FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • There is a common misconception that a non-religious funeral is by definition a humanist funeral, but there’s a bit more to it than that.

    Humanist celebrants and independent celebrants both believe in life-centred funerals, but, unlike an independent celebrant, humanist celebrants usually won’t include any mention of religion, such as hymns, prayers, readings, or poems in a service. Moreover, Humanists do not believe in any kind of afterlife: they firmly believe death is the end, which is why religious objects and iconography would not form part of a humanist ceremony. 

    In contrast, an independent funeral celebrant embraces all philosophies and beliefs and will always be happy to construct a service which will incorporate as much or as little religious content or spirituality as is desired in order to honour the individual beliefs of the deceased and those of their family.

  • Yes, as an independent funeral celebrant, I am not affiliated with any one funeral director.

  • Absolutely. In my experience, it is always better to meet face to face. Alternatively, if you prefer, we can set up a Zoom, Teams or WhatsApp video call so that family members not based locally can be in attendance.

  • From £280 for a cremation service (up to 45 minutes) in north, west, central and south west London

    From £300 for a cremation service (up to 45 minutes) in south or east London and outside the M25

    An additional £70 if you require a ‘double slot’ lasting up to 90 minutes

    From £300 for a burial service in north, west, central and south west London

    From £340 for a burial service in south or east London and outside the M25

    For services on a Saturday or Sunday, an extra £120 will be applicable

    Scattering or interment of ashes ceremony from £200

    Memorial service in London from £320

  • As long as the crematorium has a screen which most now do, then you can have a slideshow of pictures with accompanying music. As above,  the cost of this varies from crematorium to crematorium. Your Funeral Director will advise you of these charges.

  • Absolutely. For how I can help after a direct cremation, please click on my Direct Cremations page.

    Many people prefer to have a small and private cremation or burial where only the family are present but have a party to celebrate the life of the deceased at a later date, with more people in attendance. I am happy to assist you in putting this together and to lead or oversee the event on the day.

  • When you choose my services, you may book me directly, or via your funeral director. Either way, we will arrange a meeting and go from there.

  • Of course. I am very happy to provide copies of the funeral service script on request. All you have to do is let me know when we meet if this is something that you would like to have as a memento or as a keepsake.

  • Yes. Once we have discussed the headings that you want, I will put a template together and email it to you as well as sending a copy to the funeral director so that they are kept up to date with all decisions that are taken.

  • Either I or your Funeral Arranger will order the music for you. As long as the music which you have chosen is readily available from sites such as Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music, it should be easily accessible. However, if the music only appears on You Tube then it will not be possible to order this as it is considered to be an infringement of copyright laws.

  • During our initial meeting and any further communications that we have before the service, I will provide you with full advice and guidance to ensure that you are provided with the type and tone of service which you are looking to achieve.

    If requested, I will help you to choose poems, readings, and music for which I have extensive experience and resources. If you are intending to produce an Order of Service booklet,  I will help you to create specific and personalised headings.

    On the day of the service, I will deliver a personalised and meaningful service of farewell which flows beautifully.

  • Yes, during lockdown, live webcasts became widespread and most Crematoriums now offer this service to families. The cost of this varies from crematorium to crematorium. Your Funeral Director will advise you of these charges.

  • If the deceased is under the age of 16 then I do not charge for my services.

  • Please feel free to contact me at jonathankustow@gmail.com or call me on 07980 711116