Attributes of a Fabulous Celebrant: Do you have what it takes?

© Veronika Sophia Robinson

Oftentimes when a potential student calls me to see if they’d make a good celebrant, I’m aware there are so many things that come into play in order for that question to be fully answered and appreciated.

Just as frequently, I’ll get calls from someone who says “I’ve seen plenty of funerals. I know what to do. I just want a certificate.” That sort of person is in for a rude shock if they train with us, because they soon learn that there is so much to this role that ‘watching someone officiate’ isn’t going to prepare them for the reality of celebrant life.

Someone called me to enquire about training with us. “I don’t like humans,” they said. “I guess you don’t have to deal with them for too long, right” they continued. This is a person-centred role, and even though you do spend plenty of time on your own writing scripts, the bottom line is that you are working with people. If you hate humans, it will show.

This job, career or vocation is best suited, in my opinion, to people with a strong sense of self (but not ego), good boundaries, robust mental health, and a willingness to be of service. You are, all at once, a business owner, creative, public speaker and biographical storyteller, writer and conscious listener. To succeed in this self-employed capacity, there is no room for victimhood or self sabotage. Your success begins and ends with you.

 

 

Here are just a few of the attributes we believe make a fabulous Heart-led Celebrant:

Empathic
Kind
Excellent deep-listening skills
Attractive voice
Vocal awareness and dexterity

 

Energy curious
Energy aware
Conscious body language
Aware of other people’s body language
Patient
Creative writer

 

Attentive to detail
Respectful
Thoughtful
Insatiably curious
Punctual
Always learning

 

Organised
Adaptable

Choreographer
Sense of humour
Willing to go the extra mile
Ability to take direction
Ability to give direction
Considerate
Creative
Articulate
Bringer of ceremonial magic

 

Specialist in ritual
Ability to be calm no matter what
Excellent at time keeping (especially in a busy crematorium)
Storyteller
Having presence
Intuitive
Willing to put ego to one side
Ability to work with people of all sorts of temperaments

Able to ‘hold the space’ (not only in ceremony, but with clients)
Invested in relationships
Transparent in all aspects
Has integrity
Inclusive
Disciplined
Commitment
Strong work ethic

Such a person genuinely wants to make the world a better place, and to enhance the lives of the people they work with and for, by taking professional pride in every aspect of their business.