Q. How long does a funeral ceremony usually last?
A. Most funerals last about 20 to 30 minutes but if there are a number of eulogies, the Funeral Director can book the chapel for a longer period.
Q. May I choose my own Celebrant or do I have to use the Celebrant recommended by the Funeral Director?
A. You may choose your own Celebrant and inform your Funeral Director who that is to be. You are not obliged to use the Celebrant recommended by the Funeral Director.
Q. Who pays the Funeral Celebrant?
A. If the Celebrant is arranged by the Funeral Director then their fee is paid by them. However, if you choose your own Celebrant you pay them directly.
Q. Will my Celebrant visit me in my home to discuss the content of the Funeral Service?
A. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, your Celebrant will visit you in your home to discuss the Funeral Service.
Q. How will my Celebrant dress?
A. Your Celebrant will dress in a professional way to show respect to the occasion.
Q. Will the Celebrant help us with the choice of readings and music for the service?
A. Your Celebrant will have many resources and will be able to suggest readings and music. This discussion and recommendations can take place when they visit you to plan the service.
Q. Will the Celebrant write the eulogy if we give them the information?
A. Your Celebrant is capable and skilled at writing eulogies. You will need to give them information about your relative’s life when you meet to plan the funeral.
Q. Is it possible for us to have a PowerPoint presentation about the life of our relative?
A. Many crematoria chapels have facilities for PowerPoint. Tell your Funeral Director if you want to be able to have this. Q. Is it appropriate for family members or friends to give a eulogy or a reading? A. It is very appropriate for family members or friends to participate in the service as it makes it more personal. Discuss this with your Celebrant and they will advise the best way to incorporate this into the service.
Q. Should younger members of the family be included in giving a reading?
A. Younger members can participate if they are willing. Your Celebrant will be there to make sure that their contribution is supported.
Q. Will my Celebrant include religious content in the funeral service if that’s what our family wants?
A. Your Celebrant will be happy to include religious content if that is what the family wants. Many people, while having no special church affiliation, take comfort from some religious content in the service. Others feel that a religious component will comfort other family members. Discuss this with your Celebrant.
Q. Is it possible to include culturally appropriate symbols, rituals, music or readings in the Funeral Service?
A. Culturally appropriate rituals are appropriate within the restrictions of the chapel. Discuss this with your Celebrant.
Q. What if the deceased was a Returned Serviceman or Woman?
A. There is a standard format for inclusion in the service for Returned Servicemen and Women and your Celebrant will be familiar with that.
Q. Will the Celebrant help us with the design of a Program for the mourners attending the service?
A. Celebrants are happy to advise with the preparation of the ‘Order of Service’.
Q. Will the Celebrant give me a presentation copy of the service?
A. Celebrants will give you a presentation copy of the Funeral Service Ceremony as a memento.
Q. What Qualifications do Funeral Celebrants have?
A. Most Celebrants have completed accredited training as a Funeral Celebrant and have extensive experience in conducting ceremonies.
