A funeral celebrant is someone who officiates at funeral services. Typically, they are professionally qualified and separate from religious beliefs. A funeral celebrant supports the bereaved family to celebrate the life of the person who has died. Their role is to help create, organise and conduct a personalised and meaningful ceremony that honours the life and legacy of the deceased person.
Some common responsibilities of a funeral celebrant include:
- Meeting with the family of the deceased to gather information about the person’s life, achievements and personal beliefs.
- Preparing a personalised funeral service that reflects the deceased person’s personality and life story. This is usually tailored to reflect the person who has died, and the wishes of the deceased and their family.
- Collaborating with the family to choose appropriate readings and music that are significant to the person who has died and their loved ones.
- Conducting the funeral or memorial service in a compassionate and respectful manner, providing comfort and support to the grieving family and friends.
- Providing guidance and support to the family throughout the funeral planning process.
Funeral celebrants often work closely with funeral directors, family members, and other relevant people. This ensures the funeral or memorial service is a fitting tribute to the life of the deceased. They aim to create a meaningful and uplifting experience that helps the bereaved celebrate the life of their loved one and find closure during a difficult and emotional time.
How to choose a funeral celebrant
Choose a funeral celebrant who you feel can help you make the funeral process as calm and meaningful as possible. There are two types of celebrants:
Humanist celebrants are non-religious and focus on making the funeral service a positive reflection of the person who has died.
Civil celebrants lead funerals with or without religious content, creating an occasion for mourning or a celebration of life according to the wishes of the deceased person (if known) and their loved ones.
It’s important to choose a celebrant whom you feel comfortable talking with and who listens, understanding your questions and requirements. Ask for testimonials from previous clients, and look for mentions of listening, writing and presenting skills. How they managed the service and liaised with the family are also important.
At Austin’s family funeral directors, we work with several funeral celebrants. If you would like their details, please let us know.
