What does an independent funeral celebrant do?

Funeral celebrants will all have a slightly different take on their role, but basically they write and lead funeral services, usually for people who were not religious, or who had different beliefs not connected to a particular religion.

However, a person may have had a faith, but not attended a place of worship or had a connection with their local religious minister, so a celebrant may feel like a more appropriate person to hold their service.

As an independent celebrant, it’s my job to honour and give voice to the individual beliefs and wishes of the person who has died through respectful support and guidance of the family or friends arranging their service.

What can you expect from me as your celebrant?

The first meeting (usually 1-2 hours)

• To meet with you in person (or via a web link or telephone if required) to talk about the person you are arranging the service for and how you want their ceremony to be.

• This is very much about me listening to your stories and memories, spending time developing an appreciation of their character and personality, who and what was important to them, their values and beliefs, the landmark events in their life.

• It’s also a time where we can begin discussing the structure, flow and content of the ceremony:

• Music and readings add a personal touch to the ceremony, an opportunity for reflection and an insight into the person’s life.

• Based on the person’s wishes and beliefs, is there to be any religious, spiritual or philosophical content?

• How involved would you like to be on the day?

• Do I need to speak to any other family members or friends?

• I’m happy to support you to find readings, music and poetry if this would be helpful for you.

Creating a first draft of the ceremony

• I write with the intention of creating a well-constructed, flowing narrative about this person’s life and their death; this is their story as well as a final farewell. It involves the people they loved and who loved them in return. It’s therefore unique.

• You will receive this draft script promptly via email, enabling you time to check for accuracy and that the overall tone feels right.

• It’s important to me that you feel totally satisfied with the final script, so I’m happy to discuss and make any amendments you feel are needed, until we get it just right.

• I will keep in regular contact throughout this process, usually via email and / or telephone, unless we feel we need to meet again in person.

Working with your Funeral Director

• I will liaise closely with your funeral director and the venue regarding the details of your loved one’s service, doing what is in my power to ensure the day runs smoothly. This may include details regarding:

• The Order of Service

• Individualised aspects of the service (for example, music, seating, positioning of the coffin and flowers) 

On the day of the ceremony

• I give the family member / friend who I have mainly been in contact with a courtesy phone call, the day before or on the morning of the service.

• I will arrive half an hour before the service is due to begin, allowing time to meet with the chapel attendant or venue representative, and check all is in place.

• I will deliver the ceremony with heartfelt warmth and professionalism; as far as it is in my control, I will keep within our allotted time frame.

• I will remain in attendance and at your service until you have completed your acknowledgments with family and friends immediately following the ceremony.

I have pledged to uphold the code of conduct set out in the Celebrant Accord of the Funeral Celebrancy Council.

https://funeralcelebrancycouncil.org.uk/the-funeral-celebrant-accord/