Funeral celebrant and the director. A celebrant, by this definition, does not come from the standpoint of any doctrinal belief or unbelief. A trained celebrant usually operates professionally on the principle that their own beliefs and values are not relevant. An acknowledged pioneer of civil Celebrancy, Dally Messenger III claims to have officiated at the first funeral celebrant ceremony. This was in the sense that the client sought a service from Messenger, as a government appointed civil celebrant, and as a professional ceremony provider. There had occasionally been secular funeral ceremonies before this date, but they were extremely rare and informal, e.g.
Celebrant (Australia) marriage and the marriage ceremony... a marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service in his or her professional conduct and practice... a marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the marriage ceremony to the parties and the other persons organising the ceremony... give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony that will meet their needs and expectations... If requested by the parties conduct a marriage ceremony rehearsal... Ensure that his or her personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony, and respect the expectations of the parties