I’ve been asked a few times recently why I don’t post very much on social media about the funerals and services I deliver.
The simple answer is this… because I don’t feel the need to.
We now seem to live in a world where every part of life has to be photographed, filmed or shared online. Sadly, that now seems to include funerals too. I often see pictures of coffins, orders of service, flowers, chapels and even deeply personal family moments being shared publicly online.
Personally, that has never sat comfortably with me.
For me, being a minister and celebrant has never been about building an image online or showing the world where I am every day. It has never been about likes, followers or attention. The day of a funeral is not about me. It is about the person who has died and the family who are grieving.
A funeral is one of the most personal and emotional days a family will ever experience. It deserves dignity, privacy and respect.
Of course, I may occasionally share a photograph of a chapel I have visited, peaceful views, or perhaps something connected to my work in a general sense. But I would never feel comfortable sharing photographs of someone’s final journey, personal moments of grief, or pieces of an order of service online for public viewing.
Families place enormous trust in us as celebrants. They invite us into some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I believe that trust should always be protected.
I feel exactly the same when it comes to weddings and naming ceremonies too.
A wedding reception, ceremony space or family celebration is personal and private to the couple or family involved. In my view, it is not there for a celebrant to use as social media content. We are there to celebrate love, support the family and hold the ceremony safely and professionally.
The focus should never become about us.
I do sometimes feel that parts of the celebrant profession seem to focus too heavily on social media visibility, while social media has its place, we must never forget why we do this work in the first place.
Personally, I have never seen this role that way.
For me, being a minister and celebrant is not about fame, attention or becoming the centre of the day. We are there to support people, guide ceremonies with care and compassion, and hold space during some of life’s most important moments.
As ministers and celebrants, we are privileged to stand alongside people during some of the most important days of their lives. That privilege should always come with respect, sensitivity and discretion.
If you would like to learn more about me, my background, and the services I offer, please take a look at my About Jon Matson-Higgins page. As a Minister and Celebrant, I provide personalised funeral services, wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, memorials, vow renewals, and other bespoke ceremonies across Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.
I understand that arranging a ceremony can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially during emotional or important moments in life. If you have any questions, would like some guidance, or simply want an informal chat about your options, please feel free to get in touch through my contact page. I am always happy to help and support you in any way I can.
The information given in this blog is for information only
Written by Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister & Celebrant based in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland and Northamptonshire.