The Modern Funeral

09/10/2026

It's not too late to grab a spot for this really useful and gentle talk by Honey's Home Organisation.

Just head to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bereavement-belongings-where-to-begin-tickets-2000472948440?aff=oddtdtcreator and register.

24/08/2026

A diverse life and interesting character deserves to be understood and celebrated, in a way that feels right and true for those closest to them.

We genuinely want to spend the time and energy to make this happen, and will always make sure you understand exactly what will happen at every stage, what will be said and shown in the ceremony and how your person will be looked after.

Here's the full and most kind review from Rob's family:

"We cannot thank the team enough for the care, compassion, and support they showed our family at such a difficult time. From the beginning, they were kind, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in understanding who Rob was as a person.

They took great care to read through emails and materials provided by our family in order to gain a true sense of his life, his character, and what he meant to others. This was reflected beautifully in the service itself.

All the arrangements were handled smoothly and with sensitivity, and Gitte’s role as celebrant was outstanding. She brought Rob’s unique character and experiences to life in a way that truly resonated. Since the funeral, we have received many messages from attendees saying how special and meaningful the service was.

We are deeply grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care shown throughout, and would highly recommend them."

11/08/2026

Meet the people behind everything we do here.

We are a small team of funeral professionals based in Brighton and Hove, UK.
We are hands-on with all aspects of caring for not just the people who have died, but also their relatives and friends.
We know when and how to step back and let you lead. We are great listeners, and use our experience to give options that best suit you.
We don’t ever expect you to feel a certain way and we won’t assume what emotions you’re experiencing.
We offer a wide range of help: we can do it all for you, or support you to do things yourself.

As a team we believe that funeral care should be deeply personal, transparent, and built on community trust, so take a look at who we are, what we do and feel free to ask us any questions.

We were founded in 2012 by Tora Abel to offer time and space - to process, to get involved, to actively honour your person, to begin to consider a way to a new reality without them.
Tora’s vision guides everything we do today.

Gitte is our Funeral Director - the one who manages all aspects of the funeral practicalities and arranging, orchestrates the day and leads the team, keeping everything beautifully in line on the day.
As an award winning Humanist celebrant (Funeral Officiant of the year 2025 in the Good Funeral Awards), she also offers truly personalised, non-religious ceremonies for those that want an authentic, caring and secular service - a way to create a shared experience and gathering that might just become the final good memory of your person.

Bibi came into this work because she loves to connect with people, hear their stories, and hold the complex feelings that come up around death and grief. She works mostly behind the scenes, and brings warmth and intention to her care for families and their loved ones. Supporting people at a pivotal point in their lives and deaths is hugely meaningful to Bibi, and she enjoys learning something new with each funeral.

Helen is our Acting Director. A strategist, systems thinker, she brings together operations, finance, policy and comms so the team is supported and ready to meet daily challenges.

It takes a village. A huge thank you to Joanna, Roger, the team at Eclipse, and our wonderful extended team of helpers who keep everything running smoothly. From gentle pall bearing, mortuary support and dignified transport to general support on the day, they are our absolute anchors.

Last but not least, meet our trusted vehicle. Perfect for families looking for a low-key, private, and understated final journey, it offers a gentle, fuss-free alternative to a traditional hearse.

We are right here in Brighton whenever you need a friendly ear or a supportive hand.

28/07/2026

Where we are.

A space to talk about and plan all things funerals, gather for events and where people are carefully and thoughtfully looked after.

We're based in Brighton, right next to Preston Park station.
One of the reasons we love being by the train station and in the heart of the local neighbourhood - rather than a high street shop - is because we love to be a familiar and welcoming place for the local community.

We understand that the time between a death and the funeral can be challenging. Our goal is to offer a place where you can connect with others and the person. Whether you’re gathering with family and friends, spending time to say goodbye, doing creative activities: there are many ways our space can used.

We want people to feel welcome here and able to spend time with us in an informal and comforting space. The atmosphere is one where you can take your time, have a cuppa while chatting about the person that died without formality and stress - or even come in for a chat about how to plan for a future funeral.

Our bright and open downstairs space offers a place for more intimate ceremonies, coffin decorating, pre-funeral rituals for particular cultural practices, and community events.

In our space you'll find our
- spacious and welcoming community space
- a cosy and comfortable office upstairs
- peaceful viewing room and modern chapel of rest
- a friendly face and coffee/tea and biscuits!

You can hire our community space for events, gatherings and memorials - just get in touch to find out more!

27/07/2026

Who we are.

As independent, progressive funeral directors in Brighton and Hove, we believe that death is every bit as varied and colourful as life, and just as worthy of thoughtful consideration and purposeful, intentional design.

We create completely bespoke funerals with our motto in mind:
Simple.
Meaningful.
Honest.

We are completely non-judgemental: we know that love knows no bounds, and doesn’t always fit into neat categories.

We are fully flexible and can support you to get actively involved in practical and ceremonial tasks.

Many people do not realise how much freedom and choice there is when planning a funeral. We also put on workshops, talks and events for anyone interested in finding out more or actually plan for the future.

You can find out about our approach to body care, visiting your person, bespoke rituals, mindful details and much more on our website.

You are always welcome to make an appointment to come and meet us for a chat about how we might help you, now or in the future, and to see how we work.

🖤 Modern and meaningful funerals in Brighton & Hove since 2012 🖤

03/05/2026

We’re really pleased to be hosting Grace Eyre's Open House again this month at The Modern Funeral. A very warm welcome back!

Grace Eyre do brilliant work supporting people with learning disabilities and autism to live, work, create and take part in their communities. We’re glad to be able to offer our space for their event and to welcome them back.

Community use of the building matters to us. The Modern Funeral isn’t only a place for planning and holding funerals - it’s also a calm, welcoming space where people can gather, make, talk, remember and connect.

Find out more: https://www.grace-eyre.org/open-house/

D**e Road Arts

13/10/2025

🌟 We’re absolutely thrilled to share some wonderful news… 🌟

Our very own Gitte Monis has been named Celebrant of the Year at the Good Funeral Awards 2025! 🎉

The Good Funeral Awards is a national celebration of excellence and innovation in the funeral sector, recognising the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives at their most vulnerable moments. To be recognised in this space is a huge honour - and Gitte absolutely deserves it.

Everyone who has worked with Gitte knows how much care, thoughtfulness, and presence she brings to every ceremony. Her ability to truly listen, to create something personal and meaningful, and to support people with calm and compassion is something very special.

She brings a gentle spark of joy into funeral ceremonies to help families create farewells that feel authentic, uplifting, and deeply human. Her services are never formulaic - each one is crafted with honesty, creativity and care.

We’re incredibly proud of her and so pleased to see her work recognised on a national stage. Please join us in saying a big congratulations, Gitte! 💛



Ceremonies by Gitte

02/05/2025

We have just enjoyed a delightful private view of the exhibition by the Grace Eyre's Pioneer Arts. Well worth a visit to see such wonderful works of art.

More information via the link below.

As the annual Artists Open Houses returns to Brighton & Hove this May, we are thrilled to invite you to our latest exhibition at a brand new venue – The Modern Funeral. We will be showcasing powerful and expressive artworks created by our Pioneer Artists – talented artists with a learning disabi...

30/04/2025

🎨 Coming This May: Pioneer Arts at The Modern Funeral 🎨

We’re so excited to be hosting our very first art exhibition as part of Brighton’s Artists Open Houses 2025!

Visit our space across three weekends in May as we showcase powerful, expressive work from artists with learning disabilities and/or autism – all part of the incredible Pioneer Arts programme by .

🖼️ Expect fine art, printmaking, textiles, film, sound design & more – all in our bright space beside Preston Park station.

🗓 Weekends in May 2025 11:30 am to 4:00 pm
📍 The Modern Funeral, 19 Station Road, Brighton BN1 6SF
💛 Free entry | Art for sale | All welcome!

Find out more: https://themodernfuneral.com/pioneer-arts-comes-to-the-modern-funeral-space-for-artists-open-houses-2025/

We’re delighted to announce that The Modern Funeral will be hosting our first Open House this May – and we couldn’t be happier than to partner with Pioneer Arts for…

11/10/2024

Being there for someone who is grieving can be really helpful in those early days and weeks after a loss. It can also be comforting to check in on someone long after the funeral has been and visitors are less frequent. Ask them if they want to talk, share memories or need support.

For more information about supporting bereaved people, visit https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/supporting-other-people/