Samantha receives many emails, messages and texts every week enquiring about her services - the main question being how much does it cost? Choosing a Celebrant for your Funeral, Wedding or Naming should not be based wholly and solely on the cost. Yes Samantha understands that it is a factor to consider, but there are other things that should be considered when selecting who will officiate your ceremony. You need to know that you get along well and that your Celebrant understands just what it is that you want for your ceremony. Celebrants run their own businesses and as such can set their fee structure however they choose - that is why you will probably come across fluctuating pricing and fe

Getting married outdoors on a beach or in a garden is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful way to hold your marriage ceremony. However you always need to keep in mind that whilst many things are within your control in regards to your special occasion, the weather is something that cannot be controlled or predicted. Plan ahead - have a wet weather option - not always what you really want , but at least you know if your Big Day arrives and the heavens have opened up, you will get married in a nice, dry and safe location.

Samantha has had the honour of assisting many families in planning the funeral service for their loved one. Offering reading and music suggestions is just a small part of what Life's Celebrations By Samantha offers her clients. Our loved ones can be honoured in so many ways. By eulogies and sharing of memories, photographic tributes, music, lighting of candles or releasing of ballons or doves. Samantha guides you all the way to make the process just that little bit easier

I can honestly say that after meeting lots and lots of families over the years on a family members passing, so many of them think that their loved one has not really led a remarkable or interesting life. It is my belief that EVERYONE has done something in their life, whether it be running a marathon, or being a wonderful homemaker taking care of their family and their home. We are ALL important in one way or another. So when thinking about your life story, there are many things that can be included. When I meet with you to compile " A Life Box " I ask many questions which enables me to put together your life story and have it told the way that you want.

" A Life Box " is an invaluable asset to any family. How nice to have a story of your life told in your words for your family to keep and be passed on to future generations. This can be such a nice way for your family to learn of your life, where you were born, where you went to school, what you did as a child and the things that you experienced. Where you were married and what you did for work "A Life Box " can also assist later on down the track if family members decide to do a family tree and look into their history.

# 3 - Balloon Release Often in ceremonies there is a Balloon release. From my experience this is done mainly after a funeral ceremony. It can be a very cathartic experience releasing a balloon - the significance being that you are sending your loved one off to the heavens above. From time to time I have also been involved in wedding ceremonies where balloons have been released. One beautiful ceremony I officiated at almost a year ago saw the family release balloons in loving memory of their loved ones who had passed. It was very moving and a lovely touch.

# 2 Lighting a Candle The lighting of a candle can be very moving and play an important part in any ceremony. At a wedding ceremony, Unity Candles are very popular. This can include not only the Bride and Groom but also their families - signifying the union of the families. When lighting a candle at a funeral service, this can signify that the person who has passed will always have their light shining on the family members that are left behind. Candles are lit at a naming ceremony and then lit on the child's birthday every year, celebrating their growth.