In this section

How do I become a funeral celebrant?

How do I become a funeral celebrant?

Should I have a pet funeral?

Should I have a pet funeral?

What is a Celebrant led funeral?

What is a Celebrant led funeral?

Where can celebrant funerals take place?

Where can celebrant funerals take place?

Can we personalise a Celebrant-led funeral?

Can we personalise a Celebrant-led funeral?

How can I make the funeral ceremony even more meaningful?

How can I make the funeral ceremony even more meaningful?

Can I add religious content into a Celebrant-led funeral service?

Can I add religious content into a Celebrant-led funeral service?

How long does a Funeral service last?

How long does a Funeral service last?

How do I find a funeral Celebrant?

How do I find a funeral Celebrant?

Do Celebrants have a set script?

Do Celebrants have a set script?

The Ultimate Guide to plan a burial service

The Ultimate Guide to plan a burial service

The Ultimate Guide to a Celebrant-Led Funeral

The Ultimate Guide to a Celebrant-Led Funeral

Five unique ideas for an autumn funeral

Five unique ideas for an autumn funeral

Do Celebrants have a set script?

Do celebrants have a set script? No – and that is what is so special about them!

A funeral service should be as unique as the person it commemorates; for that reason, celebrants do not use a set script. They will always write your service script from scratch to truly reflect the life of your loved one and to pay the full respect they deserve.

The celebrant will use their skills and experience to write the best script possible, one that is truly sensitive to your needs and requests.

They will take mourners on a journey through the life of the deceased, into their sadness and grief and then back out on the other side. They will cover all the themes and moments discussed with the family prior to the funeral, celebrating and reflecting on everything that made the departed so deeply loved.

The sheer uniqueness of the service is why celebrants do not have a set script.

How is a celebrant speech broken down?

There is no set formula, but as a general guideline, you may expect:

  • An introduction, with any information and the wake and collections shared
  • A middle section, consisted of the eulogy or tribute, as well as any guest or family readings
  • A committal may then be preceded by a moment for quiet reflection. This is often accompanied by music, a poem or silence. This is seen as the heart of the ceremony
  • Final words to round up the ceremony and close on a note of hope

However, as there are no rules when it comes to a celebrant-led funeral – and no set script for the celebrant-, you can alter, mix and totally transform this in whatever way feels befitting your loved one and their incredible life.

What does a funeral ceremony consist of?

On the day

It is likely that the celebrant will arrive early to speak to members of staff, whether this is at a crematorium or burial site. They will ensure that everything is ready and that all involved staff are fully aware of the timescale and order of the day.

Family and friends will be asked to arrive around 10-15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. If weather permits, they will gather outside and wait for the hearst to arrive. This gives mourners the chance to see their loved ones and emotionally prepare themselves before the ceremony begins.

The ceremony

The celebrant will lead the way in with the Funeral Director. They will be followed by the coffin, the chief mourners and then everyone else. Guests will fill up the seats behind and to the side of the family. The Funeral Director will bow to the coffin and leave, followed by the music fading. This is when your funeral celebrant will start leading the ceremony.

What happens during a funeral ceremony?

The celebrant will take mourners on a journey through the life of the deceased, into their sadness and grief and then back out on the other side. They will cover all the themes and moments discussed with the family prior to the funeral, celebrating and reflecting on everything that made the departed so deeply loved.

How long is a funeral?

A funeral service should be as unique as the person it commemorates; which means there really is no right or wrong answer on the appropriate length.

A burial ceremony tends to be longer than a cremation (which averages at around 40 minutes), but it will always come down to the wishes of the family, any religious traditions, budget, attendees and any special wishes from the deceased.

Photographer Credits: Bec Zacher