Frequently Asked Questions of a Funeral Celebrant!

Continued from previous page!

How long does a Funeral Ceremony usually take?

Where the Funeral Ceremony is held in the chapel of the cemetery it is usually expected to last no more than 30 minutes. If you think that there are likely to be many tributes and the Ceremony may take longer than 30 minutes, discuss this with your Funeral Director who may be able to book the chapel for a longer period of time. However if you are having the Funeral Ceremony at any other venue or at home the length of the Ceremony is much more flexible.

Is is a good idea to include family members or friends in the Funeral Ceremony?

Most family members will not want to take an active part in the Funeral Ceremony for many reasons. I encourage participation by the reading of poems or short readings as well as paying btribute to the deceased, but it is not advisable to put pressure on any family member. Any readings that you want included can be read by me as your Funeral Celebrant. Being involved in the Ceremony makes it all more personal and can help the bereaved to accept their loss.

Is it appropriate for young people to attend a Funeral?

Attending the Funeral of a loved one can help in the grieving process. A lot depends on the maturity of the child and his/her relationship with the deceased.

Can younger family members be included in the Funeral Ceremony?

There are many ways for young people to participate in the Funeral Ceremony. They could give a short reading, stand by the coffin as it is brought in to the chapel, help place flowers on the coffin, etc.

Can we include readings and symbols from our own culture?

Multiculturalism is the backbone of Australian culture. You are encouraged to include facets of your own culture where they don't contravene restrictions at the venue or the law.

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