Where we’re located:

Ilkley

Funeral Arranging Guide

Name: Funerals Your Way
Author: Sarah Jones

Funeral arranging guide

To make a challenging time easier, our founder Sarah has written a funeral guide to break down the funeral arrangement process into simple steps, and to provide accessible information about funeral choices

This short book gives you the knowledge, suggestions, and step-by-step guidance you need to create a funeral which truly reflects the person who has died. It will help you if you want to express your own wishes, want to have a meaningful conversation with someone close to you or if you need to arrange a funeral at need. It is designed to support people who intend to use the services of a funeral director but would also give inspiration to those who would rather not.

In addition, you can buy your funeral arranging guide from us directly online.

Where else can I buy the book?

“Funerals Your Way” is available as a paperback, eBook or as an audiobook. The second edition is now available which includes new chapters about green funerals, funerals in the digital age and information to support wellbeing after bereavement.

You can request a copy from your local bookstore.

The author

Sarah started her working life as a doctor and then she left the NHS to support adults with learning difficulties. Sarah founded Full Circle because she wanted to bring health and social care principles to funeral care and believes that with the right information and time, people can create funerals which and helpful and therapeutic. You can find out more about Sarah on her Instagram or LinkedIn page where she shares concepts from the book and encourages gentle conversations to help people receive better support after bereavement.

Sarah wrote her first book “Funerals Your Way – a Person-Centred Approach to Planning a Funeral” in September 2018 because she wanted to give people the information that they need to help them to feel in control at a time that can be incredibly challenging and bewildering. She wanted to extend the support that she provides people at Full Circle by making information about funeral choices more widely accessible.

Having self-published the first edition, Sarah was delighted when Fisher King Publishing agreed to publish the second edition in October 2021. This means that the book is available in any bookstore across the world.

Your feedback

If you have read the guide and have some feedbacks, then please do get in touch. Sarah is always delighted to hear when it has been useful but also grateful when people take the time to reach out and make suggestions about how it can be improved!

Alternatively, if you are in Yorkshire and would like to pop in to one of our Full Circle Funerals services to collect a copy then you will be very welcome! We are in Guiseley, Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley and the kettle is usually on (with Yorkshire Tea, of course).

“Clearly written, with a focus on permission-giving, Sarah’s step-through-guide very much reflects the ethos and approach of Final Fling – do it your own way. I think it will be a valuable resource for those who are looking for reassurance and handholding, especially if a death is imminent and they are using reading as a way of preparing for the inevitable funeral.”
Barbara Chalmers, Founder, Final Fling end-of-life planning website

“If you’re looking for information on how to help families better personalise funerals, this great new book by Sarah Jones, of SAIF member Full Circle Funerals, is just the ticket. It is thoughtful, creative, and extremely helpful to think about your wishes for end-of-life planning to make it easier for your next of kin as well as honouring your preferences.
Also, it’s currently a best seller on Amazon no less!”
Terry Tennens
Chief Executive, National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)

“Really well written and useful guide to planning a personalised funeral. The action points at the end of each section means you end up with your own plan and ensures you’ve thought of everything.”
Nicholas Taimitarha

“A beautifully written, gently empowering and insightful book. I didn’t expect to read a book like this, but I’m so glad that I did. Sarah offers a wealth of information and options and is clearly an experienced professional in this area. Highly recommended.“
Andie Harrrison

“An often difficult subject approached with love and care. Opens your mind to all that is possible. Incredibly helpful. Thank-you!”
Anna

You might also be interested to read what other professionals thought about the guide.

Funeral Zone / Social Embers / Beyond /Linda’s Book Bag /Yorkshire Times