Glenda Prideaux
Civil Celebrant
Funerals and Memorial Services
Many funerals these days are conducted outside of the ‘traditional’ church service and are extremely meaningful and significant in honouring the life of the deceased person.
During times of high emotion, sadness and loss it is important that the ceremony is prepared and conducted properly. My role as a celebrant involves coordinating and delivering the funeral ceremony, working with the funeral director to make absolutely sure that the family’s and the deceased’s wishes are respected and carried out in the most professional and dignified way possible.
My responsibilities include:
- Coordination with the funeral director regarding the time frame, order of service and any special arrangements.
- Suggestions for music, poetry, readings and other ways of personalising the service.
- Assistance in writing the eulogy and funeral service.
- Emailing the eulogy to the family prior to the service for final approval and to make sure that all biographical details, spelling of names, etc. are correct.
- Assistance to family members or friends who wish to write and/or deliver tributes.
- The conducting of the service in a professional, sincere and culturally appropriate manner.
- Liaison with the family as appropriate.
- A commemorative copy of the service.
No-one wants to lose a family member or a friend, but inevitably, sooner or later, we all do. Sometimes, because of the emotion involved, the family is not even able to plan a eulogy, let alone deliver one. I will help in expressing the words and sentiments of love and regard for your dearly departed.
It is very important for a funeral celebrant to get to know the history of the deceased and the significant events in their life. This is done by talking to the family and, with their guidance, writing and conducting a respectful, personal funeral ceremony. Immediate family, friends and work colleagues can also be helpful in providing this information.
It is possible to have a ceremony at a place that was special to your loved one, or at the chapels available in cemetaries, crematoria or the funeral director's premises. Your funeral director will give you guidance in this regard.