Alice Viles Celebrant

I am an experienced celebrant [funerals & weddings], public speaker, writer, and MC. I have worked with most of the Manawatu Funeral homes. I walk alongside you in the planning, organising, and choreography of the funeral ceremony. Then officiate as much or as little as you want me to. I will provide as little or as much assistance, guidance or advice as you need from me. I'm also very good at making tea. I am very flexible, adaptable, and not easily flustered. A funeral has many purposes ... It is an opportunity to gather and share in grief. It is about remembering and celebrating the deceased person’s life. [Warts and all] It is an opportunity to heal and forgive. Laughter and/or good storytelling make a funeral more memorable and engaging. Opening the opportunity for more stories after the funeral. Each person’s life deserves a ceremony that represents who they were. This can be achieved through the written word, singing, etc., and how the funeral unfolds. This includes finding the best structure, rituals, enactments, music and symbolism that will reflect the personality of your loved one in a meaningful way for family and friends. LOOK on my website for ideas OR email me for info. You have a choice of the venue. There are the traditional options of a church or a funeral home. Alternatively, you can use your own home, the local hall, community venue, or sports venue somewhere in the great outdoors. When we get together, ideally allow 2-3 hours [or a couple of chats] to talk about your loved one, look at photos, share stories, plan and organise. **Testimonials** *"On behalf of our family, thank you so much for the wonderful way you threaded Mum’s service together for us. You did a sensational job. We have received a number of enquiries re "how did we find Alice” and have passed your contact details on. Despite the rather trying Zoom connection, it was wonderful working with you to design Friday’s farewell for our lovely Mum. Thank you so much."* - **LV** *"Mum would have loved the funeral. Thank you so much. Thank you very much for this afternoon’s funeral. Appreciate everything you did and have done. It went so well. Loved the cup and saucer."* - **G. R.** *"Hi Alice, just wanted to email and say thank you for the lovely service you gave for mum, and for your time and help in putting it together. It was a huge weight off my mind and made the day so much easier to deal with. "* - **Janine G** *"Thank you for the wonderful service you conducted for Dad. I’m sure he would have been thrilled with his send-off."* - **Dianne** *"Thank you for being the celebrant at Peter’s funeral service. We really appreciated the time you spent talking with us about Peter and preparing a very nice service. Our friends described it as peaceful and authentic. Thank you again."* - **David and Suzanne**