HOW TO FIND A FUNERAL CELEBRANT WHO TRULY HONORS YOUR LOVED ONE

A meaningful tribute to a loved one is a ceremony that genuinely honors and celebrates their life. Traditionally, funerals were conducted by a spiritual leader of the deceased or a celebrant suggested by a funeral director.

As burial options evolve, so do ceremonies and the family's involvement in choosing a celebrant. Choosing a celebrant is an essential step in creating a ceremony that honors and celebrates your loved one.

But where do you begin?

Here are 3 Tips to find the right funeral celebrant:

Tip #1 — HOW TO FIND A FUNERAL CELEBRANT THAT MATCHES YOUR CEREMONY STYLE

Is the ceremony going to be religious, semi-religious, or secular? For a religious ceremony, it's ideal to select a spiritual leader who aligns with the beliefs and values of the deceased. If you opt for a semi-religious, mixed faith, or secular ceremony, a funeral celebrant would be a great choice.

Funeral celebrants are experts skilled in crafting both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies. They collaborate closely with the family to understand the deceased's life, interests, passions, and experiences, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the loved one's life and legacy. Celebrants have the artistic liberty to customize the ceremony by choosing music, readings, rituals, prayers, or other elements that mirror the loved one's values and beliefs.

Recently, I organized and led a funeral ceremony that was broadcast globally, focusing on my client’s life story, including the joyful moments, challenges, and legacy. The event was filled with both laughter and tears, as family and friends shared their memories. Songs by The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen were played, and attendees received keychains and my client’s favorite fruit as keepsakes. It was a genuinely meaningful and memorable occasion for the grieving family and friends.

Tip #2 - HOW TO FIND A FUNERAL CELEBRANT

The most effective way to find a celebrant is by seeking recommendations from family or friends. Alternatively, you can look for funeral celebrants in your local area. In either case, be sure to visit their websites to understand their ceremonies and read reviews from past clients. Certification program leaders and industry experts offer lists of nearby celebrants. The Celebrant Foundation & Institute, Funeral Wise, the National Funeral Directors Associations (NFDA), and Insight Books provide names, service areas, and contact details of celebrants.

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others."

Tip #3 - FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU

Similar to many other professions, funeral celebrants differ in how they plan and create ceremonies. It's crucial to feel at ease communicating with the celebrant and to trust that your loved one's wishes will be honored throughout the process.

Here are a few questions to ask celebrants as you search for the perfect fit:

1. Is the celebrant available on the ceremony date?

2. What is the celebrant's training?

3. What is the celebrant's process in creating your loved one’s ceremony?

4. What are some examples the celebrant has done to personalize a ceremony?

5. How will the celebrant include your loved one’s faith? (If desired)

6. How will the celebrant gather information about your loved one?

7. Will I have final approval of the ceremony? (FYI--the answer should be yes.)

8. What is the celebrant's fee? What is included?

   
   

When meeting with the celebrant, observe whether they are attentive. Do they appear to grasp the kind of ceremony you desire, and are they willing to work together with you to craft the ideal ceremony for your loved one?

Everyone has a story to tell

So, whether you’re looking to have a funeral, celebration-of-life, or memorial ceremony for your loved one, be sure to keep these tips in mind to find the perfect fit for you!

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My name is Joan Bogwill and I am a Life-Cycle celebrant trained at the Celebrant Foundation & Institute and I am certified in funeral and wedding ceremonies.

Are you in need of a funeral celebrant? Please review my custom funeral, celebration-of-life, and memorial ceremonies at www.heartfeltcustomceremonies.com