What is a Funeral Celebrant?
Since setting out to work as an independent funeral celebrant, I have been asked many times to explain precisely what my role involves. I suppose it is because funerals, as well as anything associated with them, are one of those things most people rarely stop to think about, never mind openly talk about. That is, until they find themselves in the unfortunate position where they have to, because they are nearing the end of life themselves or have lost a loved one.
It is understandable why the majority of us prefer not to talk about death and dying. It is natural and normal that we fear what we do not know or understand. In the most part, we are taught that those who are dying should be isolated and death is hidden away. Some people even believe that talking about dying or death will bring them bad luck, tempt fate or even jinx them. But the reality is that death is part of life.
As opposed to talking in hushed tones or being afraid of opening a can of worms, I intend to share some of the valuable knowledge and experience I gain whilst dealing with dying, death and bereavement in the hope that it will help others. In a series of articles, I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions, openly, honestly and as ever… straight from the heart.
What exactly is a Funeral Celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is a non-clergy professional who is committed to preparing and delivering high quality funeral ceremonies, which are not closely linked to any particular religion.
Unlike a Funeral Director whose priorities are mainly practical, as a funeral celebrant, my main responsibilities in terms of preparing for a funeral are creative; I meet members of the family of a person who has died in order to learn about the person. Then, I write a bespoke and very personal tribute about the individual. On the day, my job is to deliver the ceremony, ensuring any other speakers or readers know when it is their turn to participate. Above all, my focus is on supporting the family members of a person who has died in creating and delivering a memorable and meaningful send-off.
Celebrants tend to be independent and are usually engaged by the chosen Funeral Director.
A big part of my role is to help you feel reassured and supported. Whilst working closely with the Funeral Director, I lead the funeral or celebration of life and officiate at the service, which includes introducing other people who are taking part and paying tribute. Speaking, reading or singing at the funeral of a loved one can be emotional and nerve-wracking, but I will support and guide you and will invite you to pay your tribute when the moment comes.
The funeral service may contain a mixture of things that were important to the person who has died, such as a favourite prayer or hymn. But typically, a celebrant led ceremony has no religious context at all. The focus of the ceremony will be on remembering, honouring and celebrating the life of the person who has died.
What is said and shared during a celebrant led funeral is usually decided by family members or friends, with the support of the celebrant. If you are planning a funeral that includes lots of personal touches and family members are involved, I will support everyone who is contributing to feel included. I will co-ordinate everything and make sure the service runs smoothly.
Many people choose a celebrant to conduct their loved one’s funeral as the service will be individually crafted and personalised to include stories, readings, music and poems, which best reflect the wishes of the family and the life of the person who has died.
In a nutshell, engaging a good celebrant to help you prepare for a funeral will lighten the load you carry between losing your loved one and saying a final goodbye.
Besides supporting you in creating a fitting tribute and delivering it with compassion, I help to shape your memory of it – and indeed the person being remembered – for many years.
A carefully constructed and expertly delivered funeral service will help you move from experiencing the grief associated with the loss of a loved one to a sense and feeling of pride of having known such a wonderful person.
The work of a funeral celebrant is extremely enriching and rewarding in many ways. For me, it is more than a job. It is a vocation. I feel honoured to be there to facilitate a family’s needs by creating and delivering a beautiful bespoke tribute filled with respect, gratitude and love.
If you contact me on 07561 107888 or 01430 819806 I will respond to any messages within two hours.
