As you face the challenge of this difficult time, I am here to help you create a funeral that is a reflection of both the person you have lost, and those who are left behind.
There is no prescribed format for a Humanist funeral ceremony. I have had all sorts of requests, from the sublime to the silly to the downright rude! I am happy to consider whatever you feel is appropriate for the deceased person and the mourners.
Humanist funerals are becoming much more common. Instead of focusing hymns and prayers, it instead uniquely and affectionately celebrates the life of the person who has died. Proper tribute is paid to them, to the life they lived, the connections they made and have left behind. However, I am always careful that there is nothing in the ceremony to cause offence to those who are religious, and I will include a period of quiet reflection for those who may wish to offer a silent prayer. The main idea is that the ceremony simply, sincerely, and affectionately celebrates the life of the person who has died, and allows friends, relatives and acquaintances to express their feelings of loss and to share their memories. Many bereaved people find this tremendously helpful, and are pleased to have provided a ceremony their loved ones would have wanted.
If there is to be a burial, then there are often two parts to the ceremony – an indoor service, followed by a graveside committal. Or sometimes there is a need for a Memorial Ceremony with no burial or cremation. In these cases, the ceremonies are often held in private function rooms, which means they can be any appropriate length, offering even greater flexibility and possibilities.
I will come and visit family members and friends at home or in a suitable location. I will spend time discussing the kind of ceremony you would like, and what it should contain. I will try and get a full life-story of the deceased. If family members or friends wish to make contributions, either spoken or written, I will work with them to ensure these fit in and flow. I will then write a service based on all this. I will email you a full script in advance, so you can correct and approve of it. On the day I will conduct the ceremony, and will liaise with your Funeral Director (if you have one) to make sure everything runs smoothly. Afterwards, I will present you with a copy of the script, in a presentation folder, as a keepsake.
You can find more details on my website.
