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Funeral directors and celebrants. What is the difference

February 1, 2023

This is a question we are asked quite often so we thought it would be useful to explain how the different

roles co-ordinate for our business.


The funeral director

organises the big picture arrangements. From small family gatherings to large public funerals the director is, in effect, the event planner. They guide, support and advise on the options, co-ordinate the practical arrangements and make it all work.


The funeral director makes contact with the celebrant and puts them in touch with the family.


The celebrant

will spend time with the family to learn about the essence of the person who has died, and will then distil

this knowledge into a meaningful ceremony. Celebrants will often craft the eulogy or life story as well.

After their initial meeting with the family, they will coordinate with the funeral director and advise on

the order of service and any requirements or cultural needs. On the day of the funeral, they work closely

with the funeral director and the family to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly.


We work regularly with a number of local celebrants. Often the timeframes for funerals are very tight so

excellent time management and organisational skills are critical.


A good memory for names and faces, being empathetic, skilled in navigating family dynamics and

having a clear speaking voice are important attributes of a successful funeral celebrant. Having a gift for

writing is an added bonus.


Celebrants set their own fee and in most cases we pay them directly and add that cost to the funeral account.


Unlike for weddings, funeral celebrants are not required to be registered, and for less structured

farewells, sometimes a family member will act as a celebrant or as a M.C.

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Should children be involved

By Office • September 18, 2024
We’re often asked whether children should be involved after a family member's death, and if so, how? While you know your children best, our general advice is to include them as much as possible. Children will take cues from the adults around them, so if you're open and honest, they will likely follow suit. Answer their questions directly but avoid unnecessary details unless they're asked. Their inquiries will be shaped by their age and previous experiences, such as the death of a pet. Children under 7 may not fully understand that death is permanent, universal, and involves the body stopping completely. They may ask more literal questions, like "Who will Nan play with in heaven?" or "Who will take me to the park?"

Viewing the deceased

By Office • September 18, 2024
In some cultures, being around the deceased is a natural part of life, but in Western culture, we’ve moved away from this. At Gillions, we believe in supporting families to be as involved as they wish in caring for their loved one after they’ve passed. This may include helping to dress them, spending time with them, or bringing them home before the funeral. While it’s natural to feel unsure about this, we often hear from families that the experience was deeply meaningful. Dressing a loved one can feel like a final act of love, especially if you helped care for them before they passed. We encourage children to be part of this process too.

Grief

By Office • September 18, 2024
Grief is a deeply personal journey, influenced by past experiences and the circumstances of loss. When a death is sudden, for instance, grief can feel more complex and harder to navigate than when the death was expected. While many find their own path through grief, others may require additional support 

Navigating grief after a pet dies

By Office • September 14, 2024
It is not just children who are deeply affected by the loss of a pet.  Grief is a price we pay for love.

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Lets get talking

2024 Pet Memorial

By Office • September 1, 2024
I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service.  "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
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