Unless you’ve had to plan a funeral it’s likely that you don’t know a lot about what a funeral celebrant does. So below are some of the things I can help you with.
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Planning and leading a funeral ceremony
​As a celebrant I’m here to support you in planning and leading a ceremony that reflects the unique life and personality of your loved one. This may involve me facilitating the participation of family and close friends or I may read poems and tributes on your behalf.
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Cremation
Funeral celebrants frequently conduct ceremonies at the crematorium. We can also conduct funeral services at other venues and locations before you accompany your loved one to the crematorium. In this case, time at the crematorium is often private and might be a family only.
Burial
Funeral celebrants also carry out graveside services.
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Memorial services
I can lead a memorial service at a later date - this is a celebration of life without the committal. There are no legal limits as to where and when you can hold a memorial so you can have it in a place that is personally meaningful.
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The Eulogy
I’ll write and give the eulogy - unless you have a family member or friend to do that. I can also support you in writing the eulogy yourself and I will read it on your behalf if you feel unable to read it on the day.
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Planning for end of life
If you are planning for end of life, either for yourself or someone close to you, I can help you plan a ceremony so that you can leave instructions for your family about how you want them to remember and celebrate your life.
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What you can do with the ashes
Following a cremation, I can write a simple ceremony for the burial or scattering of ashes. I can also lead the ceremony if you would like me to.
So what happens next?
If you choose me to be your funeral celebrant I’ll liaise with your chosen funeral director.
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I’ll arrange to visit you, and when we meet:
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We’ll discuss how you want the funeral service to go
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I’ll help you to decide what to include such as poems, readings and music
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If you would like religious elements such as hymns, prayers, bible or other religious readings I can help you with that too
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You’ll tell me about your loved one and help me understand what they were like, things they did and said, and what they’ll be remembered for
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If you’d like me to write the eulogy then, within a couple of days, I’ll email a draft for you to check and make any changes
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I’ll let the Funeral Director know what you want included in the service and they'll produce an order of service for the day.
I will be available by phone, text and email to provide you with support as we plan and prepare for the funeral ceremony.