What is a Celebrant?

 

A funeral celebrant is someone qualified to host and officiate funeral services. As well as conducting the funeral itself (both non–religious and semi religious), celebrants are involved in planning the order of service, music, writing the eulogy and creating a meaningful service for the person who has died.

 

 

What are the benefits of having a celebrant-led funeral?

 

One of the biggest benefits of a celebrant-led funeral is their openness and inclusivity. They allow you to create a ceremony that is a true reflection of the deceased. 

Many feel that typical funerals don’t offer the emotional weight or sense of closure they are looking for. A bespoke service is tailored to your needs and wishes, supporting the grieving process.  A funeral celebrant will try to bring warmth and light to the ceremony, reminding the mourners that the individual lived a beautiful, meaningful life.

It also gives you the flexibility to factor in different beliefs and wishes, without being tied to a specific structure.

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What should I consider for the content of the service?

 

I will carry out a home visit where we will talk about the stories and memories you would like to include. Some things you may wish to think about ahead of this visit are:

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• Where your loved one was born and grew up

• Siblings and family members they grew up with

• Their school days and childhood stories

• Partners, children, grandchildren and other family members

• Closest friends

• Armed forces/National Service

• Career plans and places of work

• Groups and societies they belonged to

• Interests and achievements

• Your favourite memories of them

• Their musical tastes and any specific tracks you would like to include

• Significant life events

• Their particular sayings and stories

• What will you most remember them for?

• Did they make any personal requests about their own funeral?

• Will anybody else be speaking at, or participating in the service?

 

 

Who should speak at the funeral?

 

It’s your choice. Many people will leave the bulk of the funeral to the Celebrant, which is perfectly normal and understandable given the circumstance.

However, should you wish for a family member or friend to speak, carry out a reading or maybe recite a poem that is most welcomed and will be discussed as part of my home visit and our time working together.

Should you wish for hymns or a prayer to be included in the ceremony, I can also accommodate this.

 

 

How do I pay for a Funeral Celebrant?​

 

This is usually included as part of the costs you pay to the Funeral Director.

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Do I need an Order of Service?

 

Naturally there is an order to the day, however it is completely up to you should you wish to devise a printed order of service to support the ceremony.

 

 

Can I have a service or ceremony without having to go the crematorium?

 

Yes. I can hold a service or celebration of life wherever you wish it to be.