A Funeral Celebrant is a member of the community who is trained to provide a funeral, memorial or celebration of life service that truly reflects the individuality of the deceased. A Funeral Celebrant will encourage participation by family and friends to create a ceremony that is not only unique and specific about the person who has died, but relevant to all family and friends that are present. A funeral ceremony is a happy event, as it is the true celebration of one’s life, and is often the realisation of the impact 1 person can have on the lives of others.

When choosing a Funeral Celebrant, it is important to find someone who is interested in the celebration of life, and not only the celebration of unity. Funerals are much different to other celebrations as there is much more research that needs to be done to gain a fair and comprehensive understanding of the person’s life. This research (if done properly) can actually trigger individual memories from each participant. A good Funeral Celebrant should have an understanding of the grief stages, and how the use of music and ritual in a ceremony can give the participants something to think about.

Funeral Director’s usually are the first point of contact when someone dies. In most states of Australia it is typical practice that a Funeral Director recommends a celebrant. A good Funeral Celebrant should be able to communicate and liaise with Funeral Directing personnel as well as having good communication skills and ethics when dealing directly with the family. A family should however consider choosing their own Funeral Celebrant. Discussing the life of the deceased involves the sharing of intimate secrets and sensitive information, therefore a high level of trust is required.

Funeral Celebrant’s do not legally require any Nationally Accredited Training. It is usually however seen as credible to have some formal training, as the vocation of Funeral Celebrancy is quite unique and challenging at times. Most Funeral Director’s like to see that a celebrant has formal training and/or experience in conducting funerals as they are essentially using the celebrant’s service as an extension of their good name.

The Academy of Celebrancy Australia® offers the only accredited unit that directly focuses on Funeral Celebrancy in the Australian VET system. This course is Nationally Recognised and seen as favorable in an industry that has such great importance and meaning to the celebration of one’s life.


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