Like a humanist funeral, a humanist memorial is a non-religious ceremony that is about the person who has died but, with a memorial, there is no coffin present.

The humanist memorial is both a celebration of a life and a dignified, personal farewell – a sincere, personal reflection on the life of a loved one, without having a religious dimension to the ceremony.

 You don’t need to identify as a humanist to have a humanist ceremony – although many people share humanist values without realising.

A memorial can be held anywhere: at home, in the garden, in a park or woodland, at the beach – anywhere of relevance to the people gathering to pay tribute to the person who died; allowing you to say goodbye in a way they would have loved.

At a memorial service, instead of the casket, the ashes may be present – or in some cases, a photo of the deceased.  The ceremony allows people to come together to grieve, to remember, and to celebrate a life lived. Such ceremonies can take place anywhere that is suitable and fitting, and at any time.

With the flexibility of being able to take place at any time after the death, memorial ceremonies are accessible to families who must travel great distances to come together and who may not all be able to gather immediately following a death. 

Direct cremations are also becoming more popular. They are a  simple, respectful cremation without a funeral service; but with the personal delivery of the ashes. Which can be followed by a memorial ceremony at a suitable time. Memorial ceremonies are a way of remembering someone special, when they have donated their body to science too.

What happens at a humanist memorial ceremony?

Each ceremony is unique and there are no rules about what ‘must’ be included, or in what order. However, if you are planning a memorial, you might find it helpful to have an idea of the structure of a typical ceremony, whilst recognising that the content will be unique.

Example of the structure of a ceremony

• Introductory music
• Words of welcome
• Thoughts on life and death from a non-religious perspective
• The tribute – the story of the life and personality of the person who has died
• Readings of poetry or prose
• Reflection – a few moments for private thoughts about the person who has died, either in silence or accompanied by music
• Closing words
• Final music

Please contact me if I can help with your unique memorial ceremony.