Introduction to pre-marital discussions Pre-marital discussions are far more than a formality; they are an essential part of building a thoughtful, intentional life together. Before […]
Author: Vanessa Bower
Celebration of Life Ceremony or the Traditional Funeral: What’s the Difference?
In recent years, more families have begun choosing a Celebration of Life ceremony in place of, or in addition to, a traditional funeral. While both […]
Your Marriage Certificate In South Africa
A marriage certificate can take three different forms in South Africa. Marriage Certificate No 1 – handwritten On the day that the legal part of […]
Navigating Grief: How a Funeral Ceremony Itself Can Start the Healing Process
Introduction When we lose a loved one, navigating grief is an emotional challenge. The first few days after a death are often a blur of […]
Grief Journal: Support for Grieving Children
In her work as a funeral officiant, Vanessa Bower works with families who are trying to deal with the grieving process. So she was very […]
How an Officiant Creates a Non-religious Funeral
People ask about how an officiant creates a non-religious funeral ceremony. Vanessa Bower from Wordways Ceremonies offers non-religious funerals, celebration of life and memorial ceremonies. […]
Private legal wedding vs Home Affairs wedding: Which is right for you?
In South Africa, couples have more than one option to get legally married: they might have a religious ceremony or go through the Department of […]
7 More Funeral Rituals: Ceremonies of Goodbye
In this second part of our examination of different funeral rituals, we will explore further ceremonial ways of saying goodbye. (Read the first blog on […]
What Colour to Wear at a Funeral
Introduction Most cultures have a tradition for the colour to wear at a funeral. Across the world, colours carry deep symbolic meanings, often woven into […]
Funeral Rituals: Honouring the Departed In Different Ways
There are many funeral rituals which are deeply personal and very moving for the bereaved in remembering their departed loved one. Write on stones Wordways […]