heartfelt thanks to the families for these lovely messages

Testimonials

" We were both delighted with your service. Really excellent, quite a few have commented how good the send off was. Thank you so much for the very warm and personal feeling you created . You made the day so much easier for me and I hope for all those attending "

" I have been to a number of funerals over the years where the celebrant was unknown to the person who had passed. Most were factual and true but didn't feel personal. You did an excellent job and really got to know our loved one "

 

Here is how it works

​We have an initial phone chat, where I can get information about your funeral director and the ceremony details, such as when and where. We can also talk briefly about what kind of funeral service you have in mind. There are very few rules or limitations. Whether traditional or alternative, I am open to all ideas. With an independent funeral celebrant, there is great flexibility, so you can have some religious or spiritual content or none at all. 

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​I will email you some “funeral considerations” so that you can contact family and friends and start to gather info, anecdotes and stories about the life of your loved one. This will include thinking about any poems or readings anyone would like to do, plus music for the different parts of the funeral. If you would like any prayers or hymns, this can also be included. If you need suggestions or guidance with any of this, I am happy to offer ideas.

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​We have a face-to-face meeting at your home (when possible). If this is not appropriate for any reason, we can do this via Zoom. This meeting will usually be 1-2 hours, depending on how many of the family attend. There are plenty of options for the funeral ceremony, and we will talk though everything so that you are clear about your choices.

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​Having gathered as much detail as possible and discussed what kind of funeral service you would like, I go away and write the eulogy and other sections of the ceremony and then email it to you, so that you can read through and ensure you are happy that the service tells the story and captures the essence of your loved one. I will also liaise with your funeral director and the venue for the ceremony.

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We meet at the location for the funeral service, be that a crematorium, graveside, woodland meadow, stately home or beach. I will lead the service and guide anyone doing readings or poems. 

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Before I say goodbye, I will give you a memorial copy of the ceremony for you to keep. Further copies can be emailed to other family members.

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The fee is £220, inclusive of travel up to 20 miles of BA3 4SA.
(For longer distances, some travel costs may be incurred)
 
Please do get in touch for a chat and let’s see if I am the celebrant for you.
With all good wishes
Michele
[email protected]
07971 910769

Distinction in Funeral Celebrancy from The Academy of Professional Celebrants
Public and Professional Insurance through The Academy of Professional Celebrants