Cheryl McKenzie - Funeral Celebrant

30/07/2025

The Rise of the Memorial After Cremation

Not every goodbye looks the same. More families are choosing cremation now—and planning the farewell later.

This doesn’t mean the moment is any less sacred. In fact, when the rush is over, a memorial can offer more space for meaning, memory, and deep connection.

As a funeral celebrant, I help families craft beautiful memorials—even weeks or months after a loved one has passed. If you’re wondering how to honour someone you’ve lost, I can help.

✨ You deserve a moment that feels right. Reach out any time.

📩 DM me to talk through memorial options.
📍Based in Brisbane, available Australia-wide.

28/07/2025

🕯️ Have we lost something in the way we say goodbye?

As the cost of living rises, more families are choosing unattended cremations, no service, no farewell, just ashes and paperwork.

But here’s the quiet truth:
When we skip the ritual, something gets left behind.
Grief doesn’t know where to go.
And for many, it feels unfinished.

As a local celebrant and President of the Funeral Celebrants Association of Australia, I’m seeing this shift firsthand.

Funerals aren’t just tradition or formality.
They’re a rite of passage, a moment to honour, reflect, gather, and begin to heal.
And there are many flexible, meaningful ways to do that.

This Dying to Know Day, August 8, it’s time to open the conversation.
Let’s talk about death with compassion, clarity, and courage.
Let’s reclaim the power of ritual, in a way that fits who we are now.

🕊️ Curious? Planning ahead? Wondering what’s possible?

Based in Brisbane
funeralcelebrantbrisbane.com

Because how we say goodbye... truly matters.

If you're looking for a compassionate, experienced Funeral Celebrant in Brisbane, I’m here to help you find clarity in the chaos, comfort in the ceremony, and beauty in the goodbye.

20/07/2025

🖤 Dying to Know? Let’s Talk.
August marks Dying to Know Day—a national invitation to talk openly about death, dying, and what matters most at the end of life.

And here's the thing: when we talk about death, we’re really talking about life.
What we value. How we want to be remembered. And how we hold space for the people we love when they're no longer with us.

If you're curious, a little unsure, or dying to know what a meaningful, personal farewell could look like—I’d love to help.

✨ I offer relaxed gatherings for friends and family who want to explore end-of-life wishes, start the conversation, or simply ask questions in a safe, thoughtful space. Think of it like a dinner party—with a little more soul.

We’re seeing the pendulum swing back to family-led funerals and beautifully personalised ceremonies. This is your invitation to reclaim the farewell as something deeply human, heartfelt, and yours.

📩 Let’s connect if you're ready to talk about the things that matter—before they matter most.

02/07/2025

Today, I had the deep honour of helping A's beautiful family celebrate, honour, and remember her life.

Surrounded by love, laughter, a few tears, and the soft rustle of the wind through the trees, we laid her to rest in a biodegradable wicker coffin—gentle on the earth, just like her spirit.

The sun shone down, casting a golden glow over a truly magical ceremony. It was heartfelt, personal, and full of meaning—a final farewell that felt deeply right.

I am so grateful for this work. To hold space, to tell stories, to help families say goodbye in a way that feels authentic and kind… it’s a privilege I never take for granted.

Farewell, A. 🌿💛
You were deeply loved, and beautifully remembered.

Excerpt from "The Beauty of Death XIV" by Kahlil Gibran that I read at internment.

Unwrap me from this white linen shroud and clothe me
With leaves of jasmine and lilies;
Take my body from the ivory casket and let it rest
Upon pillows of orange blossoms.
Lament me not, but sing songs of youth and joy;
Shed not tears upon me, but sing of harvest and the winepress;
Utter no sigh of agony, but draw upon my face with your
Finger the symbol of Love and Joy.
Disturb not the air's tranquility with chanting and requiems,
But let your hearts sing with me the song of Eternal Life;
Mourn me not with apparel of black,
But dress in color and rejoice with me;
Talk not of my departure with sighs in your hearts; close
Your eyes and you will see me with you forevermore.

(Coffin pictured is similar, not the actual one used.)

20/06/2025

Today I had the honour of officiating as funeral celebrant for B’s service—a life lived large and overflowing with love. Thankfully, the family booked the large chapel… because B’s stories, laughter and community needed the room.

It was a privilege to walk alongside B’s wonderful family during such a tender time. So much love in one space.

Big thanks to George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals for their care and ease—such a pleasure to work with.

A week wrapped with love. 💛

18/06/2025

🌿 Dying to Know – July Teaser 🌿
I’ve been invited to facilitate a very special Death & Dying conversation this July as part of the Dying to Know movement — and I’m honoured to be holding space for this rich, raw, and necessary dialogue.

We’ll explore everything from family-led farewells to spirituality and death, grief rituals, and the quiet power of presence. I’ll also be weaving in the practice of Morning Altars — a moving meditation on beauty, impermanence, and letting go.

✨ Full details landing soon – bring your heart, your questions, and your curiosity.

08/06/2025

🌿 Personalised Farewells: Honouring the Spirit’s Journey 🌿
Funeral Ceremonies in Queensland with Heart & Soul

In Queensland, we have the freedom to create funerals that truly reflect a person’s spirit—not just their life story, but their spiritual path.

Whether someone was guided by nature, ancestors, astrology, prayer, or simply the quiet wisdom of their own intuition—their farewell can honour that beautifully.

As a funeral celebrant and ritualist, I believe end-of-life ceremonies are:
✨ A sacred pause
✨ A rite of spiritual passage
✨ A chance to gather, grieve, and honour meaning

From candlelit vigils and barefoot beach farewells to drumming in a eucalyptus grove or a quiet moment with their favourite music—there is no one way to say goodbye.

There is only their way.
And that’s the path I help families walk.

💭 Curious about what’s possible? Want to learn more about spiritual, personalised farewells?

🕯️ With Dying to Know Day coming up on 8 August, I’m planning a special gathering to open this important conversation. Dying to Know Day began in 2013 to encourage Australians to talk more openly about death, dying and end-of-life planning—with heart, honesty, and humanity.

👁‍🗨 Would you attend something like this?
A gentle, welcoming space to explore rituals, ask questions, and connect with others on the same wavelength.

💌 Pop a comment below or send me an email at hello@funeralcelebrantbrisbane.com if you're interested or curious. I'd love to hear from you. Let’s co-create something meaningful together.

With reverence and a little Urban Druid magic,
– Cheryl x

24/03/2025

Honouring Life’s Transitions the Urban Druid Way: Why More Are Choosing Celebrants for Funerals, Rituals & Weddings

Greetings, fellow seekers,

I’ve noticed a powerful shift happening. More and more people are stepping away from the impersonal and embracing ceremonies that honour life’s transitions with authenticity, intention, and reverence.

Why are so many choosing Celebrants for funerals, rituals, and weddings?

Because people are yearning for ceremonies that feel real—crafted with care and rooted in their own beliefs, values, and stories.

For funerals especially, the days of one-size-fits-all services are giving way to beautiful, personalised tributes. Whether you wish to honour a loved one with nature’s gentle touch, a heartfelt storytelling ceremony, or something entirely unique, a Celebrant brings the skill and sensitivity to create a truly meaningful experience.

And it’s not just funerals. From handfastings under ancient trees to modern rituals honouring new beginnings, people are choosing Celebrants because they want ceremonies that resonate deeply with who they are.

I’m here to help you create ceremonies that feel true to your spirit and intentions. Whether you’re looking to honour a life lived, celebrate love, or mark a powerful moment of transformation, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your experiences and what calls you to something more meaningful.

With grace and wild wisdom,
Cheryl McKenzie

Celebrant & Guide

07/03/2025

Eighty summers. A lifetime of golden afternoons and salt-kissed breezes, of cicada choirs humming in the heat, of bare feet on warm earth and laughter carried on the wind. Eighty summers to watch the wattle bloom, to stand beneath the vast southern sky and feel the hush of twilight settle into your bones.

And yet—how quickly they pass. One moment, you are a child, chasing the waves with reckless joy. The next, you are watching the tide recede, the sun dipping low on a horizon that once seemed endless. Time is a river that does not pause, and though we wade in its shallows, it always carries us forward.

So love fiercely. Hold the hands of those who matter. Breathe in the scent of rain on dry earth, let the moonlight kiss your skin, taste the sweetness of a mango dripping down your chin. Do not rush through your days—savour them. For a summer once passed cannot be reclaimed, but a summer well-lived leaves warmth long after the sun has set.

28/02/2025

Honouring Life with a Thoughtful Farewell
Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things we do in life. A funeral or memorial service isn’t just about mourning—it’s about honouring the life of someone we love, sharing their stories, and finding comfort in community.

As a celebrant, I work closely with families to create ceremonies that truly reflect the person being remembered. Whether it’s a formal service or a casual gathering, the right words and rituals can bring comfort and healing.

How Do You Create a Meaningful Farewell?

Tell Their Story – A well-crafted eulogy and shared memories help capture their essence.

Incorporate Personal Touches – Favourite songs, readings, or even their signature sayings can make the service deeply personal.

Include Rituals – Candle lighting, scattering ashes, or planting a tree in their memory can offer a sense of closure.

Encourage Participation – Inviting friends and family to share their memories can create a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

A farewell should be as unique as the life it honours. If you’re looking for a celebrant to help guide you through this process with care and respect, I’m here to help.

27/02/2025

Naming Ceremonies – A Special Welcome to a New Life

A new name marks a new chapter—whether it’s welcoming a child or celebrating an adult’s transition into a name that truly reflects who they are. Naming ceremonies are a meaningful, non-religious way to honour identity and belonging.

What Happens in a Naming Ceremony?

Introduction of the Name – The significance of the chosen name is shared.

Promises & Blessings – Parents, guardians, or chosen mentors share their wishes and guidance.

Symbolic Rituals – Candle lighting, tree planting, or a keepsake box can add meaning.

Celebration! – A gathering filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of community.
If you're planning a naming ceremony, I’d love to help you create a warm and welcoming event.

24/02/2025

Tuesday Love: The Magic of a 25-02-25 Wedding

Tomorrow I have the joy of officiating a truly special wedding—an intimate late afternoon ceremony, set in nature, where the official witnesses are the couple’s parents. A moment of pure love, simplicity, and deep meaning.

There’s something wonderful about a Tuesday wedding. Free from the usual weekend rush, it invites a sense of calm and presence. The focus shifts entirely to the couple, their vows, and the love they share, rather than the fanfare of tradition.

And then, there’s the magic of the date: 25-02-25. A beautiful palindrome, reflecting balance and harmony. In numerology, 2 represents partnership and connection, while 5 brings change, adventure, and growth. Together, they symbolise a love that is both grounded and ever-evolving—perfect for a wedding day!

It is an honour to legalise this couple’s beginning, surrounded by nature, held in the quiet presence of their closest family. A reminder that love doesn’t need a grand stage—just the right hearts in the right place.

Would you consider a weekday wedding for a more intimate, meaningful celebration? Let’s chat about crafting a ceremony that feels truly yours.

#25-02-25