Funeral Director Vs. Funeral Celebrant
What’s the Difference Between a Funeral Celebrant and a Funeral Director?
When planning a funeral, it’s not always clear who does what, who can help where, or even what questions to ask. Two of the key roles involved in a ceremony are the funeral director and the funeral celebrant - and while they often work closely together, they each bring something different to the experience and help you in different ways.
Understanding the difference can help you make more informed decisions about the kind of farewell you’d like to create, not only to honour the person who has died, but also to support healing for those left behind.
What Does a Funeral Director Do?
A funeral director helps coordinate the practical and logistical elements of a funeral. This includes:
Meeting with you and supporting you in shaping an end-of-life experience that reflects the person and brings comfort to those gathered
Organising transport and caring for the person who has died
Handling legal documents, such as death certificates and permits
Coordinating with crematoriums, cemeteries, and other service providers
Assisting with coffin or urn selection
Organising viewings, funerals, or memorial events
Organising vendors and event items (Florals, service booklets, musicians etc.)
Overseeing the smooth running of the day itself
In short, funeral directors manage the behind-the-scenes elements that allow the ceremony to go ahead with care, dignity, and structure.
What Does a Funeral Celebrant Do?
A funeral celebrant focuses on the personal, story telling and emotional side of the ceremony. Their role includes:
Meeting with the family to learn about the person who has died
Writing a personalised service that reflects their personality, values, and life story
Supporting the family with ceremony structure, readings, and tributes
Leading the service on the day, often including welcome, eulogy, readings, and farewells
Creating space for meaningful reflection, celebration, and grief
Celebrants work closely with families to ensure the ceremony is personal, heartfelt, and respectful — whether it’s traditional, modern, spiritual, or something entirely unique.
How Do They Work Together?
To help you better understand how these roles may apply, here are some common types of funeral services you might consider:
Traditional funeral service in a chapel or funeral home
Memorial service following a private cremation
Celebration of life at a meaningful location, like a garden, beach, or family home
Living wake held before someone passes, allowing them to hear the tributes firsthand and celebrate their live surrounded by their loved ones
Scattering of ashes with a personalised tribute and ceremony
Graveside services with customised readings and rituals
These services may be supported by a celebrant, a funeral director, or both — depending on the level of planning and ceremony required.
Many funerals involve both a funeral director and a celebrant.
The funeral director arranges the event and takes care of the physical and legal needs.
The celebrant designs and delivers the ceremony, helping you tell your loved one’s story with warmth and intention.
Depending on the type of service you're planning, you may choose to work with both — or just one.
My Role as a Death Care Consultant
At Candice Mulcahy Funerals, I offer both celebrant and funeral directing services. That means I can support you through the entire journey; from the paperwork and planning to the ceremony itself. This can provide a sense of continuity, comfort, and simplicity during an otherwise overwhelming time.
I also work in partnership with Picaluna, which allows for flexible, affordable, and truly personalised funeral options across Melbourne and beyond.