A humanist funeral service is based on the humanist perspective that we each have one life only and every person is unique and valuable.

My role as a celebrant is to work closely with you to create a funeral ceremony that truly reflects your loved one’s life, values, and personality—without religious content, but with plenty of heart.

Funerals ceremonies usually take place in crematoria, cemetery chapels or at burial grounds.

The funeral service I will create and deliver for you has a similar format to traditional religious services, however, the structure of the service is completely up to you, but a common service includes:

• Music
• Words of welcome
• Thoughts on life and death from a non-religious perspective
• A tribute
• Readings
• Private reflection
• The committal – when the curtains are closed, or coffin lowered
  Closing words

A funeral director is the professional most likely to support you to deal with the practical funeral arrangements. Or you may choose to arrange the funeral without a director, with the support of your local council or an organisation like the Natural Death Centre.  In either case, the type of ceremony you choose is up to you.

You may be following funeral instructions left in a will but, if not, you decide how you will give tribute to your loved one.