Choosing a Funeral Celebrant: Did You Know the Decision Is Yours?
When arranging a funeral, families often have many decisions to make in a very short space of time. One question that frequently surprises people is whether they can choose the celebrant who leads the service.
The simple answer is yes.
Many funeral directors work with a number of trusted celebrants and may offer a recommendation. However, families are under no obligation to use a particular person. If you’ve found a celebrant whose style feels right for you, you can ask your funeral director to work with them.
Some families choose a celebrant because they’ve been recommended by a friend. Others find someone online whose approach resonates with them. Many people simply want a celebrant who takes the time to listen and create a ceremony that reflects the life, personality and values of their loved one.
Have You Seen Me Lead a Funeral Before?
Since becoming a funeral celebrant, one of the loveliest things that has happened is being contacted by families who have previously seen me lead a funeral service.
Perhaps you were there to support a friend, neighbour or family member and something about the way I conducted the service stayed with you.
If the time comes when you are arranging a funeral yourself, you can ask for me by name.
Simply tell your funeral director:
“We’d like Helen Borking to be our celebrant.”
They will contact me directly to check my availability and make the arrangements.
You can also contact me yourself before or after meeting your funeral director. I’m always happy to have a chat, and I can liaise with the funeral director from there.
You don’t have to use the celebrant who is first suggested to you. Who leads the service and tells the story of someone you love is an important choice, and it’s absolutely fine to ask for the person you feel is right for your family.
Why Choose Your Own Celebrant?
A celebrant-led funeral provides flexibility and allows families to create a service that feels personal and meaningful.
You might include favourite music, treasured memories, readings, family tributes or moments of reflection. Every ceremony is unique because every life is unique.
If you contact a celebrant directly, they will usually liaise with the funeral director on your behalf, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Finding The Right Person
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the person who will tell your loved one’s story.
After all, they are helping to create one final opportunity for family and friends to remember, reflect and say goodbye.
Helen Borking Celebrant ‘The right words, when they matter the most’
If you are considering a celebrant-led funeral and would like an informal chat, I’d be delighted to help.
Helen Borking – Independent Celebrant – Lancashire and beyond
📞 07702 735000 📧 helen.celebrantuk@gmail.com 📘 Helen Borking Celebrant 📷 @helenborkingcelebrant
