Interview with Lynne Worrell, Funeral Celebrant

A celebrant is a person who conducts ceremonies for life events such as weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. They are not religious leaders, but they do have the skills and knowledge to create meaningful and personalized ceremonies that reflect the values and beliefs of the people involved. The specific duties of a celebrant vary depending on the type of ceremony they are conducting.

We asked Lynne to answer a few questions surrounding her position as a Celebrant, how she started, working closely with families to create the perfect ceremony and her most memorable ceremonies to date.

Q. How did you become interested in becoming a celebrant? What led you to this profession?

I was always the go-to person for any public speaking within the family. Weddings, funerals, celebrations I was always the one tasked with ‘saying a few words’.

When my very good friend Beverly died very unexpectedly, I was asked to conduct her service. I was a drama teacher at the time, and Bev was the principal of the school. There were about 350 people in attendance. I had so many compliments and positive comments about the ceremony, that I decided to investigate becoming a celebrant myself.

Q. Can you provide an example of unique or memorable ceremony you’ve conducted in the past?

A memorable ceremony is always one that reflects absolutely the person whose life we are celebrating. From a basket coffin with twinkly lights and bunting for a morris-dancing country lady; to the arrival on a tractor trailer for a farmer along with vegetable-based coffin topper; to a ceremony where everyone wore a checked-shirt because that was what the only thing this particular gentleman ever wore I love celebrations where beloved pets play a part, coming to pay their respects.  All ceremonies are unique as every life is unique.

Q. How do you work with clients to ensure the ceremony is personal and reflects their loved one’s hobbies and interests?

It’s all about listening and guidance. I have an initial face to face meeting with the bereaved, where I ask questions about their loved one’s lives, including likes/dislikes, habits (good and bad), plus any familiar stories indicating a character trait. This is often not a sad meeting but one full of laughter as we navigate family histories, unique events, or hobbies that those present at the ceremony will recognise. This all forms the basis of the Eulogy that I will help them write if they would like me to.  We include at this time, a discussion about what music and poems should be included, who would like to speak, etc.

Over the next couple of days, I produce a draft and we share it back and forth (usually by email) until all parties are happy. It’s important to recognise that they know best and to be open to editing as much as necessary until it sits ‘right’ with the family. At the same time, it is sometimes necessary to step in and be a firm guide if things look like they are getting out of hand and need to be brought back to focus.

4. How do you handle cultural or religious traditions in ceremonies?

As celebrants, we are unable to do a religious-based committal, but beyond that we are able to add in religious content as the family wishes. This includes a recital of The Lord’s Prayer, time for prayerful reflection, the playing of religious music or hymns, readings etc.

Culturally, it’s important to recognise that the family will be the best guide as to what their loved one would want or expect. I am happy to recognise different cultures and traditions and weave them into our service as required.

Q. What do you enjoy most about being a celebrant?

Those who know me well would say (unfairly I believe) that I enjoy it because I am an inherently nosey person. I like to say it’s because I’m interested in people, sharing a history, hearing about their lives.

It’s also a privilege and an honour to help the bereaved families through the worst times of their lives.

The privilege is twofold: it’s memorialising the person who has passed and celebrating their life, whilst at the same time, helping those left behind to cope with their loss and the decisions they are required to make at such a very difficult time.

The honour is in recognising and acknowledging the person who has passed, by helping those who knew them best, design a ceremony they are happy with and one that best reflects their loved one.

I am happiest with a ceremony where people leave smiling in remembrance, not bereft and sad at their loss.