Secular Funeral Services

Many people choose a religious ceremony following their cultural traditions, but there is an alternative.
It is possible to appoint a Humanist officiant or even to conduct the service yourself. If you decide to arrange the ceremony yourself, you will need to consider what you wish to say and what music (if any) is required.

The service itself may be made up of anecdotes, poems or readings from a favourite book. A moment of silence can be incorporated for those present to remember their loved ones (and for any religious people to pray). Remember also that when talking about the life of the deceased, to use both their full name and other name(s) by which they may have been known to others.

In the case of cremation, where the ceremony is to take place in the crematorium chapel, you will need to decide in advance if the coffin is to be carried into the chapel ahead of the mourners or after everyone has been seated. You may also choose whether the curtains around the coffin close or remain open prior to the committal.

However you decide the ceremony should be conducted, you can ask the funeral director or crematorium staff for advice beforehand.

In the case of burial, you may wish to hold the ceremony at home, in a civic building or at a non-conformist chapel. At the graveside, it is best to keep the committal reasonably brief for the comfort of mourners. You should contact the Bereavement Services Section to discuss the requirements of your graveside service before making any arrangements.