When do you need a Funeral Celebrant?

For a Celebration of Life

Historically, funerals were considered to be the province of the clergy - even for people who had no religious beliefs, or did not follow a particular religion. However, since the first celebrant led funeral ceremony took place in Melbourne, Australia in July 1975, demonstrating how person-centred a funeral service could be, there has been an increasing demand for secular or non religious ceremonies.

The option of a non religious ceremony, which is often referred to as a celebration of life, solves a problem for an increasing number of people who, for whatever reason, would prefer something different. For many years this had been an uncomfortable problem for which there was no solution.

Whilst a funeral in a religious setting used to be viewed as traditional, attitudes are changing. Last year alone, the demand for non-religious celebrant led funerals and celebrations of life is reported to have risen by almost 20%. As more people move away from traditional funerals, celebrant led send-offs are becoming a popular way of making funerals much more personal and unique.

For a Personal and Unique Tribute

A celebrant led funeral ceremony enables non-church going people to have a funeral that is bespoke and personal in nature, with a minimum of platitudes, and also a personal eulogy that is well prepared, and substantial in its coverage of the life history and achievements of the person who has died. 

You can plan what you would like to be included in the ceremony and how the order of service will run, such as appropriate music, quotations and individual tributes. Often, family members choose to read extracts from a favourite book, recite a special poem or share stories of their loved one. This may include a prayer, religious reading or hymns if requested.         

Funeral celebrants also serve people who have religious beliefs but do not wish to be buried or cremated from a church, temple or mosque.  In fact, a non-religious funeral service can be held anywhere. The ceremony can take place at a crematorium or cemetery chapel, natural or woodland burial site or in a non-religious venue such as a parish hall, hotel or stately home.  A service can even be held in your own home or garden or at your loved one’s favourite place.

For Support and Guidance

At a time when emotions are heightened, whilst experiencing the pain of loss, you will need to make choices and decisions that you hope would best reflect the wishes of the person who has passed away.

When you are struggling to express your feelings and emotions, it is difficult to reflect on the life of the person you have loved and lost.  I understand this and will guide and support you through this difficult time.

When you don’t know what to say, I will help you find the words. Together, we will create a genuine, authentic and sincere tribute filled with respect, gratitude and love.

The work of a funeral celebrant is extremely enriching and is 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.