If you’ve arrived here after typing “no funeral, just cremation – what can we do now?” into Google, I’m so sorry for your loss – and I’m really glad you’ve found your way here.
My name is Jane Jones. I’m an independent celebrant based in North Wales, and I work with many families who chose a direct cremation – often for very good reasons – but are now left wondering:
- “We didn’t get to say goodbye properly.”
- “It all felt over before we’d even taken it in.”
- “We wish we’d had time to celebrate their life.”
If this is how you’re feeling, please let me reassure you:
It is absolutely not too late to have a meaningful, personal ceremony for your loved one.
A cremation without a service does not have to be the end of the story. Together, we can create a Celebration of Life or memorial ceremony that feels right for you, in your own time and in a place that matters.
You haven’t done anything “wrong”
Families choose direct cremation for many reasons. You may recognise some of these:
- Your loved one said they didn’t want “a big fuss”.
- Money was a concern and a full funeral felt too expensive.
- You live far apart as a family and couldn’t get everyone together quickly.
- Everything happened so fast, there just wasn’t time to plan a service.
When I sit with families and listen to their stories, I often hear a mix of relief and worry. Relief that the practical side is sorted. Worry that there wasn’t a moment to truly honour the person who has died.
What I want you to know is this:
- You made the best decision you could at the time.
- You can still create a ceremony that feels loving, thoughtful and “just right” for them.
- A later ceremony can be gentler, more considered and more personal than a rushed funeral.
You have not missed your chance to say goodbye.
So what can we do now?
One of the positives of not having a traditional funeral is flexibility. You’re not tied to a crematorium chapel or a 20–30 minute time slot.
Together, we can choose:
- When to hold the ceremony – days, weeks or even months after the cremation.
- Where to gather – at home, outdoors in a favourite place, or in a hotel or hall in North Wales.
- How it feels – quiet and reflective, or full of stories, music and smiles through the tears.
My role is to guide you through these choices, gently and at your pace, so nothing feels overwhelming.
Ceremonies we can create together in North Wales
Here are some very real options we can talk through. These are all ceremonies I regularly help families to plan and shape.
1. A cosy gathering at home
For many families, the most natural place to be is at home.
We might:
- Gather in the living room, kitchen or garden with close family and friends.
- Light candles and place photos, mementos or flowers on a table.
- Share stories, memories and moments that capture who they were.
- Include a short, structured ceremony – words of welcome, a tribute, a reading, some music – led by me.
Afterwards, you might have tea, cake or a simple buffet. I’ll help you weave everything together so it feels like a tender, gentle goodbye, not “just a chat”.
2. A favourite walk or outdoor place
So many people in North Wales have strong connections to the outdoors – beaches, hills, lakes and woodlands that hold special memories.
We could:
- Meet on a favourite beach or coastal path.
- Choose a spot on a beloved walk in the hills or countryside.
- Gather in a peaceful woodland or park that feels right.
There, I can guide a simple ceremony which might include:
- A few words to welcome everyone and acknowledge why we’re there.
- A personal tribute I’ve written about your loved one.
- A poem or reading chosen by you.
- Time for quiet reflection or prayer, if that’s important to you.
- Placing flowers, written messages or pebbles in a particular spot.
If appropriate and permitted, we can also talk about scattering ashes as part of the ceremony.
3. A room in a hotel, pub or village hall
If you’d like a slightly more formal feel or expect more guests, we can arrange to use:
- A hotel function room or lounge.
- A favourite pub or restaurant room.
- A village or community hall.
Here, I can create a ceremony with:
- Seating laid out so everyone feels included.
- A central area for me to stand and lead the service.
- Space for photos, candles, flowers and keepsakes.
Many families choose to follow the ceremony with a buffet or afternoon tea, giving everyone time to chat, reconnect and share memories in a relaxed way.
4. A garden or private space
If you or a family member has a large garden, smallholding or private venue, a ceremony there can be incredibly personal.
Together, we might:
- Set up a simple “ceremony area” with chairs or benches.
- Create a memory corner with photographs and special objects.
- Include a ritual such as planting a tree or rose in their memory.
I can help you shape the words and the flow of the event, so it feels structured but not stiff – more like a heartfelt gathering than a formal service.
5. An online or blended ceremony
If some family members live further away – perhaps in another part of the UK or abroad – we can also consider:
- A fully online Celebration of Life, where everyone joins by video.
- A blended ceremony, with a small group together in person and others joining on screen.
I’ll guide the structure so those joining online feel just as included and able to take part, read tributes or share memories.
What I bring as your celebrant
Every family and every person is different. That’s why I never work from a template.
When you ask me to help after a cremation with no funeral, this is what you can expect from me:
- Time to talk
We start with a calm, unhurried conversation – usually on the phone or in person. You can tell me about your loved one, how you’re feeling, and what you might like (or what you definitely don’t want). - Gentle guidance
I’ll explain your options clearly and simply – where we could hold the ceremony, who might want to be involved, and what the day could look like. There is no “right” way; there is only what feels right for you. - A ceremony written just for you
I’ll write a personal, thoughtful ceremony that tells the story of your loved one’s life, character and quirks. If you’d like to read or approve it beforehand, you can – or you can leave that part to me on the day. - Support with music, readings and rituals
I can suggest poems, readings, rituals and music choices if you’re not sure where to start, or help weave in the things you already know they loved. - Calm leadership on the day
On the day of the ceremony, I’ll arrive in good time, check everyone is comfortable and guide you all through the service. My aim is always for you to feel held, not hurried. - A keepsake afterwards
If you wish, I can provide a printed or digital copy of the script, so you have something to keep and come back to in your own time.
Throughout, my focus is on kindness, clarity and genuine care. You won’t be expected to know what to do – that’s what I’m here for.
“We had no funeral, just cremation – can you still help us?”
Yes. Absolutely, yes.
I regularly work with families who:
- Have already had a direct cremation.
- Chose not to have a formal funeral at the time.
- Are now ready to create a Celebration of Life or memorial ceremony that feels more “them”.
It doesn’t matter if the cremation was last week or several months ago. Grief doesn’t follow a timetable, and neither does love.
You can still create:
- A cosy gathering at home.
- A gentle ceremony outdoors on a favourite walk or beach.
- A more structured event in a hotel, pub or hall.
- A simple, sincere online or blended ceremony if people live far apart.
And you don’t have to plan it alone.
Let’s talk about what you need
If you’re in North Wales or nearby and are thinking:
“We had no funeral, just cremation – we don’t know what to do, but we know we want to do something”…
…then I’d be honoured to listen and help.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you get in touch. A simple, “Can we talk?” is enough.
Get in touch with Jane
- You can send me a message via the contact form on this website, sharing as much or as little as you feel able.
- Or you can call me on 07590424555, and we’ll have a gentle, no-pressure chat about what might help.
🕊 Together, we can create a goodbye that feels loving, truthful and utterly personal – a real Celebration of Life for someone who mattered deeply.
