About Funeral Celebrants
(If you are a funeral director, please visit this page)

What is a funeral celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is a person who works with and meets the needs of families in their time of loss. Celebrants are especially trained to provide a service that is a unique celebration of the life of the deceased.

What does a Funeral Celebrant Offer the Family?
    • An alternative to a religious service for those who are not affiliated with a church or who do not want a traditional service
    • A completely presonalized service that uses the unique stories, songs, experiences, etc of the loved one.
    • A scheduled Family Time where the family meets to share memories, anecdotes and special moments in the life of the one to be remembered. The essence of the service will be based upon the remembrances of the family.
    • A library of resources for readings, music, ceremonies and personal touches. The celebrant will consult with the family to make this a service that best reflects and celebrates the life of their loved one.

Is there a Code of Ethics for a Funeral Celebrant?
Yes. In this case, the Code of Ethics provided by Insight Institute is as follows:
    • to maintain all matters in the highest standard of professional and personal conduct.
    • to respect in all circumstances the confidentiality of the family
    • to preserve the right of personal choice and decision making for the bereaved families, and respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the deceased person.
    • to provide accurate information concerning the services they offer, the prices of these services, and the functions and responsibilities accepted on behalf of clients.

What is the Code of Practice?
    • To encourage the family to personalize the funeral service, ie, by way of poetry, music, photographs or any other way they desire.
    • To not introduce personal beliefs, prejudices or preconceived ideas.
    • To make no contact with the family after a funeral service unless specifically requested to do so by the funeral home or the family.
    • To make no advancements of a personal or sexual nature, as the security of the family and their vulnerability at a time of bereavement is to be protected at all times.