I am going to talk about why you should consider using a funeral celebrant when planning the funeral of your loved one. I know, I know, we don’t like to think about, or talk about funeral planning but come on, none of us are getting out of here alive so why not put some thought into it beforehand? I am only in my mid fifties, fit and well, but I still have my wishes written down so that my husband or son don’t have to think about it at the time ( and I would haunt them if they got it wrong!!)

So what are your options when it comes to the funeral service? Was your partner religious? If so, then it’s easy, off to church you go. If not, then a celebrant is the right person for the job. Why? Here are the reasons to use a funeral celebrant. As I am female, I will write in the feminine.

She will take the time to meet you face to face. At a time when emotions are raw and overwhelm is present, your celebrant will be a friendly face and a listening ear. She should be in contact with you within hours of being booked by your funeral director. Of course, you can choose your celebrant yourself and contact her directly. Either way, a personal meeting should be scheduled for the coming days.

She will arrive armed with a pen and paper, and ready to talk. She will take you through the elements of the service, which tend to ( but do not have to ) run like this :-

Entrance Music

Opening Words by the celebrant

A meaningful poem or reading to be read by either the celebrant, yourself, or a fellow mourner. If anyone wants to speak about the deceased, this would also go here.

The Eulogy, or Tribute

A moment of reflection, with music if desired

Another poem or reading, if desired

The words of committal, or goodbye

Closing words

Exit Music

She will help you to choose your pieces of music if you haven’t done already, and perhaps offer some suggestions. The same goes with poems, there are many to choose from, some obvious, and some that are more obscure, and could relate to a particular trait or hobby of the deceased.  

The eulogy, or tribute, is the life story of your loved one. Your celebrant will ask you lots of questions about his or her life, and the more you can tell her, the more comprehensive the eulogy will be. Sometimes, when an old person passes away there is no one left to talk about those early years and school days, but there still should be enough to write a first class tribute that tells an amazing and beautiful story. Before you hire your celebrant, ask to see a eulogy she has already written – she will be able to blank out the names and personal details, but you will get an idea of her writing style. I cannot stress enough the importance of appointing the right celebrant – there is only one chance to get it right and it is vital that the eulogy is done properly. She should give you a printed copy of it after the service as a keep sake.

The words of committal are, for most people, the hardest aspect of the funeral service. It is the point at which we say goodbye to our loved one, and commit their body to be cremated, or buried. In the case of the former, it may end with the curtains surrounding the coffin to be closed. Your celebrant will discuss this with you, as it is ultimately your choice.

The celebrant’s closing words can include inviting the mourners to refreshments afterwards, and mentioning any charity collection in lieu of flowers. She will leave you then, with your choice of music that signals the end of the funeral service.

I hope this blog helps you to understand what a funeral celebrant actually does. It is way more than standing in the crematorium and reading a few words – and she will be your voice at a time when you simply cannot find the words. For more information please visit my page https://celebrantsuzi.co.uk/celebrations-of-life/

….or drop me a message, email or whatsapp. I’m seconds away from a chat.