Choosing the right funeral celebrant

"The harder it is to say goodbye to somebody...the luckier you are to have met somebody you are going to miss." - Jomny Sun

Planning a memorial for a loved one who has died is the final chance to reflect and look back on their life and why it is so important to be able to celebrate their memory in a way that feels right to you and your family.

For those seeking a more personal approach, a celebrant-led funeral might offer a clear choice. If you're choosing a funeral celebrant to lead a service, it's important you feel they are the right person to honour your loved ones life.  You can expect a very personal ceremony with a funeral celebrant which is focused on the individual and offers the opportunity to bring your own beliefs, or those of the deceased, to the forefront of the service.

A funeral celebrant is the main host of a funeral or a celebration of life, and it is their role to officiate the proceedings. One of the great things about funerals is that you have the freedom to weave in whatever you want to represent your ancestry. Funerals can be religious or non-religious and may include prayers or hymns if deemed appropriate for the deceased. In essence, they exist to create a cathartic celebration that perfectly encapsulates the memory of the deceased.

Celebrants work closely with you and your family to piece together the story of who your loved one was and share their legacy. A celebrant will share your loved ones story as if they were also a friend to them.

Whether you choose your own funeral provider or are recommended by a funeral director, you always have the option of arranging an initial meeting by phone, video or in person. A good celebrant will offer suggestions and also listen to your ideas, this is your time to find out everything you want and need to know about your potential celebrant or priest before you make a decision. Some questions you may want to consider are:  

• Where do we meet when we talk about ministry?
• What is your experience so far?
• What do you do on the day of the funeral?
• Can you help me with my condolences?
• Are there any additional charges to be aware of?
• Do you have any references or testimonials?
• Why should we choose you as our funeral celebrant?

Your answers will not only help you make the final decision, but it will also reduce the uncertainty and stress leading up to the day.  

Online reviews can help make a decision when choosing a funeral celebrant and the service they provide. Reviews can also provide insight into how they work with families, what type of storyteller they are and how they celebrate a person's life in a meaningful way.  The best way to look at reviews is through the celebrants Facebook or Instagram pages and through their website reviews.

Some funeral celebrants specialise in religious or traditional services, while others do non traditional ceremonies.  Considering your loved one's beliefs and lifestyle is a good place to start when commencing your search. 

It's important to remember that there is not one way to say goodbye to someone you love and ultimately, you have to rely on your intuition when choosing the right funeral. By investing time in your research you can find a celebrant that's right for you ensuring they will help honour your loved ones memory.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"

From an Irish headstone

By Jack Kennedy