Non-religious / Humanist Funerals

We realise at lastwishbook.com that our members come from all over the world with many different backgrounds and religions. If you are from a religion that we have not mentioned in this section of the site we would like to hear from you so we can add the information here. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and tell us about your funeral traditions. For those of you that are not religious at all there are also many ways of conducting funerals without religion being involved.

 

A Humanist Funeral

(www.humanism.org.uk) would usually involve a simple affair that would consist of the following components.

A typical ceremony will usually include:

Favourite or appropriate music (of any kind). a welcome and a brief explanation of theceremony, poetry or prose readings and a 'tribute' to the deceased (mainly biographical, often with short contributions from family, friends and colleagues). Following this there is usually a time of reflection for silent meditation or private prayer, the Committal or words of farewell and a brief close which can include thanks and announcements. Prior to the funeral, a Humanist officiate will normally visit a family to map-out the ceremony and to form a rounded picture of the subject.

At this stage it may also be important for families to freely discuss various options in relation to procedure during the ceremony. Detailed preparation prevents reliance on a standard text or format, and in the days leading up to the ceremony, time and care is devoted to writing and compiling a tribute both factually accurate and with the appropriate tone. By this process, each ceremony can be developed afresh with families who welcome the opportunity for choice and personal input.

A printed copy of the ceremony is always provided for the family, to send to absent relatives or friends and also to be kept as a memento. Humanist funeral ceremonies may be conducted at a crematorium, a cemetery, a woodland burial ground, and other burial grounds (subject to restriction).

Memorial ceremonies are usually conducted elsewhere and after some time following the funeral.However in some circumstances, for example where there is no body or a body has been accepted for medical research, a memorial ceremony may take the place of a funeral. All Humanist officiates are non-judgemental, empathic and have widelife-experience; many have professional backgrounds.

Civil Funerals

A Civil Funeral Ceremony is a dignified and formal non-religious ceremony to commemorate a loved one's life and parting. Above all, it is a ceremony that reflects the wishes of the family and those of the deceased. It is a highly personal tribute created by the executor or family in consultation with a professional Celebrant.

Why is a Civil Funeraldifferent?

The most valuable element of the Civil Funeral Ceremony is a carefully scripted tribute written about the character and life of the person by the Civil Funeral Celebrant with the help of family and / or friends. This tribute is a celebration of the person's life, recounting their experiences, attributes and qualities. Every effort is made to capture the very essence of the deceased and their lasting spirit. The tribute, which can be delivered by the Funeral Celebrant or any of the family/friends, forms a part of the whole ceremony that the Celebrant will create in partnership with the family. Each ceremony is completely unique tothe deceased and a written copy of the whole text is provided so that theceremony can be followed easily.

Where can a CivilFuneral be held?

A Civil Funeral can beheld almost anywhere with the exception of religious buildings and churches.The Ceremony is appropriate for either a cremation or burial at any non-religious burial ground. The Civil Funeral Celebrant will be able to help and advise you of locally approved venues.

Who conducts a CivilFuneral Ceremony?

The person conducting the Ceremony is a trained professional Civil Funeral Celebrant. Practising Celebrants are hand picked for their experience, professionalism and empathy.

How is a Civil Funeral Ceremony created?

The Civil Funeral Ceremony provides a comprehensive framework to make a range of choices about the content and style of the final Ceremony. In short, a Ceremony unique to the deceased is created: a tribute to and a celebration of their life. Choices are made from the wide selection of poems and readings available or can be taken from the deceased's lastwishbook.com profile. Additional pieces that hold special meaning and significance for the deceased can be included. The Civil Funeral Celebrant will offer help and advice on all the options available and in deciding how the selections should be arranged and presented. Family members and friends may also be included in the ceremony as well as any music that isappropriate. The Civil Funeral Ceremony is designed and conducted in such a wayas to reflect the express wishes of the deceased and that of the family.

How much does a Civil Funeral Ceremony cost?

There is a fixed feefor a Civil Funeral Ceremony; this is currently £189.00. Most Funeral Directors will include this fee in their invoice.

How to arrange a Civil Funeral Ceremony...

Your funeral director can arrange this for you. . If you have any extra information on non religious funerals or you yourself had been to one then please email us or share your experiences in our forum or send to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it