‘I help people celebrate life!’ Diane become a celebrant and has never looked back
When my lovely dad, David, died suddenly in 2017, it was the first time I had been closely involved with organising a funeral. It was hard, but our funeral directors were so helpful and supportive. Then, soon after, I went to a funeral where a celebrant took the service. A celebrant is not guided by religious or legal regulations, so services can be more personal, and I decided I’d like to do that.
At the time, I was working as a wellbeing supervisor at a university and signed up to a course to be a couples and naming celebrant. I learned about running a business, branding, how to put a service together, how to talk to couples and how to present to crowds. Aged 48, I’d not used my brain that much in a while! Most of my course-mates were of a similar age; being a celebrant is ideal if you’re at a crossroads in life as it’s so flexible.
Once qualified, I set up a website, naming my business Family Tree Ceremonies because my dad loved looking at our family tree.
When I did my first wedding in 2018,
I was really nervous but the welcoming atmosphere made me feel at ease instantly. It was an honour to be part of such a special occasion.
In 2019, my mum, Audrey, died, and I decided to leave my job to be a celebrant full time. I also gained a qualification in funeral celebrancy.
Sadly, because of the pandemic, most of the weddings I had booked last year were cancelled (although I did manage to do a small, Disney-themed one dressed as a fairy godmother!). But I’m doing around four funerals a week, many of which have been Covid-19 deaths.
Spending so much time with grieving people is emotional but I also know first-hand how much that support is appreciated. And there are joyful moments, too – I always try to include funny stories and we have smiles and laughs. Ultimately, funerals are celebrations of life.
I’m hoping more weddings can go ahead this year – including my own! My fiancé, Gordon, has been such a support. I’ve also expanded my business; my friend Sam and I bought a convertible Morris Minor – named Audrey, after my mum – to hire out as a wedding car.
Changing direction later in life means I bring my own experiences of love and loss to help others and make their important life moments all the more memorable.
• Visit familytreeceremonies.co.uk
• For more information on training, visit independentcelebrants.com
‘It is an honour to be a part of such special occasions’