When someone close to us dies, we find ourselves facing a large number of tasks and decisions that need to be made and completed before we can get on with the grieving process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first is what to do with our person now that their body is no longer alive.
And the second is whether to hold a farewell for them, and if so, in what capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you navigate this process, there are two vital players that you will work with to achieve these two tasks, namely the Funeral Director<\/a> and Funeral Celebrant.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Having worked as both, I am asked all the time; what is the difference between my two jobs and how do they relate to the family of the deceased?<\/p>\n\n\n\n These roles might seem similar, but they bring distinct flavours to the funeral<\/a> mix. Think of a funeral director<\/a> or funeral arranger (same thing, different terminology) as the ultimate logistical ninja. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These professionals handle all the practical nitty-gritty that goes into arranging a funeral<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their job is like the choreographer of the entire process, making sure everything happens according to legal requirements, and to your requirements as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Funeral directors<\/a>\u00a0manage the transfer of the deceased from the place of\u00a0death\u00a0to the funeral home\u00a0or mortuary.\u00a0 They\u00a0organise\u00a0the body preparation for viewing,\u00a0burial<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0cremation<\/a>\u00a0and will liaise with the mortician to make sure your person is wearing the right clothes, jewellery and makeup\u00a0in line with what\u00a0you have requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u00a0will\u00a0also\u00a0let you know\u00a0the\u00a0costs<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0cremation<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0burial<\/a>\u00a0and empower you to make the decisions that feel right for you and your person.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be considering a\u00a0direct cremation\u00a0only, which means that you are skipping the funeral for now.\u00a0 The\u00a0funeral director<\/a>\u00a0works\u00a0closely with the family to plan the funeral, from picking the casket\u00a0or coffin\u00a0to\u00a0booking the\u00a0funeral\u00a0venue<\/a>, date,\u00a0newspaper\u00a0notices and flowers.\u00a0 Coordinating is their game.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Funeral directors make sure the body reaches the funeral location, and then cemetery, or crematorium on time. Funeral directors handle the necessary paperwork, including obtaining the death certificate, permits for\u00a0burial<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0cremation<\/a>, and any legal documentation required for the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They’re more than logistics maestros \u2013 they offer support to families dealing with grief,\u00a0guide them through the process, lending a listening ear and making sure wishes are respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\u00a0funeral celebrant,<\/a>\u00a0on the other hand, is someone who specializes in creating and conducting personalised and meaningful funeral ceremonies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While\u00a0funeral directors<\/a>\u00a0focus on the logistical and practical (behind-the-scenes) aspects of a funeral, celebrants concentrate on designing a funeral service that reflects the life, values, and beliefs of the deceased, as well as the wishes of the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, they are the ones standing up front, holding space and leading the proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s what they’re all about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Funeral celebrants work closely with the family to craft a ceremony that speaks of the personality and values of the deceased. Celebrants often assist family members in writing eulogies or tribute speeches.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the family\u2019s wishes, they\u00a0can\u00a0completely\u00a0write the eulogy and deliver it on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Funeral celebrants oversee the flow of the ceremony, ensuring that all planned elements are seamlessly integrated.\u00a0 Celebrants<\/a>\u00a0create an atmosphere that encourages reflection and healing.\u00a0 What makes funeral celebrants special is their knack for personalization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They tailor the ceremony to the departed and the family, making it a true reflection of the individual being honoured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the roles of\u00a0funeral directors<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0funeral celebrants<\/a>\u00a0differ in their focus and responsibilities, they often work collaboratively to create a comprehensive funeral experience.\u00a0 When it’s time to\u00a0arrange a funeral<\/a>, picking the right players is key to nailing the farewell vibe.\u00a0 If you’re all about crafting a ceremony that’s as unique as the person you’re saying goodbye to, a funeral celebrant is your go-to. So, there you have it \u2013 the difference between\u00a0funeral directors<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0funeral celebrants<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Australia and how they work together (or as the same person) to bring families the\u00a0perfect\u00a0send-off. Appreciating the differences between these roles can help families make informed decisions avoiding having them made on their behalf without clarity and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s dive into the world of Australian funerals and uncover what sets a funeral director<\/a> apart from a funeral celebrant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat does a Funeral Director or Funeral Arranger<\/a> do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Role and Responsibilities:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here’s what they do:<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBody Matters\u00a0and transport<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If they\u00a0are currently at\u00a0the coroners, the\u00a0funeral director<\/a>\u00a0will handle the transport from\u00a0the coroners\u00a0to the mortuary, funeral home or even your home\u00a0for a vigil if you wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people like this as a cost-effective option, others need to wait for family to come from overseas or the like and postpone any send-offs until a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFuneral Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you need catering,\u00a0alcohol\u00a0or something\u00a0extra\u00a0like a dove release?\u00a0
Your\u00a0funeral director<\/a>\u00a0can\u00a0source and\u00a0book that\u00a0for you.
They also deal with any religious or cultural customs\u00a0and relevant\u00a0churches,\u00a0if\u00a0it\u2019s not to be a civil service.\u00a0
They will\u00a0book a\u00a0Priest, Reverend or Minister and act as support staff on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLogistics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plus, they manage the schedule for the service and gatherings, booking in all staff, audio visual operators, funeral live streaming,<\/a> and any other suppliers required.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDocumentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Professional and emotional support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What does a Funeral Celebrant do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Role and Responsibilities:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Designing the Ceremony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They put together a service that may include music, readings, speeches, and rituals that hold significance for the family and their person.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWriting and Delivering Eulogies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coordinating the Ceremony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They provide guidance to speakers and\u00a0other\u00a0participants,\u00a0making\u00a0sure everything flows smoothly and the ceremony’s vibe is just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFacilitating Reflection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They guide attendees through moments of remembrance and contemplation, fostering a sense of closure and\u00a0space to\u00a0honour\u00a0the life that was lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPersonalisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Collaboration between Funeral Directors and Funeral Celebrants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The funeral director handles the practicalities of the funeral, while the celebrant adds a personalized and emotional touch to the ceremony.\u00a0
This collaboration ensures that both the logistical aspects and the emotional needs of the family are met.
Here at\u00a0Picaluna<\/a>, our\u00a0Funeral Directors<\/a>\u00a0are also celebrants and often carry out both roles when working with a family.
This provides an excellent opportunity for consistency and continuity in taking care of your person and arranging the send-off, just the way you\u2019d like it to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPicking Your Dream Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For the practical stuff, turn to a\u00a0funeral director<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You are not compelled to use a celebrant that comes with the\u00a0funeral director<\/a>, so feel free to suggest your own, if you have found someone that is going to\u00a0be\u00a0the perfect fit for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They each bring their own superpowers to the table, ensuring that every farewell is\u00a0practical, meaningful and\u00a0a fitting tribute to a life lived.\u00a0
Whether it’s the behind-the-scenes logistics or the heart-on-sleeve ceremony, these two\u00a0professionals\u00a0work in harmony to\u00a0provide grieving\u00a0families with comfort and support when navigating the process of saying goodbye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n