Humanist funerals:

A personal goodbye; meaningful non-religious services just for you.

Humanist Funerals are non-religious and are planned to celebrate the life of your loved one; each ceremony being unique.

Humanist funerals and memorial ceremonies are for people who would prefer a non-religious ceremony. You don’t need to identify as a humanist to have a humanist ceremony – although many people share humanist values without realising.

As humanists, we believe that this life is the only life we have and that after death we live on only in the memories of other people. Humanists look to scientific evidence and reason  rather than religion for answers. Humanism is not simply a non-religious outlook on life, it takes human reason as its guiding principle, and advocates love, kindness, and support for our fellow human beings.

Humanist funeral ceremonies celebrate the life lived and express sadness at the loss. They focus sincerely and affectionately on the person who has died, paying tribute to the connections they made and left behind and the way they lived their life.

A mutually convenient time will be arranged for us to meet face to face and then we will work closely together, to create a personalised ceremony that truly celebrates the life of your loved one. Everyone of us has a unique story and it is my privilege to share the story of your loved one and to write and craft it, into a beautiful unique ceremony.

Each ceremony is unique and there are no rules about what ‘must’ be included, or in what order. However, 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 ~ I have a wide range of beautiful poetry to share if you need some ideas
• Reflection – a few moments for private thoughts about the person who has died, either in silence or accompanied by music
• The farewell or committal ~ a choice of curtains closing/remaining open or the coffin  being lowered or not (crematorium specific)
• Closing words
• Final music

Following our meeting, I will draft the ceremony for your approval, ensuring you have a wonderful unique service to remember. Our ceremonies are always inclusive and mourners that have a religious faith, will have the opportunity for private prayer during the reflection time. We can make as many amendments as you need.

As a celebrant, I am able to bring life experience, professionalism, personality and empathy to support you through this difficult time.

The Funeral Celebrant Accord is a much needed central organisation that was set-up to raise awareness for the need of a code of best practice across the board for all types of funeral celebrants, including Humanists UK, ensuring that everyone receives a meaningful, professional funeral.

If you would like me to lead a ceremony or you would like to discuss Humanist funerals, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

A humanist funeral video ~ a personal goodbye, click the play icon below: