GENEVIEVE MESSENGER

FUNERAL CELEBRANT

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It was a beautiful ceremony… Beyond expectations. We'll treasure the memory. Thanks for stepping in at such short notice and being so generous. You captured our father aptly and with great respect… Especially his connection to the two countries that made his life. My father was revealed to me more clearly as a result of the process and the ceremony itself.

~ Marie Weiss

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FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICES INCLUDE

Funeral Ceremony/Life Celebrations Funeral Planning and Consultancy

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HOW DOES A FUNERAL CEREMONY TAKE SHAPE?

As your celebrant, I normally sit with family and friends and have a conversation about your loved one. I will also contact those who can’t be present, but want to contribute. Then I will guide you through the process.

A ceremony can be creative or traditional so I actively listen to you so we can put together an authentic ceremony that truly reflects your loved one.

Funeral ceremonies can include: tributes, performances, sub-ceremonies, poetry and readings.

I have lots of resources to share with you to empower you to contribute in your own way.

I consider it an honour and a great responsibility to do a funeral. I always check the ceremony word for word with a nominated person to make sure every name and word is right. I am flexible and intuitive, working with the family, in a short amount of time to do the absolute best job.

As a member and trainer of the International College of Celebrants, I pursue standards of excellence.

Once I hear what your requirements are, I can give you a quote range and send you my standard of fees document.

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WHY CEREMONY MATTERS

Whether it is a memorial, life celebration or funeral

Funerals and memorials are essential steps in healthy grieving. They allow us to gather, tell stories, express emotion, and begin to live with the reality of loss. As grief specialist Dr. Alan Wolfelt says, “When words are inadequate, have a ritual.” 

Ceremony gives shape to our grief, allowing love and loss to coexist in a shared space. It helps us begin to integrate the change that death brings — not by ending our connection, but by honouring it.

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WHAT IS A FUNERAL CEREMONY?

A funeral ceremony is a gathering where the deceased is present, usually in a coffin or casket. It often takes place within a week of the death, though the timing can vary depending on family needs and circumstances. The ceremony brings people together to honour the person’s life, express grief, share memories, and begin the process of saying goodbye.

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WHAT IS A memoriAL CEREMONY?

A memorial takes place after the burial or cremation. There is no body present, although ashes or photographs may be included. Memorials can happen weeks or months later, giving family and friends time to prepare emotionally.

Both funerals and memorials offer a space to acknowledge the reality of loss.

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FUNERAL PLANNING WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Funeral planning for the future gives peace of mind and can also save money.

It doesn’t have to cost much and you don’t have to pay for anything in advance unless it makes sense to you.

Planning can involve:

  • Writing down your wishes re: music, venue, celebrant, flowers, casket, speakers etc.

  • Writing down your life story, including quotes and poems.

  • Starting a file with photos and or videos to share

  • Choosing a funeral director and getting a quote for burial or cremation, care and transport

  • All or any of the above.

Contact me for a free consultation or chat.

CONTACT
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How I came to be an independent Funeral Celebrant

My father, Dally Messenger, was one of the first funeral celebrants in Australia and later the Principal of the International College of Celebrancy. I used to follow him around as a young child and gained early experience of civil ceremony by osmosis.

After my degree in Theatre, I went on to study a Diploma of Celebrancy in from the International College of Celebrancy, and a Certificate IV in General Celebrancy from Melbourne Polytechnic. I have written course curriculum and lectured in ceremony at Victoria University/Polytechnic.

I have 26 years of experience conducting funeral and memorial ceremonies.

I take the time to hold you throughout the whole process, listen to you and guide you.

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TESTIMONIALS

Hi Genevieve,

Michael and I were so pleased with both the Burial Ceremony and Farewell Ceremony.

There were many compliments from our friends and family of your delivery and performance of our celebration for Deb.

We appreciated your efforts, energy and experience your brought to the ceremonies.

Thanks Genevieve for a wonderful celebration of Deb’s life.

Yours sincerely

Paul and Michael

Hi Genevieve 

It was a beautiful ceremony… Beyond expectations. We'll treasure the memory. Thanks for stepping in at such short notice and being so generous. You captured our father aptly and with great respect… Especially his connection to the two countries that made his life. My father was revealed to me more clearly as a result of the process and the ceremony itself.

Was really powerful. 

Warmest wishes

Marie Weiss

CONTACT ME