A New Beginning Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, my first day of training to become a funeral celebrant (wedding/other training is later this week). As I walked into the room, I was met with a group of people from all walks of life, each with their own stories, experiences, and reasons for being there. We were different ages, from different parts of the UK, but we all shared one thing: a desire to support families in honouring their loved ones.
The day started with introductions, and as each person shared their journey, I felt a sense of connection. It was reassuring to be surrounded by like-minded people who understood the weight of this role and the privilege it is to be part of such a meaningful moment in people’s lives.
One of the first things we learned was the true essence of a funeral, a celebration of life. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s a chance to tell someone’s story, honour their legacy, and offer comfort to those left behind. We explored the importance of making each ceremony personal and unique, and how that begins with asking open questions and actively listening to the family’s memories and wishes.
Throughout the day, we delved into the skills a celebrant needs, diplomacy, creativity, reliability, and above all, compassion. We also covered the history and ethics behind the role and the responsibility that comes with it. The "golden rules" of being a celebrant were shared, along with practical advice on keeping ourselves safe and ensuring we remain professional and supportive, no matter the circumstances.
As I sat there, listening intently, I felt a surge of excitement. There was a moment when it hit me, this is where I’m meant to be. Every step of my life and career so far has led me to this point, and today confirmed it. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to help families say goodbye in a way that feels right for them, to craft ceremonies that honour their loved one’s life and bring comfort during difficult times.
The weight of this responsibility is not lost on me. It’s a role that demands respect, care, and unwavering dedication. I left today feeling more certain than ever that this path is the right one. I’m ready to embrace it with open arms and an open heart, and I cannot wait to continue this journey. Here’s to new beginnings and honouring lives, one ceremony at a time.
Today was a real behind-the-scenes experience. I visited a crematorium, saw where I’d be standing during a service, and learned how to manage the music, because let’s face it, the right song at the right moment makes all the difference.
The tour was eye-opening. There’s so much care and respect in every step of the process, and seeing it firsthand really reinforced how important it is to get everything just right for each family.
I also had my first go at some role play, practicing conversations with a “funeral director” and my very first “client.” It was a bit nerve-wracking but such a valuable experience. Every chat, every question, every pause, it all matters when helping someone honour their loved one.
And to top it off, tonight’s homework is to prepare a five-minute eulogy to present to the class tomorrow morning. No pressure! Time to put pen to paper and find the right words.
Day 3:
I DID IT. I'M NOW A QUALIFIED FUNERAL CELEBRANT.
Wow, what a journey these past three days have been! Today was the big one, delivering my first ever funeral service in front of my peers. Was I nervous? Absolutely! But was I prepared? Also absolutely! And when the room erupted into applause at the end, I knew I’d done a good job (and maybe even exhaled for the first time all morning!).
After that, we tackled the tricky topic of difficult funerals, the ones that really test your skills, compassion, and ability to hold space for families. Then, we dived into branding and marketing, because being a celebrant is not just about heartfelt words, it’s also about building a business that reaches the people who need us most.
And then came the moment… CERTIFICATE IN HAND, PHOTOS TAKEN, AND OFFICIALLY QUALIFIED!
I feel privileged, proud, and ready to step into this meaningful role in the near future, and I can't wait to support families through one of life’s most important moments.
A huge thank you to the Academy of Professional Celebrants for such an incredible experience. Now, onto the next chapter tomorrow... Weddings!… watch this space!
Well, today was the official start of the wedding training with the Academy of Professional Celebrants, and let me tell you, if love is in the air, so is a lot of learning!
We dived headfirst into wedding ceremony structures, picking apart the dos and don’ts, the must-haves, and the oh-no-you-didn’ts. Turns out, crafting a truly unique and memorable wedding ceremony isn’t just about pretty words, it's about asking the right questions. The deep, the fun, the “tell me your quirkiest story” kind of questions that turn a ceremony from standard to spectacular!
And because they like to keep us on our toes, our homework for tonight? Create a full wedding ceremony to present to the class tomorrow. No pressure, right? (Cue nervous laughter.)
Oh, and in a little unexpected twist, I was interviewed by APC about my thoughts on the course so far! Spoiler alert: I’m absolutely loving it.
Day 5:
We Did It! The Final Day of Celebrant Training
Well, that’s it, five incredible, intense, and inspiring days have come to an end. Today, we stepped up, took a deep breath, and delivered our wedding ceremonies like the fully-fledged celebrants we are about to become!It was a day of celebration (and maybe a few happy tears) as we put everything we’ve learned into practice. From personalising vows to nailing the perfect storytelling tone, we officially proved that we can turn love stories into unforgettable moments. It was exhilarating, emotional, and, let’s be honest, a little bit nerve-wracking, but we smashed it!
Beyond the “I dos” and confetti moments, we also gained valuable knowledge on branding and marketing our celebrant businesses. Because let’s face it, being an amazing celebrant is only half the job, we also need to make sure couples, families, and party planners find us! With expert guidance, we learned how to put our personalities into our brands, craft a social media presence that sparkles, and confidently step into the world of self-employment.
A huge thank you to the Academy of Professional Celebrants for guiding us through this transformative week. Their expertise, support, and passion for the industry have been nothing short of phenomenal. We arrived as individuals with a dream, and we’re leaving as celebrants ready to make magic happen!
I feel truly ready to take on this exciting new role and bring unforgettable ceremonies to life. Knowing that I have the continued support of the APC makes this journey even more special, I’m so looking forward to the road ahead!
Now, it’s time to put this training into action. So if you need a celebrant who’s passionate, professional, and up for making your ceremony truly you, watch this space!
Onwards and upwards!
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Celebrant Journey? If you’re inspired by Kelly’s story and are eager to explore our celebrant courses, visit us at www.apcuk.org or give us a call at 0333 455 9029!
Let us welcome you to one of our professional courses where your future awaits.
