A celebrant is a professional officiant who creates and leads personalized ceremonies for life’s meaningful milestones. Like a priest or rabbi, a celebrant guides the gathering—but without being tied to a single religious tradition.

Celebrants can officiate weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals, memorials, and other events where thoughtful leadership and a personalized approach are desired.

A death coach provides non-medical, practical, and emotional support to individuals and families navigating the end-of-life process. Similar to a death doula, a death coach often focuses on supporting caregivers and loved ones as they manage the challenges, decisions, and emotions that arise during this time.

Their role is to offer guidance, presence, and resources that help families navigate decisions with greater clarity and steadiness.

I am certified as a celebrant through Jennifer Muldowney and Muldowney Memorials. I completed my Death Coach certification through La Mort, where I studied under founder Lauren Carroll, death educator and licensed funeral director, and Melissa Delizia, a Doctor of Social Work and licensed social worker.

In addition to formal certification, I have continued my education through independent study and volunteering, building strong proficiency in death doula work and end-of-life support.

A funeral, memorial, and celebration of life all serve to honor a person who has died, but they often differ in timing, setting, and tone.

Traditionally, a funeral takes place with the body or cremated remains present. A memorial service may occur without the body present and can take place days, weeks, or even months later.

A celebration of life is typically more informal in tone, with an emphasis on honoring the person’s life, personality, and legacy. These gatherings may be held in a wider variety of locations—such as parks, restaurants, private homes, or event venues—and often allow for more creative and personalized formats.

In practice, these terms are often used interchangeably, and each can be adapted to reflect the wishes and values of the individual and their loved ones.

A living funeral, also known as a living wake, pre -funeral, or FUNeral, is a meaningful way to honor a life for a person with a terminal diagnosis still alive to experience it. In addition to being surrounded by family and loved ones, it’s a way for everyone to share stories or make speeches about how much the person mattered to them. Eulogies are often the kindest words ever spoken about us, wouldn’t it be lovely to hear it while we are still living?

Here are a couple of articles about living funerals.

1. Business Insider

2. Washington Post