A funeral celebrant is someone qualified to host and officiate funeral services. As well as conducting the funeral itself, celebrants are involved in planning the order of service, music, writing the eulogy and creating a meaningful service for the person who has died. Celebrants will generally aim to create services that celebrate a person’s life, as well as providing an opportunity to say goodbye.

There are two main types of celebrant to choose from – a civil celebrant and a humanist celebrant. Both civil and humanist celebrants aim to conduct funerals that feel both meaningful and personal. The main difference between them is the level of religious content permitted within the funeral.

Civil celebrants are flexible in their approach and can conduct both religious, semi-religious, non-religious and spiritual funerals. Religious poems, readings, music and prayers can be included. Although they can officiate religious or semi-religious funerals, celebrants can only conduct funerals in non-denominational locations.

Humanist celebrants work similarly to civil celebrants, however they conduct non-religious funerals that echo the humanist philosophy. If a religious poem or hymn is particularly important to the deceased or their family, a humanist celebrant may allow it to be included in the ceremony. Humanist funerals can only take place in non-denominational locations.

Celebrants usually work independently and will charge a fee for their services. The cost will vary depending on the celebrant and the service they are providing, but on average you can expect to pay around £230. Your chosen funeral director is able to instruct the celebrant on your behalf should you wish, otherwise you can manage this independently.