To those who have lived without religion, traditional churchyard funerals can seem impersonal. Non-religious funerals offer a way to honour the life of a loved one without the need to partake in rites or ceremonies related to a particular faith.
If you or a loved one are looking for a funeral plan that offers complete personalisation, here’s why a non-religious funeral might be the right choice.
What is a non-religious funeral?
A non-religious funeral is a service that focuses on celebrating the life of the deceased. In place of the traditional hymns and bible passages, personal anecdotes are read and songs special to the deceased are played.
However, even when opting for a non-religious funeral, any religious or spiritual elements can be included if wanted. It’s all about a completely tailored approach.
Non-religious funerals are led by a celebrant instead of a priest or religious leader. They can also be conducted in a variety of venues, so you don’t have to use a church.
How do non-religious funerals work?
Non-religious funerals are made to reflect beliefs unique to the deceased, because of this they’re designed to be entirely flexible so they can be adjusted to preference.
There’s no need to follow religious rites so the framework of a non-religious funeral can vary, but they typically begin with a welcoming of guests, followed by readings and tributes and close with some final words and reflection.
Welcoming guests
At the beginning of the funeral service, the celebrant will welcome family and other attendees. They’ll start by setting the tone for the service, whether this is a celebration or a time for reflection. The celebrant will then acknowledge the loss and outline the ceremony’s readings and songs.
Reflection
After acknowledging the loss, the celebrant will then conduct a moment of reflection to commemorate the achievements of the deceased, by reciting their life story and legacy they leave behind.
Readings
Celebrants or attendees can then perform readings and poems. Even in humanist funerals, these readings may be religious, but usually they focus on quotes important to the family.
Music
Songs of your choice can be played while the attendees are entering the funeral, after readings and at the closing of the service. The music for these services are chosen for their sentimentality, though some people do choose to have hymns.
Tributes
This is an opportunity for family members and loved ones to read a eulogy or share special anecdotes and memories of the deceased. The celebrant may read messages out on behalf of the family.
Along with the tributes, attendees may want to light a candle or share a slideshow of photos, giving the mourners a moment to reflect.
Closing remarks
At the end of the service, the celebrant will thank the attendees, share a final message and provide any information on post-service gatherings. This concludes the ceremony.
Once the ceremony is finished there may be a procession to the burial or a moment of silence if the deceased is cremated.
What options are there for non-religious burials?
For non-religious burials there are green spaces and woodlands outside of traditional church cemeteries.
If the deceased decides to be cremated the ashes can be interned, scattered, kept in an urn or made into keepsakes like jewellery.
Discussing a non-religious funeral plan
Local funeral directors help to liaise with celebrants and organise the service so it’s tailored to your loved one.
To do this correctly a funeral director will ask questions about your loved one’s life to arrange a service that reflects their values, beliefs and preferences.
Whether you want to plan a religious funeral , non-religious funeral or a service that combines both, it’s best to discuss any funeral plans with a professional. They can advise you on options suited to your requirements.
Final thoughts
The format of non-religious funerals provide more room for personalisation. They focus less on religious rites, and more on the loved one’s preferences by highlighting life achievements and key milestones.
They don’t have to completely reject all religious practices, and can include hymns and prayers that are special to the family or the deceased. This provides a flexible framework for the service, allowing it to be customised for each individual.
