Your Funeral Celebrant in Canberra
Death is a part of life and coping with the death of a loved one is difficult.
I’m privileged to support families through this challenging time.
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Families have told me they appreciate my support and guidance through the process of planning a funeral or memorial service.
They’ve described my approach as calm and reassuring, easing the many stresses as they navigate so many things in a short period of time. Many have said I bring comfort and make a difficult time more manageable.
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Families and friends leaving a funeral or memorial ceremony often comment that ‘it was perfect for …’ or ‘… would have loved it, it was just what they wanted/would have wanted’.
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I am committed to designing funeral and memorial ceremonies that truly reflect your loved one and what you want as you honour their life.
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Where To Start With a Memorial or Funeral Service
Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start or what to do is not uncommon. Grief is a challenging and individual journey – we all experience it differently. But you are not alone! My role is to support you as together we plan and prepare the ceremony you want for your loved one.
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There are no legally prescribed requirements for a funeral or memorial service. This means we can personalise the ceremony in a way that honours your loved one. This can be daunting, but don’t worry, I will help you work through options, offering suggestions and ideas.
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A useful place to start is by thinking about your loved one, what they wanted or didn’t want and how they would want to be remembered. Then think about how many people you anticipate will attend (that is always a difficult question!) and anything in particular you want to do. That will help narrow down options for a venue or location for the ceremony. We are lucky in Canberra to have some wonderful options with supportive staff who will work with us to make sure that everything runs smoothly. I’m happy to talk through options with you once I know more about what you are considering.
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From there, we start thinking about the ceremony. It is a chance to honour and remember the life of your loved one. I understand that some people find the idea of a celebration of life confronting. How can you celebrate someone’s death? It is not their death that we celebrate – but their life, and the legacy they leave.
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The ceremony is a chance to make lasting memories and offer your personal tribute to their life. I’ve added some thoughts and questions below that may help you start thinking about the ceremony. Take your time considering what you want and don’t want, what will most authentically reflect them. You may choose something special, traditional or understated, whatever you think is best, we can personalise and make it meaningful. It is your decision as to what is the best way to honour and pay tribute to your loved one.
What is the Difference Between a Funeral and a Memorial Service?
A funeral ceremony is when the loved one is present in the coffin during the ceremony. Traditionally, a funeral is held in a crematorium, a chapel of some type, or at the graveside, although it’s important to understand that there are options outside of these traditional venues. I’m happy to speak with family and explore other options to reflect their loved one.
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A memorial service is a ceremony without the body of the loved one present. Their ashes may be present, or we may create a focus area using a photo, or items symbolising your loved one.
Memorials can be held anywhere, meaning that you can choose a venue that truly reflects your loved one.
What is Involved in a Memorial or Funeral Service in Canberra?
Firstly, I’ll meet with all the people are involved in planning the ceremony. We’ll spend time chatting about your loved one because I can only help plan an authentic ceremony if I have a good sense of who they were. We’ll chat about what the person wanted as well as what you the family want (and don’t want – that’s so important!) Finally, we will start planning and designing the ceremony.
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I’ll set up a Spotify playlist and share it with you and those involved in planning the ceremony. It will be what is used on the day to play all the songs and music you’ve chosen to include in the ceremony.
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After meeting with you, I’ll draft an outline of the ceremony and email it to you. It will include the details of who is doing what (preparing photos, speaking etc) so everyone is clear on next steps and the timeline we are working to.
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I’ll draft the areas I’m responsible for, and when completed, I’ll ring you and read it to everyone involved. I want you to hear it first, and have the opportunity to change or update anything. Hearing the words to be spoken is so different from reading the ceremony. After reading it to you, I’ll email it to you for further editing.​
​This is often an iterative process as everyone writes their eulogies and tributes. The draft is refined to ensure no duplication of stories. Ideally we have themes, mainly the characteristics of your loved one running through everything that is said.
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When the ceremony is finalised, I prepare a run sheet which I’ll email with the full ceremony to all the other people involved (the Funeral Director the Chapel Attendant/Venue, livestream team etc). This ensures that everyone supporting us on the day is ‘on the same page’ with their involvement in the ceremony.
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On the day, I brief those involved in the ceremony. I make sure that everything is ready and working, and everyone knows what they need to do and, importantly, when.
I have all speaking parts printed and ready for those reading tributes. I make sure there is water and tissues for those speaking.
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I will lead the ceremony and invite others to speak according to our agreed ceremony plan. Following the ceremony, I will make sure everything that needs to be done is done, before checking in with you and then leaving you to spend time with your family and friends.
What Role Do I Play As Your Celebrant In The Funeral or Memorial Ceremony?
My role varies, depending on what you need and want.
Sometimes, I speak on behalf of the family, other times, I provide the link between the different speakers and parts of the ceremony. I provide support and guidance to those speaking to ensure that everything flows smoothly.
I have worked alongside representatives from religious orders. As a civil celebrant I am not bound by one particular religious perspective. I can include elements of religion, or aspects of the spirituality or faith of your loved one in the ceremony we create, whatever is an authentic reflection of your loved one.
Ultimately, I create the space to help you honour your loved one, grieve their passing while celebrating their life and legacy.
How Much Do My Funeral Celebrant Services Cost?
The cost of a standard funeral or memorial service is $660 (GST inc). That includes all meetings, drafting, phone calls, sharing of ideas and resources and travel. It is an all-inclusive price.
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I have other prices for more involved ceremonies (eg ceremony followed by burial at a different location, or burial followed by a memorial service at a different time and or location) I can discuss these with you based on what you are planning.
What Families Have Said About My Memorial and Funeral Celebrant Services.
“Thank you for understanding my mother’s life and bringing it home to us for safe keeping. Dementia took away her memories but not her spirit and her soul. In her memory … My family and I thank you”
J – her mum’s funeral
“Everyone was really taken with the ceremony and we were thrilled with it as well. I don’t think you could do any better and that is also due to your experience and talent in helping people achieve their goal of giving their loved one a deserving send off. Thank you so much”
J – her sister’s memorial.
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“Hey Deb! Thank you for everything. You were a saviour in so many ways.”
S – his mother’s memorial service
“Many have been to memorial services before but never like our service. Everyone was so impressed and touched by your lovely manner and how you lead the service. A day to remember.”
G – her sister’s memorial
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“We were all delighted with how well things went yesterday and really appreciate your contribution to making a tough day easy.”
M – her mum’s funeral
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“We truly appreciate the assistance you provided throughout the process. Many of our guests even mentioned how impressed they were with you.”
E – her mum’s funeral
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You … “had multiple people all talking at once and somehow managed to listen to it all and blend it beautifully … it’s a rare talent these days”
S – her husband’s funeral
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“the whole day was fabulous and mum would have been very happy with the respectful send off. Thank you … for a great experience”
T – her mum’s funeral
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“You were fantastic Deb … Everyone said how much they enjoyed the service and the music in nature’s chapel.”
R&T – their mum and grandmother’s funeral
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“We were so fortunate to have you as the celebrant you smoothed what could have been troubled waters with style grace and professionalism we are eternally grateful.
D&S – their brother and brother in law’s funeral
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“whilst you did not know Ken, after our chat the other day, you were able to capture the person that he was very well. Your support of us both, but particularly N at a very emotional time, is much appreciated. … thank you for your kindness and professionalism”
D – her husband’s funeral
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“thanks so much for everything you did for the family. I was saying afterwards that you were the perfect person for the job, so caring.
K – her sister in law’s funeral
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“Many people have asked if you were a friend of the family – I feel you are!”
M – her partner’s funeral
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“Yesterday was exactly what dad would have wanted. We were faced with a challenging task and you took us under your wing and helped us get through this difficult time. We could not have done it without your professional, friendly guidance and help”
T&D – their father and father in law’s funeral
A Few Key Thoughts when Planning a Memorial or Funeral Service
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Do you know your loved one's preferences for their funeral or memorial service?
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Will your loved one be cremated or buried?
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Where and when would you like to have the ceremony?
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How many people do you expect to attend in person?
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Would you like to live stream the service for those unable to attend in person? If your preferred venue doesn't have live streaming facilities, I highly recommend Attnd Live Streaming
Meaningful Ideas for a Memorable Funeral or Memorial Service
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Would you like to decorate the coffin during the service or beforehand?
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Are there any specific artists, poets, or authors whose words you or your loved one found inspiring?
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What songs or music do you associate with your loved one?
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Did your loved one have a favourite colour, favourite clothing item, or theme that you would like everyone to wear in their memory?
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Did your loved one have any specific interests or hobbies that could be incorporated into their funeral or memorial service?
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Are there objects that represent your loved one that we could use as visual reminders?
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Would you like a slideshow of photos or videos during the service?
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Who would you like to have speak during the ceremony? And ... what aspect of your loved one will they speak about?
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Would you like individuals to share their photographs or cherished memories with you – for you to include in the ceremony?
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Would you like time for a personal goodbye? (We can discuss how and when is best to do this during the ceremony)
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Would you like to provide a service booklet or a bookmark for family and friends? (We can look at ways of personalising these)​
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Do you have any religious, spiritual, cultural, or symbolic ceremonies, rituals or prayers you'd like to include?
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Would you like to commemorate the memory of your loved one by planting something?
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Would you prefer people to donate to a charity or organisation instead of sending flowers?
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What lasting impression would you like to leave on people? Is there something you wish to impart or share with them as they depart?
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Do you want a pet/pets included? Many venues are pet friendly and will welcome your special guest who was an important part of your loved one’s life. Consider what is best for your ‘fur baby’, and who can look after them during the ceremony.
