FCAA Celebrants know that planning a wonderful and fitting funeral or memorial service for a loved one can be daunting for family and friends who are dealing with their grief.
Our members are highly professional celebrants who meet with bereaved families and friends and provide guidance and support for them.
The FCAA Celebrant crafts and delivers a personalised funeral or memorial service that is dignified and respectful, and honours the life of the deceased person. The celebrant liaises with the Funeral Director to ensure a quality service is delivered and is one that incorporates the wishes of the family.
Funeral celebrants are independent and work confidentially so feel free to contact an FCAA Celebrant and ask questions about a funeral or memorial service.
See our helpful Questions and Answers below:
Q. What is the difference between a Funeral and Memorial Service?
A. At a Funeral, the deceased body is in a coffin/casket/shroud. A Memorial Service is a service held to commemorate and celebrate the life of a deceased person with their body not present (although in some instances their ashes may be) . This gives greater flexibility with the choice of venue.
Q. How long does a Funeral Ceremony usually last?
A. Most Funerals last about 20 to 30 minutes but if you feel that this will not be long enough for the service, the chapel may be booked for a longer period.
Q. Why should I use a Funeral Celebrant who is a member of Funeral Celebrants Association Australia?
A. Members of FCAA have agreed to a Code of Practice and undertake regular Professional Development.
A. You may choose your own Funeral Celebrant and inform your Funeral Director who it will be. You are not obliged to use the celebrant recommended by the Funeral Director.
A. You may choose your own Funeral Celebrant and inform your Funeral Director who it will 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 her/his fee is paid by them. The celebrant’s fee will be itemised in the Funeral Director’s account. However, if you choose your own FCAA Funeral Celebrant you would 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 our FCAA Funeral Celebrant will visit you in your home to discuss the Funeral Service.
Q. How will my celebrant dress?
A. Our Funeral Celebrants will dress in a professional way to show respect to the occasion. If you have a special request, your chosen celebrant will do their best to comply with your wishes.
Q. Will the Funeral Celebrant help us with the choice of readings and music for the service?
A. Your FCAA Funeral Celebrant will have many resources and will be able to suggest readings and music. This discussion and recommendations can take place when she/he visits you to plan the service.
Q. Will the Funeral Celebrant write the Eulogy if we give her/him the information?
A. Your FCAA Funeral Celebrant is capable and skilled at writing eulogies. You will need to give her/him information about your relative’s life when you meet to plan the service. See our website for a Service Planning form.
Q. Is it possible for us to have an audio-visual presentation about the life of our relative?
A. Many Crematoria Chapels and Funeral Homes have facilities to provide this. Please advise your Funeral Director who will arrange it for you. The family will be asked to provide images and other information about their loved one to include in the presentation.
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 Funeral 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 FCAA Funeral Celebrant will be there to make sure that their contribution is supported. Sometimes, two younger people will do a joint reading or joint tribute.
Q. Will my Funeral Celebrant include religious content in the Funeral Service if that’s what our family wants?
A. Your Funeral Celebrant will be happy to include religious content if that is what the family wishes. 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 Funeral Celebrant.
Q. Is it possible to include symbols, rituals, music or readings in the Funeral Service?
A. Culturally appropriate rituals are appropriate within the restrictions of the chapel or venue. Discuss this with your FCAA Funeral Celebrant.
Q. Will the Funeral Celebrant help us with the design of a Program for the mourners attending the service?
A. The family prepares the Order of Service or Funeral Program in discussion with the Funeral Celebrant. Either the family or Funeral Director will organise the printing of the Order of Service.
Q. Will I receive a presentation copy of the Funeral Service?
A. FCAA Funeral Celebrants will give you a presentation copy of the Funeral Fervice as a memento. Many celebrants will also provide you with an e-copy (PDF) of the service so that it may be distributed to family members or others who cannot attend.
Q. What qualifications do Funeral Celebrants have?
A. Most FCAA Funeral Celebrants have completed accredited training as a Funeral Celebrant and have extensive experience in conducting ceremonies. Many are registered / authorised Marriage Celebrants as well.
Q. How do I find out about the disposal of cremains (cremation ashes)?
A. NSW Department of Health has an excellent fact sheet which can be accessed at this web address. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/cremation-ashes.aspx While this information is general in nature, you may want to check with the relevant authorities in your own State.
Q. How do I remove the digital footprint of my loved one after death?
A. Your relative may have left instructions. However, there is an online service which allows grieving families to decide what happens to their loved one’s social networks after they are gone. There is a cost involved in this service. http://eclosure.com.au