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funeral celebrancy services with genna
It is my honor to remember your loved one with you.
My role in this process is to, first and foremost, be a point of support and guidance from the very first meeting right through until the end of the service. I will do this by spending time understanding your wishes and make sure that they are carried out sufficiently, keep you fully in the loop of how the service will run so that you never feel out of control, take charge of the timing of the service so that no moments are rushed, and craft a ceremony that is personal and helps all friends and family in the grieving process.
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Together we will use the information and questions on the following pages to assist in planning a meaningful and authentic funeral service, memorial, and/or celebration of life for your loved one.
what is a funeral celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is a person who leads funeral services and focuses on making the ceremony personal and meaningful for the family. They work with the family to include special elements like stories, music, and readings that reflect the life of the person who has died. Unlike pastors, who usually follow religious traditions and have formal training in their faith, celebrants can create both religious and non-religious ceremonies and are trained to make each service unique. This makes celebrants a good choice for families who want a more personalized and flexible funeral.
how we will work together
Your funeral director will typically connect you with your Celebrant and help to arrange a first meeting. Any family members or friends that wish to be present are warmly invited to do so. The meeting is for us to get to know one another, as well as your loved one. This is an important step for me, as I do not take lightly the honor of playing an important role in this precious day. I want you to feel at ease with me.
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I will give you open opportunity to share your feelings and memories about your loved one, as well as your preferences for the funeral ceremony. Funeral planning is a difficult process, but I will do everything I can to ensure that you are happy with the service that honors the life of your loved one. Many feel that this is a huge part of the grieving process, and it facilitates a more enriching way to come to terms with the loss.
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It is all about taking the time to remember your loved one, and work together to build a final farewell that celebrates the many different layers of their unique personality and life. I look forward to getting to know them.
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You will also have the opportunity to share photos and special objects associated with your loved one during our meeting. I am happy to answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and/or provide recommendations.
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After the first meeting, I will compile my notes and develop an order of service that authentically matches your preferences. We will agree on the content, and I will keep in touch on an agreed-upon schedule with my progress.
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I will arrive early to the location of the funeral on the day of the service to ensure that everything is prepared and ready to go. We will gather together prior to the service to ensure that all final details are taken care of and everyone understands their roles.
what to bring to our first meeting
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Notes about your preferences.
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Photos of your loved one.
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Special objects associated with your loved one.
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Music that you have pre-selected.
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Readings that you have pre-selected.
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Any notes or key points you want to include in the eulogy or ask others to share during the service. Example: Significant life events, interests, accomplishments.
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Details of any rituals, symbols, or special elements you want to include, such as candle lighting, balloon release, or personal tributes.
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Names and contact details of family members or friends who might participate in the service.
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Questions you have for me.
TYPICAL STRUCTURE OF FUNERAL SERVICE
A funeral typically follows a structure that includes pre-service arrangements, an opening segment with welcome and acknowledgments, main service components like eulogies, readings, sharing of memories, photo slideshows, and music (either live performances and/or the use of playlists), followed by closing remarks or prayers, and often concludes with post-service events like a committal service (i.e., burial service), and reception. A funeral service typically lasts around one hour.
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This structure, when written out, is also known as an “order of service.” You will hear and see me use this phrase - it refers to the outline of what will happen during the service.
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What is a Eulogy? A speech given at a funeral to honor and remember someone who has passed. It usually includes stories, memories, and personal thoughts about the person's life, character, and the impact they had on others. The eulogy can be given by a family member, friend, or the Celebrant and is meant to celebrate the person's life and provide comfort to those who are grieving.
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All services for which I serve as a Celebrant include a personally-crafted and thoughtful eulogy that reflects your content preferences. However, it is not a requirement that I do so. Please let me know if you would like to discuss alternatives.
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INCLUSIVE SUPPORT FOR ALL
Genna Reeves is committed to cultural humility and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. With a Ph.D. in cross-cultural material culture, Safe Space Training, and experience leading LGBTQ+ grief and advocacy programs, she continually seeks to learn and grow. Please share any cultural or identity-based needs—your experience matters.
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