Funerals - One Celebrant's View
I have just been today to a Funeral of a neighbour and friend. He was the life and soul of any party and a joker. So many stories to tell.
The service ended up as monotone, not clear at times, even two poems in same voice. None of his jokes. No passion or heart in the Celebrants voice or varied intonation. Short service. Just read with no life. I and others were expecting a lot more. Called a Celebration but it was far from that about his life.
I asked the member of the crematorium staff if he saw many like this and he does!! What is going wrong with the Funeral Industry when Celebrants and others can't give a fitting and memorable tribute?
If I took a service like the one this morning I would be a discredit to the profession and pack up now.
When I get comments from services I have taken, saying "You brought him to life!", "It sounded just like him" and "That was the best service I have ever been to" - I know I have pitched it right for a family and left them with the right memories of their loved one.
Always trying to learn and glean good practice I asked a staff member, a few months ago at a Crematorium. "What is the most memorable service you have ever heard" . I was expecting her to give me some insight to help me. The reply shocked me as she mentioned one I took from nearly two years before!
Standards need to be raised. Funeral Directors need to ensure they use those who empathise, speak well with intonation and projection, have experience and will spent quality time with clients. Some Funeral Directors I know continue to use Celebrants who have said "I just change the name".
If you are reading this and need to ever arrange a Funeral ensure the person taking the Funeral has experience of Public Speaking, taking Funerals, can show references/feedback and will spend quality time communicating with you. Every Funeral Service should be a one off, a fitting tribute for your loved one that you will never forget for all the right reasons.
If ever you have questions or need to book my services just get in contact even if your family are taking it. Always happy to be of help.