How can celebrants help? As part of our Ask A Celebrant Series, Dinah Liversidge and I have been writing for The Journal, A publication by The British Institute of Funeral Directors. Our third episode for them was in September24, where we discuss how celebrants and funeral directors can better work together to support families in grief.
Here is a summary of the episode and a link to the full article and the whole journal !
The Funeral Industry has seen more changes in the last 10 years than it has in the last 100 or so. And in an industry steeped in tradition and with its foundations firmly rooted within community, so much change makes keeping up quite a challenge. Especially whilst retaining integrity and status.
The increase in alternative options for bereaved families, means that there’s a lot to keep abreast of. Yet the heart of your (funeral services) business remains the same; quality, compassion, discretion and servitude.
HOW GOOD CELEBRANTS ADD VALUE
Berni Says: Celebrants come in all shapes and sizes, some are independent, others are not. Some are at the hearts of rural communities and are proactive within them. Others are more ‘corporate’ and less flexible because they have a brand to adhere to. Knowing the difference means grieving families can be connected with a celebrant that offers the range of services they need.
Dinah Says: More than three-quarters of the families I worked with last year, told their Funeral Director
that I was their chosen Celebrant. Recommendation is the most effective way to maintain and grow our businesses. When you associate with the best that the industry has to offer, the mutual benefit is supported clients who tell everyone what an amazing job you do.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Berni Says: We are all experts in our fields, and we are all working to the same goal: easing families through the
complexities and emotional trauma of loss. We’re all in it because we care, and we all want to offer the best service we can. But that service is not the same for everyone. Every family has different dynamics and requirements. Every journey through grief is unique. Together, a celebrant and FD need to work out how they can best support families. Not just knowing what are fees are making it clear what value is given in return.
Dinah Says: Communicating about the number of choices now available to families at the time of loss can feel overwhelming. It’s why we need to be having conversations about what we want for the end of our lives, long before it feels relevant. When arranging funeral cover, connecting with a local Celebrant means families can get help to complete a Funeral Wishes plan too.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN:
Dinah Says: I recently watched a family choosing the flowers for their father’s service. They were
looking through pages of ideas before settling on one that felt appropriate. More than thirty suggestions
were considered and over £600 spent. Yet, as their Celebrant, I had been selected from a list of three the local FD provided. They were told that we were all local and ‘very good’. And then asked to decide who the FD should call, based on a business card and a small flyer.
Berni Says: The average price of a Celebrant, irrespective of their package of services, is less than the standard floral arrangement or buffet at the wake. Yet the hours spent, the personal and emotional support, and the rapport built with a family, has far reaching effects. No-one remembers the sausages on sticks, yet everyone will remember how the celebrant made them feel. It’s time we looked at it on how it breaks down in an hourly rate! And what great value it is!
CALL TO ACTION:
What would you like to know about the how celebrants can help, and how to choose the right one for you or your families
You can read the full article here : Issue 9 ” How can your celebrants help (Funeral Directors) offer families real choice? “.
The BIFD, British Institute Of Funeral Directors, “was established in 1982 by members of the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors), to be the pre-eminent provider of education for the UK funeral profession while enabling members of the public the opportunity to identify Funeral Directors that offer the best possible professional services.”
Dinah Liversidge is a certified celebrant, trainer and coach. She works one-to-one with students, supporting them in becoming exceptional wedding and funeral celebrants, through her business, Celebrant Coaching and Training Academy
You can read more about the different types of celebrant in my previous blog The Problem with Celebrants
