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Original poster

As promised Funeral Director here (waves)

388 replies

oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:08

I am ready for your questions!

I will do my best to answer, I have a few bits I am doing at home but will answer regularly throughout the evening as much as I can.

SmileWineGrin

OP posts:
Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:36

A celebrant is a self employed person who takes funeral services. They generally do a celebration of life service and do whatever the family wish.

C of E for example will now also do this too though.

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bluerunningshoes · 01/06/2018 20:36

ohh interesting
I had to go to 3 funerals last year and each was very different.

my friend when terminally ill was very dissapointed that her 'eco friendly' whish wasn't possible due to regulations apparently.

is there a lot of red tape?

yumscrumfatbum · 01/06/2018 20:36

It makes perfect sense

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:35

Industry wise I am positive that it won't impact too much. Most people choose an FD out of recommendation or previous use.

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Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:34

I am not a fan of 'direct to crematorium' I think for some families they choose this because of cost and then they don't have a personal service which can effect their grieving process. Okay for some families though I am sure.

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Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:32

I like to think there is an afterlife. I have encounters some 'spooky' things in some of the funeral homes.

It makes me appreciate life. So so much.

I became more effected when I became a mother. You never become use to things emotionally really, you just deal with it and because you are there to do a job - that is what you focus on. I hope that makes sense. Families want us to be in control not crying etc. It is their grief not ours. There is always the odd one that will really get to you though.

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Puzzledandpissedoff · 01/06/2018 20:31

Very many thanks for starting the thread, oohnarna ... I'm sure it will be just as much appreciated as the cremation one Flowers

Can I ask what impact you believe the increasing popularity of "direct cremation" will have on the industry?

DarthArts · 01/06/2018 20:31

Crem not crew....

numptynuts · 01/06/2018 20:30

Yes, do you feel spooked, have you seen anything to make you think there's life after death?

DarthArts · 01/06/2018 20:30

What's a celebrant? Blush

Thanks for the threat OP - the crew one was fascinating.

Another question - how much work do you with the body? Is it largely up to embalmers for example to clean/dress/reconstructing?

LucheroTena · 01/06/2018 20:29

Talk us through decomposition and timing of.

Do you ever feel spooked?

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:29

No headstone? I would think it's the families choice and respect that. Some families are waiting for the next person to pass away, some people just don't feel the need. You are visiting the person in the grave - some people like a stone others don't feel the need. Both options are absolutely fine in my view.

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CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 20:29

When I retire from being a crem tech I'd like to be a celebrant

yumscrumfatbum · 01/06/2018 20:29

How does working in this business make you feel about death and your own mortality? Are you moved by the funerals or have you developedal an emotional distance?

Happygolucky009 · 01/06/2018 20:27

Hi Oohnarna, what happens after you die? Do you believe in the afterlife / soul moving or staying around?

AdoraBell · 01/06/2018 20:27

What would you think of a family who don’t organise a head stone for a deceased parent?

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:26

We dress in whatever the family ask. But yes we would ask for underwear.

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Akire · 01/06/2018 20:26

When you dress bodies do you put under wear on them?

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:26

Some celebrants are good, others not so much and every service is the same. I personally like to still support the local churches who will now do a more personal service and less religion of wanted.

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Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:25

If you are good obviously Grin

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Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:25

S**t loads of money to be made as a celebrant !!

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Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:24

No qualifications needed. Although there is a diploma in funeral arranging and in funeral conducting that you could do yourself if you wanted. Most people do that once they are in the business.

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Mrsfloss · 01/06/2018 20:23

What do you think about celebrants? Is there money to be made?

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:23

Most advertise online or in shop windows. Some places may even take you in as a volunteer. I would just pop in and ask if they have any vacancies !

The big companies such as dignity, funeral partners and the Coop will likely advertise online.

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FatCow2018 · 01/06/2018 20:21

Ooooh what an interesting thread!!

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