Funerals are a chance to say goodbye and celebrate the life of someone you cared about. A Celebrant can help you to create a unique Ceremony for a unique person.
For many years Weddings were either held in a Church or Registry Office and were followed, generally, by a sit down 'Wedding Breakfast'. Over the last decade this has changed enormously. Now you can get married in a huge variety of venues and the celebrations take various, different forms. A Wedding could be held in a theatre followed by a party with a love band and a fish and chip van providing the food.
On the other hand, Funerals have mainly continued to remain true to tradition. There is no reason for this, after all the legal part of a Wedding has to take place in a venue with a licence, however a Funeral can be held anywhere. You can hold it in your home if you wish.
A Celebrant is able to provide "A funeral that is driven by the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased and their family, not by the beliefs or ideology of the person conducting the funeral."
Since 2011 Celebrants can undertake the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in funeral celebrancy; a national qualification.
A Celebrant will spend time with the family and/or others arranging the funeral. They will get to know the deceased through the family and will agree a structure for the Ceremony. They will be able to give guidance and support throughout the process. The Celebrant will be able to write the tribute/eulogy, and a copy will be provided prior to the Ceremony for checking.
A Civil Funeral can include religious content if you wish. Some people choose to have a favourite hymn or prayer. Equally you may choose not to have any religious content at all.
On the day the Celebrant will conduct the Ceremony on your behalf, ensuring it runs smoothly and your wishes are followed as agreed, working closely with the Funeral Director at all times.
A Celebrant can conduct a service wherever you choose, and this can either be cremation, burial or the scattering of ashes. You may wish to hold a memorial service instead of a full Ceremony at the Crematorium or Graveside. Again this is something that a Celebrant is happy to provide, working alongside you to ensure it is everything you wish it to be.
Often people believe that the job of a Celebrant is a sad one. However it is extremely rewarding. Being able to help people at an important time in their life, and ensure the very best send off possible for the deceased is achieved, gives such a positive feeling to the role. Celebrants are happy, helpful people, who have a great understanding of what you are going through and want to support you however they can.