Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our services.
What does a Funeral Celebrant do?
A Funeral Celebrant creates and leads a personalised service that reflects the life, values, and wishes of the person who has died. This may include readings, music, tributes, and moments of reflection designed to honour their memory in a meaningful way.
A funeral celebrant can also write ‘pre-need’ services, which is working with a person in advance of their death to write a service that meets their wishes.
Do you only conduct non-religious funerals?
I can include religious, spiritual, or symbolic elements (such as reading a prayer or lighting a candle) if they hold meaning for you or your loved one. Every ceremony is completely tailored to your preferences and beliefs.
However, if a person had a strong faith, I’d recommend that either a minister of that faith be included to lead to more spiritual aspects of the service.
How do you create a personalised funeral service?
I’ll spend time learning about the person the funeral is honouring, asking questions about their history, family, personality, stories, and what made them special. From there, I’ll write and conduct a ceremony that truly reflects their life and the wishes of their family.
Can you help with memorials or celebration of life services?
Yes. I can create and lead memorials, celebration of life ceremonies, or scattering of ashes, whether soon after the funeral or at a later date that feels right for you.
Will I get to see what will be said during the service beforehand?
Yes. I always share a full draft of the ceremony with you ahead of time so you can review every word. This ensures the tone, wording, and content feel right for you and your family before the day.
Do you work directly with funeral directors?
Yes. I work closely with funeral directors to ensure every detail of the service runs smoothly and respectfully. You can contact me directly, or your funeral director can make arrangements on your behalf.
Can family and friends take part in the service?
Absolutely. Family and friends are very welcome to contribute, whether through readings, music choices, personal memories, or other meaningful gestures. I’ll help guide and support them through this process.
What if we’re not sure what kind of service we want?
I’ll guide you through the options so that you can make an informed choice. Together, we’ll create something that feels right for your loved one.
Do we have to use the celebrant recommended by our funeral director?
No. Whilst most funeral directors will have a number of celebrants that they recommend that they work with regularly, the choice is entirely yours. You’re welcome to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who you feel will truly represent your loved one’s life and values.
If the funeral director you have chosen is not one that I regularly work with, I will ensure that I make contact with them early in the process and keep them fully informed at all stages of the process.
Can you include military or veteran elements in the ceremony?
Yes, absolutely. With strong personal ties to the military community, I understand the importance of honouring service with dignity and respect. This can include regimental music, readings, or moments of reflection specific to the Armed Forces.