The role of a funeral and wedding celebrant encompasses a wide range of emotions and responsibilities. Each day brings new interactions and tasks that require empathy, creativity, and a deep connection to the people we work with. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day in our life, balancing the joy of weddings with the solemnity of funerals.
Our day begins with a call from a Funeral Director checking if our diary is free to take a celebration of life in a couple of weeks. He will send us all the details later by email and we will call the family later to arrange a time to see them at home. Today, we have both a wedding to prepare and funeral service to conduct.
We start with practising the script for the funeral. This is a script that the family have approved and that we have ensured captures the essence of the individual we will be honouring. This requires sensitivity and a deep understanding of the person’s life and legacy. We recently met with the family, listening to their stories and memories of their loved one.
By mid-morning, we are at the funeral venue. Funerals are solemn occasions, and our role is to provide a space for family and friends to grieve, remember, and celebrate the life of their loved one. The ceremony is deeply moving, filled with heartfelt tributes and moments of reflection. It also included the gentleman’s cap being placed on his coffin, and a toast to him with his favourite brandy. Seeing the comfort and closure it brings to the family reminds us why this work is so important.
After the funeral, we return to work on a wedding ceremony. Today, we’re drafting vows and looking at readings for a couple whose wedding is a couple of months away and will take place in an orchard. Crafting a wedding ceremony requires a blend of creativity and precision. We spend time reflecting on the couple’s love story, their hopes for the future, and the unique elements they want to include in their ceremony. This one will include a hand fasting where the children of the couple will bring forward coloured ribbons, representing their part in the new family. These ribbons will then be carefully joined as the couple ‘tie the knot’. Every detail matters to ensure the ceremony is a true reflection of their journey together.
The evening sees us answering email queries from both our grieving families and new couples wanting to see if a date is available for their wedding day. As we only do one ceremony a day, when a date is gone, it’s gone. Today we took a booking for May 2026! Then there are the Instagram and Facebook posts to do, not our comfort zone at all!
A day in the life of a funeral and wedding celebrant is filled with varied experiences. From the solemnity of a funeral service to the joy of a wedding plan, each moment is meaningful and significant. The privilege of guiding individuals and families through these significant life moments is a true honour, bringing purpose and meaning to each day.
Just Ceremonies:
Jackie Aldrich 07831 486075
Deb Stodgell 07971 64671
www.justceremonies.co.uk
[email protected]