How long does a funeral ceremony usually last Who pays the funeral celebrant Will the celebrant write the eulogy Is it appropriate for family members or friends to give a eulogy What qualifications do funeral celebrants have Funeral Celebrants Association

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Frequently Asked Questions funeral celebrants frequently asked questions

Q. How long does a funeral ceremony usually last?
A. Most funerals last about 20 to 30 minutes but if there are a number of eulogies, the funeral director can book the chapel for a longer period.

Q. May I choose my own celebrant or do I have to use the celebrant recommended by the funeral director?
A. You may choose your own celebrant and inform your funeral director who that is to be. You are not obliged to use the celebrant recommended by the funeral director.

Q. Who pays the funeral celebrant?
A. If the FCAA celebrant is arranged by the funeral director then her/his fee is paid by them. However, if you choose your own FCAA celebrant you pay them directly.

Q. Will my celebrant visit me in my home to discuss the content of the funeral service?
A. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, your FCAA celebrant will visit you in your home to discuss the funeral service.

Q. How will my celebrant dress?
A. Your FCAA celebrant will dress in a professional way to show respect to the occasion.

Q. Will the celebrant help us with the choice of readings and music for the service?
A. Your FCAA celebrant will have many resources and will be able to suggest readings and music. This discussion and recommendations can take place when she/he visits you to plan the service.

Q. Will the celebrant write the eulogy if we give her/him the information?
A. Your FCAA celebrant is capable and skilled at writing eulogies. You will need to give her/him information about your relative’s life when you meet to plan the funeral.

Q. Why should I use a celebrant who is a member of Funeral Celebrants Association Australia?
A. Members of FCAA have agreed to a Code of Practice and undertake to complete yearly Professional Development in order to be accepted by FCAA. Any celebrant who does not adhere to the high standards of the FCAA will not be permitted to remain a member.

Q. Is it possible for us to have a PowerPoint presentation about the life of our relative?
A. Many crematoria chapels have facilities for PowerPoint. Tell your funeral director if you want to be able to have this.

Q. Is it appropriate for family members or friends to give a eulogy or a reading?
A. It is very appropriate for family members or friends to participate in the service as it makes it more personal. Discuss this with your FCAA celebrant and she/he will advise the best way to incorporate this into the service.

Q. Should younger members of the family be included in giving a reading?
A. Younger members can participate if they are willing. Your FCAA celebrant will be there to make sure that their contribution is supported. Sometimes, two younger people will do a joint reading or joint tribute.

Q. Will my celebrant include religious content in the funeral service if that’s what our family wants?
A. Your FCAA celebrant will be happy to include religious content if that is what the family wants. Many people, while having no special church affiliation, take comfort from some religious content in the service. Others feel that a religious component will comfort other family members. Discuss this with your FCAA celebrant.

Q. Is it possible to include culturally appropriate symbols, rituals, music or readings in the funeral service?
A. Culturally appropriate rituals are appropriate within the restrictions of the chapel. Discuss this with your FCAA celebrant.

Q. What if the deceased was a returned serviceman or woman?
A. There is a standard format for inclusion in the service for returned servicemen and women and your FCAA celebrant will be familiar with that.

Q. Will the celebrant help us with the design of a Program for the mourners attending the service?
A. Often the family prepares and prints the Order of Service or Funeral Program. FCAA celebrants are happy to advise with the preparation.

Q. Will the celebrant give me a presentation copy of the service?
A. FCAA celebrants will give you a presentation copy of the funeral service as a memento.

Q. What qualifications do funeral celebrants have?
A. Most FCAA celebrants have completed accredited training as a funeral celebrant and have extensive experience in conducting ceremonies.

Q. Do you have a question that is not covered here?
A. Contact the FCAA and we will endeavour to help you.

Funeral Celebrants Association Australia Inc (FCAA) Inc is a not-for-profit, professional development, training and promotional support network for funeral celebrants across Australia.

FCAA has made every effort to ensure that the information on its website is correct at the time of publication. If you wish to purchase services from FCAA members, please do not rely solely on the information in this web site.