With years of experience of working with many different officiants, we’ve collated ten key recommendations for those at the beginning of their celebrant journey.
- If you’re working with a new funeral director, spend time with them to build up knowledge before helping with families. Their insight is hugely valuable and it’s not always knowledge that gets written down.
- Communication is as important as caring: establish the preferred channel for both the family and funeral director and be sure to provide regular updates.
- If you have any doubts, ask. Every funeral is different so take nothing for granted.
- Funeral directors welcome early warning of any details that may impact a funeral: additional speakers, musicians, timings. The better prepared we are, the more support we are (both) giving our bereaved family on the day.
- Check and double check how long family members plan to speak, and where possible, ask for a copy of their reading/words. The timing of their contributions may be in excess, or fall short, of the time allocated so we can advise to ensure there are no issues on the day.
- Sending families a digital copy of the eulogy so they can correct and approve it is best not left to the day before a service.
- Trust the funeral director with the practical organisation of the service on the day: moving coffins, seating arrangements, leading families out of services, etc.
- Always arrive early. It’s the opportunity to check music, tributes, last minute queries or confirm amendments to plans agreed earlier.
- Make sure your website or social media page is up to date.
- Aftercare is important so consider what you can offer families that will help them that also sets you apart from other celebrants.
Our shared goal is to provide the highest standard of care for our families. Where we can, we provide fair and unbiased referrals to our clients if they need advice on who to choose. It’s also a truth that we build strong relationships with local officiants as they’re often an extension of our team reflecting similar values to our own. If you’re new to this role, we wish you every success in, what is a highly rewarding, career of care and compassion.