Becoming a Civil Celebrant with the UK Society of Celebrants in 2015 continues to be a rewarding and life-changing experience.
It is a privilege to help grieving families put together a fitting tribute for their loved ones. The biggest compliment I can receive after the service is when a mourner asks me if I was a friend of the deceased… then I know that I have succeeded in capturing their unique character with my words.
As a writer, and during my time on radio and local television, I have always strived to achieve the perfect interview: one that reveals my guest’s true personality, while getting across the salient points and, at the same time, keeping the audience entertained.
I am now able to bring this skill to my work as a funeral celebrant by painstakingly and sympathetically gathering information about the life of the deceased. It is often the small and quirky details which stand out and can become the very soul of the ceremony. At a recent celebration of life, we all wore corsages comprising the herb rosemary and feathers tied together with wool that had been woven by the deceased from her own Jacob’s sheep. Each detail had special significance and it was a lovely touch that I am sure no one who attended will ever forget.
As a family celebrant I know that getting married is one of the most important and memorable life events. Although the couple’s vows to each other usually form the heart of the ceremony, there are no real constraining factors with a celebrant led marriage – Government Covid guidelines permitting. A lack of imagination is the only limiting factor …you can hold your ceremony where you want, when you want and in whatever style you might choose. Not even the sky is the limit as one of my UKSoc colleagues found out when she was asked to officiate at the wedding of a sky diving couple. Please don’t ask this of me !
Whatever the occasion, each ceremony I produce is always unique. There is no “cut and paste” as no two events are ever the same in any respect.
Over the years hosting a radio magazine programme, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to many famous authors and celebrities. I remember asking the super-experienced veteran television presenter Gloria Hunniford if she ever felt nervous or intimidated when interviewing a high-profile person.
“Only if I feel under-prepared”, was her answer.
This is exactly the same answer I would have given, as detailed preparation has always been a crucial part of my working philosophy.
I thoroughly enjoy being involved in the creation and delivery of bespoke ceremonies for my clients and I feel honoured to be a part of their memories.
