Funeral Celebrants – Preparation
The Funeral Celebrant meets the family soon after the death of their loved one, this is either in person or virtually. They try to create a comfortable atmosphere and in conversation, they establish the wishes of both the family and the deceased. They listen very carefully to what type of Funeral service the family would like and discuss the involvement of certain family members or friends in the service.
The Funeral Celebrant asks questions about the life of the deceased person, their character, their values and all the different things that made them who they were. They encourage family members and friends to share special stories and memories during the Funeral service. Readings, music and poems can be incorporated in the service to help express the emotions of the family. The Funeral Celebrant can make suggestions to help the family, but importantly, it is the family’s choice throughout.
After this first meeting, the Funeral Celebrant will take their notes and use them to create a very special order of service for the Funeral. Once this has been completed, it is shared with the family and any amendments made. Once everyone is happy with the format for the Funeral, the order of service is then printed.
Funeral Celebrant Services
Funeral services led by a Funeral Celebrant are very different to other ceremonies as they can be non-religious and include as little or as much religion as the family wants (including; prayers and spiritual themes). The Funeral service is a celebration of life of the deceased person. As the Funeral service is carefully crafted by the Funeral Celebrant for each Funeral, many families find that this is the easiest way to reflect their wishes.
Funeral Celebrants carefully create a Funeral that celebrates not only the life of the person who has died, but also their character, achievements and hobbies. The service can be held in a Chapel of Rest, the Crematorium or by the graveside and can include poems and readings that the Funeral Celebrant can deliver or family members or friends. This style of Funeral can be as formal or relaxed as the bereaved family wishes and can include themes that meant something to the deceased person such as hobbies or a football team.
Funeral Celebrants – Their Special Qualities
It takes a very special kind of person to be a Funeral Celebrant. They are sensitive to the needs of the family and listen and empathise with them. They are flexible in their approach at such an emotional time and when everyone is in unfamiliar surroundings. Above all, the Funeral Celebrant is a person who is dignified and respectful, who can create a very special atmosphere on this sad occasion and ensures that everyone attending the Funeral feels that it really did celebrate a very special life…
