A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony that celebrates the life of a loved one who has passed away. It is an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a more personal and meaningful way to say goodbye, without the constraints of traditional religious services. At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we understand the importance of providing a fitting funeral for your loved one, and we are here to guide you through the process of arranging a humanist funeral.

What is a Humanist Funeral?

A humanist funeral is a non-religious service that focuses on celebrating the life of the person who has died. It is based on the humanist perspective that every life is individual and valuable, and that we can find meaning and purpose without religion. Humanist funerals are conducted by a humanist celebrant, who works with the family to create a personalised ceremony that reflects the life, personality, and values of the deceased.

Humanist funerals can be held anywhere, from a crematorium or burial site to a woodland setting or even at home. They offer the flexibility of being able to take place at any time after the death, allowing the family time to grieve and make arrangements. The ceremony itself usually lasts between 20-30 minutes, although this can vary depending on the wishes of the family.

What Happens at a Humanist Funeral?

Every humanist funeral is unique, but there are some common elements that are often included. The ceremony usually begins with an introduction by the celebrant, followed by music and readings chosen by the family. The central part of the ceremony is the tribute section, where family and friends can share memories, stories, and reflections on the life of the deceased.

The tribute section is often the most personal and emotional part of the service, as it allows those closest to the person who has died to express their love and appreciation. It may include speeches, poetry, or even video tributes. The celebrant will work with the family to ensure that the tribute section is a true reflection of the life and personality of the deceased.

After the tributes, there may be a time for reflection or a symbolic gesture, such as lighting candles or placing flowers on the coffin. The ceremony usually ends with words of thanks from the family and a final piece of music as the coffin is committed for cremation or burial.

Finding a Humanist Celebrant

If you are considering a humanist funeral for your loved one, the first step is to find a funeral celebrant. Humanists UK has a network of accredited celebrants who are trained to conduct humanist funerals and memorials. You can search for a celebrant in your area on their website.

When choosing a celebrant, it is important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who understands your wishes for the ceremony. You may want to meet with them in person or have a phone conversation to discuss your ideas and requirements.

The celebrant will work closely with you to create a fitting funeral ceremony that reflects the life and values of your loved one. They will ask you about their personality, interests, and achievements, as well as any specific requests you may have for the service. Based on this information, they will write a unique script for the ceremony that includes music, readings, and tributes.

How Much Does a Humanist Funeral Cost?

The cost of a humanist funeral will depend on several factors, including the location, duration, and any additional services you require. In general, a humanist funeral may cost slightly more than a traditional religious service, as you will need to pay for the celebrant’s time and expertise.

According to Humanists UK, the average fee for a humanist funeral celebrant is around £200-£250, although this can vary depending on the celebrant and the location. You will also need to factor in the cost of the venue, coffin, flowers, and any other expenses associated with the funeral.

At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we offer a range of funeral costs to suit different budgets and requirements. We can work with you to create a personalised funeral package that includes all the elements you need for a humanist ceremony, from the celebrant’s fee to the order of service and music.

Choosing Readings and Music for a Humanist Funeral

One of the benefits of a humanist funeral is the freedom to choose readings and music that are meaningful to you and your loved one. Unlike traditional religious services, there are no set texts or hymns that must be included. Instead, you can select pieces that reflect the personality and interests of the person who has died.

Humanist funeral readings can come from a wide range of sources, including poetry, literature, song lyrics, and personal writings. Some popular choices include “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye, “Death is Nothing At All” by Henry Scott Holland, and “Remember Me” by Margaret Mead.

When selecting music for a humanist funeral, you may want to choose songs that were significant to the person who has died or that evoke happy memories. You could include instrumental pieces, classical music, or contemporary songs that reflect their taste and personality.

Your celebrant can offer guidance and suggestions for readings and music, based on their experience of conducting humanist funerals. They can also help you to structure the ceremony and ensure that the readings and music flow well together.

Where Can Humanist Funerals Take Place?

One of the advantages of a humanist funeral is that it can be held almost anywhere, giving you the flexibility to choose a location that is meaningful to you and your loved one. Some popular options include:

• Crematorium: Many humanist funerals take place at a crematorium, which offers a simple and convenient venue for the ceremony. The celebrant will work with the crematorium staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.
• Burial site: If your loved one is being buried, you may choose to hold the ceremony at the graveside or in a nearby chapel. This can be a more intimate and personal option, allowing you to say goodbye in a peaceful setting.
• Woodland burial: For those who want an eco-friendly and natural send-off, a woodland burial may be the perfect choice. Many woodland burial sites offer beautiful and tranquil settings for a humanist ceremony, surrounded by nature.
• Other venues: Humanist funerals can be held almost anywhere, from a community hall or hotel to a favourite park or beauty spot. Your celebrant can advise you on the suitability of different venues and help you to make arrangements.

Arranging a Humanist Funeral with Joseph A. Hey & Son Ltd

If you would like to discuss arranging a humanist funeral for your loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Joseph A. Hey & Son Ltd. Our experienced funeral directors can guide you through the process of planning a funeral that truly reflects the life and values of the person who has died.

We can put you in touch with a local humanist celebrant who will work with you to create a personalised and meaningful ceremony. We can also take care of all the practical arrangements, from arranging the funeral service to providing a suitable coffin and transportation.

Our aim is to make the process of arranging a humanist funeral as stress-free and straightforward as possible, allowing you to focus on remembering and celebrating the life of your loved one. Whether you are looking for a simple cremation or a more elaborate memorial service, we can tailor our services to meet your needs and budget.

Choosing a Humanist Ceremony in Bradford or Surrounding Areas, With Joseph A. Hey & Son

A humanist funeral offers a personal and meaningful way to say goodbye to a loved one, without the constraints of traditional religious services. It is an opportunity to celebrate the life they led, the relationships they forged, and the legacy they leave behind.

At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we understand the importance of providing a fitting funeral for your loved one, and we are here to support you every step of the way. With our experience and expertise in arranging humanist funerals, we can help you to create a ceremony that truly reflects the life and values of the person who has died.

If you would like to find out more about humanist funerals or discuss your options with one of our caring funeral directors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are here to listen, advise, and support you through this difficult time.