The life of a Funeral Celebrant is never the same two days running.
This week has been a perfect example. I was with a family on Monday morning to talk about creating a ceremony for their son. On Tuesday I was speaking with his oldest friends and writing an outline of the service. Wednesday saw me going pillion on my hubby’s motorbike as we accompanied a funeral procession to the crematorium in honour of a local biker. And today, I am writing the ceremony for young man whose family I met on Monday.
And in between these duties, I have attended a networking group, written three blogs, held a zoom group call for graduates and made plans for the long weekend ahead. So what does the day in the life of a Funeral Celebrant actually involve?
There are many aspects of helping create a bespoke funeral, or celebration of life. These all start, and end, with a few key skills:
- Listening. Actively.
- Asking the right questions.
- Being compassionate and supportive.
- Doing what you say you will do, on time, every time.
- Liaising with others without ego.
Each ceremony is different because each life is different.
That’s why being a Funeral Celebrant isn’t about following a template—it’s about honouring a story, uniquely, every time. Some stories are long and full of chapters; others are far too short. But every single one deserves to be told with care, authenticity, and warmth.
Often, I’ll meet with a family who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. My role isn’t to take over, but to gently guide them through the process—helping them find the words, memories, and moments that will shape the ceremony. I might spend time chatting with a grandchild about their nan’s famous roast dinners, or sifting through old photos to understand who someone really was.
Every detail matters, because it’s in those details that love lives.
Then comes the writing: weaving anecdotes, music, poetry, and reflection into something that feels true. Not necessarily formal. Not always sad. But always meaningful.
Our role is to stand next to those in the spotlight
And on the day, I step forward not as the centre of attention, but as a steady voice in the middle of grief and gratitude. I’m there to hold space. I make sure everything flows. I try to be calm, clear, and kind—because sometimes, that’s all people need in that moment.
Being a Funeral Celebrant isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about helping people ask the right questions. It’s about pausing in the busyness of life to honour someone’s impact, their legacy, their life.
The stories we tell help bring emotional release and rellief
And yes, some days are emotionally heavy. But there is also light. There’s laughter in unexpected places. Comfort in the gentle squeeze of a hand. There’s the quiet satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped a family say goodbye in a way that feels just right for them.
So when people ask, “What does a Funeral Celebrant actually do?”—I say this:
We help people through one of the hardest moments of their lives, with empathy, creativity, and heart.
And that, to me, is the most meaningful work there is.
Ready to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be a Funeral Celebrant? Let’s talk!