With experience of working with many different officiants across the UK, we’ve collated some of our top tips for new celebrants.
- If you’re working with a funeral director, spend time with them to build up knowledge before helping with families as their insight is hugely valuable and it’s not always knowledge that gets written down.
- Be conscious to communicate information clearly: establish the preferred channel for both the family and funeral director and be sure to provide regular updates.
- If you have any doubts, ask.
- Funeral directors welcome early warning of any details that may impact a funeral: additional speakers, musicians, timings.
- Check and double check how long family members plan to speak, and where possible, ask for a copy of their reading/words
- 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 for funerals so you can check music and tributes.
- Make sure your website or social media page is up to date.
- Aftercare is important – what can you offer families?