Planning a funeral is a difficult moment in many people’s lives. It comes with lots of questions and choices to make on behalf of a loved one. You may have lots of help and support, or you may be doing it on your own. Either way, it’s not easy. I would love to work with you to create a personal funeral service that reflects the personality of your loved one, your memories of times shared and the relationships they had with friends and family. I can offer guidance on structuring a ceremony where you can have as much or as little input as you want.

A humanist funeral is a non-religious and personal funeral ceremony. It is both a dignified farewell and a celebration of a life. It recognises the profound sadness of saying goodbye, whilst celebrating the life and legacy of a loved one. Humanist funerals offer a personal and fitting way to say goodbye to those who have lived without religion. They honour the person who has died, focusing on the life they led, the relationships they forged, and the legacy they left.

Although Humanists do not believe in God this does not mean that people who hold religious beliefs are excluded. Everyone is very welcome at a Humanist ceremony, and you don’t need to be a Humanist to have a Humanist funeral.

Each ceremony that I have the privilege of being a part of has the unique story of your loved one at the centre. I take pride in my ability to work alongside and listen to families, at what can be a very difficult time, to create bespoke and meaningful funerals, celebrations of life or memorials. I’m of the view that people’s lives are endlessly fascinating, and I really enjoy crafting a tribute that is an authentic refection of the individual’s life and values.

Humanist funerals can incorporate personal stories, music, poetry and readings. They can be full of joy and laughter as well as respectful and more sombre; I will be completely led by you. It is important to me that the ceremony I lead gives you the opportunity to have a sincere and authentic goodbye.

Over the course of several hours, at a time that suits you, I will learn all about about the person who has died – their story, their personality, their likes and dislikes and what made them tick. I will then write a unique and personal non-religious funeral ceremony based on this information. Before the day of the funeral or memorial, I will send the script to the family or friends for approval, this way you can have complete peace of mind that the ceremony will be just as you wish.

On the day of the funeral or memorial service I will conduct the ceremony, including welcoming and thanking your guests. If you or your friends and relatives don’t feel comfortable speaking in public, I will deliver all the readings as well as the tribute we have created together.

The tone and format of a humanist funeral is entirely up to you and it will be a true reflection of the life of the person who has died. Many humanist funerals choose to remember people with an upbeat or positive celebration of a life. Others can take a more solemn tone, appropriate to the deceased and the feelings of their family and loved ones.

There will often be time as part of the funeral for a silent reflection on the life of the deceased. This time is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. People with religious beliefs will often take this opportunity to say a silent prayer if they wish to. Non-religious people can simply use this time to think about some happy memories of their loved one.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can help.