Humanist Funerals

There is no set text for a humanist funeral: each ceremony is designed in consultation with the family of the dead person.

When you have arranged to have a humanist celebrant, he or she will talk to you – preferably in person, but perhaps by phone – and others who knew the person who has died, to get to know as much as possible about them.  They will be interested in the biographical details, but much more than this they will want to know about their loves and hates, their interests – everything that made them a much-loved individual.  Others will be given time to participate in the ceremony if they wish to do so – with a reading, a poem or a personal tribute.   Music speaks directly to the heart and you will probably wish to think about suitable pieces for the ceremony: to play as people arrive and leave and, perhaps during the ceremony itself.

Typically, the structure will look something like this:

Music

Welcome

Thoughts on Life and Death

Tribute

Music/Poetry/Readings

Silence – time to say a short prayer for those who wish to do so

The Committal

Music

“Thank you so much for all your hard work. Not only in the planning and preparations, but also more importantly your presence on the day. You made it professional but still kept it informal at the same time.  With your presence, the ceremony felt truly special and helped us celebrate our Mum's life.

Without you we would have struggled to make such a special occasion. Thank you so much for your time, effort, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the work that you do. It was obvious to us that you cared tremendously about such ceremonies and you really helped us achieve our goal of ensuring that we acknowledged the death of our mother, but then focussing on the celebration of her life.”

Daughters