Funeral Celebrant Sydney
Funeral Celebrant in Sydney
Funeral services, memorial services, scattering of ashes
When a loved one dies, families can experience many emotions – grief, loss, anger, disbelief and sometimes relief that the person is no longer suffering. It’s such a difficult time for them and they rely on others to help them through, particularly when arranging the funeral.
But have you ever left a funeral feeling that the essence of the person wasn’t celebrated? I have, so I create unique services that reflect who the person was, how they lived, what they loved and who they loved.
I make a promise to the family to ensure their loved one will be farewelled with dignity and respect, and that I will be with them throughout the whole journey. You can count on me because….. I am a promise keeper.
What a privilege that is for me.
Download a copy of your unique funeral wishes here.
Grief is unfinished love
– ANON
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a funeral director different to a funeral celebrant?
A funeral director organises all the practicalities of a funeral service (meeting the family, organising flowers, coffin etc). A funeral celebrant writes and creates the ceremony based on the family’s needs. The celebrant conducts the service on the day.
What’s the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?
The coffin is present at a funeral service. No coffin present at a memorial service. However, the family may have the ashes present if the person has been cremated.
Do I have to have the funeral celebrant recommended by my funeral director or can I choose my own?
Generally funeral directors make recommendations for a funeral celebrant. However, families are able to make their own choice if they wish to.
How long is a funeral/memorial service?
This depends on the venue which has been booked. Chapels at crematoriums work on 45 minute bookings. This timeframe includes people entering the chapel, the service being delivered and people leaving the chapel. Realistically the actual service should not take more than 35 minutes If the service is to take place in a park, hall, club, home or other venue, then there are no time limits. However, families should consider what time frame they think appropriate to commemorate their loved one’s life.
How many tributes are considered adequate at a funeral service?
If there is to be a photo presentation, then a maximum of three tributes no longer than five minutes each would be appropriate for a single timeslot booking. Families requiring extra time for additional tributes and/or other elements not included in the basic format for a ceremony should consider asking for a double booking. Another option is to have some tributes at the service and some tributes at the wake.
What happens if the family doesn’t know many details about the person?
Many people don’t like to discuss their life with loved ones. There may be too many painful memories or they may think nothing in their life was very noteworthy. Your celebrant can assist with this. A beautiful and unique service can be created with as much or as little information available.
How can I make the ceremony more personal?
Many families have a photo of their loved one on the coffin. Others may wish to display personal items that were important to the person (eg sporting memorabilia, favourite pieces of clothing, items from childhood, etc). Families can choose relevant poems or play the person’s favourite music. Your celebrant can assist further with other ideas.
Recent Blogs
Can You Really Play a Rock ‘n Roll Song At a Funeral?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a song for a service. The important factor is choosing a song that represented the person, how they lived and how the family remembers them.
Chapel, Church, or Somewhere Else – Venues for Funeral and Memorial Services
Up until the last few years, it has been traditional to hold a funeral or memorial service in a crematorium chapel or a church.
Kind words
Testimonials
“I was matched with Sharon by the funeral director selected to organise my dads funeral and what a perfect selection she was! From our first call, Sharon was fabulous. She was empathetic, relatable and really listened to who my dad was as a person. Sharon was supportive with my funeral speech and helped guide me to make decisions about the ceremony by sharing her ideas and experience. The day of the service she dressed in St George colours (my dads team), included poems that referenced my dads love of motorcycles and talked about him knowingly as if he was an old friend. I take comfort knowing that my dad would have truly loved the celebration of his life (and your dancing to his favourite tune)! Thank you again Sharon! “
“Thank you so much Sharon for such a beautiful send off for our dad. You were amazing and made a hard day that little but easier. You made the day so personal and we felt like you were part of our day. Thank you so much. Xx”
“Firstly we can not thank you enough for the fitting service and humour you provided for Dad. It would be very easy to just trot out the same service formula each time, but it is clear that you take great pride in your role as a celebrant and wish to make the service fitting for those whom you represent. what does stand out in all our minds is your warmth and compassion, your ability to guide a very difficult time with grace and sincerity as well as an appropriate amount of humour. Thank you for making a tough day just that little bit easier.”
“I chose Sharon for my mum’s memorial as I simply loved her face and open smile. I booked Sharon after she offered to help me with my mum’s arrangements even if I didn’t book her! Sharon is genuine, warm and natural. Her follow up care is beyond what I’ve expected but am so grateful for her recommendations as they are so on point it’s like she’s read my mind.”
“A huge thanks for the most beautiful service for our Mum. You’re a true angel, you were so caring and professional and your warmth and way you delivered the memorial today was truly beautiful. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.”
“Thank you so much Sharon for your friendship and all of your support to the family over the last very difficult week and for your beautiful words yesterday as we laid our wonderful Mum to rest
You’re an amazing woman xx 💕”
