Why I Chose to Become a Match & Dispatch Celebrant-Plus and What It Means for the Families I Support

If you've landed on this page, there's a good chance you've never heard the term Celebrant-Plus before. To be honest, most people haven't.

When families are arranging a funeral, they're usually focused on finding the right funeral director, choosing music, deciding who will speak and working out how they want to say goodbye. Very few people stop to ask what training their celebrant has received.

But I believe it's an important question.

As a funeral celebrant, I felt it was important to continue developing my knowledge and understanding of the funeral profession, which is why I undertook additional training with Match & Dispatch and became a Celebrant-Plus.

So, what does that actually mean for you?

It's About More Than Conducting a Funeral

Many people assume a funeral celebrant's job begins with writing a service and ends with delivering it on the day.

While creating and leading a meaningful ceremony is a huge part of what I do, I believe families deserve more than that.

When someone dies, people are often navigating unfamiliar territory. They may have questions they've never had to ask before. They may not know what options are available to them or even realise they have choices.

My role is not simply to lead a ceremony. It's to help guide families through the process, answer questions and support them in creating a farewell that feels right for them.

There Is No Such Thing as a "Typical" Funeral Anymore

One thing I've learned over the years is that every family is different.

Some people want a traditional funeral service.

Others want a celebration of life filled with music, stories and laughter.

Some families prefer a quiet farewell with only a few close relatives present, while others want an event that brings together an entire community.

There is no right or wrong approach.

The additional training I completed helped me gain a wider understanding of the many different ways people can say goodbye, allowing me to better support families in creating a funeral that reflects the person they love rather than simply following what has always been done.

Helping Families Understand Their Choices

One of the biggest challenges families face is not knowing what questions to ask.

When emotions are high, it can be difficult to think clearly about decisions.

Sometimes families tell me they didn't realise they could personalise certain aspects of a funeral. Others are surprised to discover how much involvement they can have in creating a meaningful farewell.

I see part of my role as helping families understand the possibilities available to them, whether that's through personal tributes, symbolic acts, unique venues, family participation or other ways of celebrating a life.

The most important thing is that the funeral feels authentic and meaningful to those involved.

Supporting Families, Not Following a Template

Every life has a unique story.

That's why I don't believe funerals should be created from a template.

When I meet with a family, I want to understand who their loved one really was. What made them laugh? What were they passionate about? What lessons did they leave behind? What will people remember most?

The answers to those questions help shape a ceremony that feels personal, genuine and memorable.

The additional knowledge I've gained through my professional development allows me to bring fresh ideas and a broader perspective to those conversations, helping families create a farewell that truly reflects the person at its heart.

Continuing to Learn Matters

Funeral celebrancy is a profession built on people, compassion and trust.

I don't believe learning stops once you've qualified.

The funeral profession continues to evolve, and families' expectations are changing too. More people are looking for personalisation, flexibility and meaningful experiences rather than simply following tradition.

By investing in further training, I can continue to improve the service I provide and ensure the families I work with receive the best possible support.

Why It Matters When Choosing a Celebrant

When you're choosing a celebrant, you're choosing someone who will help tell the story of a life.

You'll want somebody who listens carefully, understands your wishes and has the knowledge and confidence to help you create the kind of farewell that feels right for your family.

For me, becoming a Celebrant-Plus was about strengthening those skills and deepening my understanding of the many ways I can support people during one of the most important moments of their lives.

Final Thoughts

Most people don't think about funeral celebrant training until they need one.

But the truth is, the experience, knowledge and commitment of your celebrant can make a real difference to how supported you feel throughout the process.

My decision to become a Match & Dispatch Celebrant-Plus wasn't about adding letters after my name. It was about becoming a better celebrant for the families I serve.

It means I can offer greater guidance, broader knowledge and a deeper understanding of the choices available when planning a funeral.

Most importantly, it means I can help families create a farewell that is as individual and special as the person they are remembering.

And ultimately, that's what funeral celebrancy should always be about.