What to expect from a celebrant-led funeral

I often meet people who are not sure what a celebrant led funeral means… whether they’ve never been to a funeral at all, or have only been to more “traditional” services – it can be a bit muddling. So here’s a little bit more about what you can expect at a celebrant led funeral:

A celebrant led funeral is a personalised and meaningful ceremony that focuses on honouring the life, values and personality of the person who has died.

My role as a celebrant is to work closely with the family to gather stories, memories and other information that will help create a unique service. I focus on the importance of getting the tone and content right and I will listen deeply, not just for what’s said, but also for what isn’t said.

Although a family member may sometimes write the eulogy, more often then not, I will be the one to write this, based on information gathered at the family meeting. Along with input from the family, I will craft and write the ceremony script, and deliver it.

I will also encourage family and friends to participate, fully understanding that they may not want or be able to on the day. I always let families know that they can write a tribute or choose a reading or poem, and if they’d rather, I will read it on their behalf.

I offer a supporting presence; guiding a family through the process and helping to shape and build the order of service.

A celebrant led funeral can include anything that was meaningful to the person. This might be readings, poems, music of any type, video and photo tributes. It can also include family tributes and any symbolic act that holds meaning.

There is a certain amount of flexibility, not just in the service, but also in the location. The ceremony can be held at a crematorium, cemetery, natural burial ground, or even at a non-traditional venue such as a private home, a garden, hotel or pub.

While celebrant led funerals are often secular, you can still include religious or spiritual content (such as a hymn or a prayer) depending on your preferences. While I will, of course, always respect the solemnity of the occasion, I like to place a certain emphasis on a “celebration of life” approach. This focuses on positive aspects and memories of the deceased.

The joy of a celebrant led funeral is that it can be whatever you want it to be. A good celebrant will help you plan the very best farewell you can hope for and will often help with pre-planning a funeral which is another way of making sure things are exactly as you hoped.

And if you're still not sure, get in touch and ask me any questions you might have!

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