What Is a Humanist Funeral?

A Guide for Families

When arranging a funeral, there are many different options to consider. While some families choose a traditional religious funeral, others may prefer a service that focuses on the life, personality and memories of the person who has died rather than religious beliefs.

A humanist funeral is a non-religious funeral ceremony that celebrates and remembers someone’s life. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together, share memories and say goodbye in a way that reflects the individual.

At Gaunts of Kidderminster, we understand that every family has different wishes and beliefs. We work with professional humanist officiants who can help create a personal and meaningful farewell.

What Is a Humanist Funeral?

A humanist funeral is a non-religious funeral service centred around the life of the person who has died.

Rather than following a set religious ceremony, a humanist funeral is created around the individual’s life, personality, relationships, achievements and the memories they leave behind.

The service may include readings, poems, music, photographs, personal stories and tributes from family and friends. There are generally no prayers or religious readings, although the exact format can be tailored to the family’s wishes.

A humanist funeral can take place following either a burial or cremation.

What Happens at a Humanist Funeral?

There is no single format that every humanist funeral has to follow. This flexibility allows the ceremony to be personalised to the person being remembered.

A humanist funeral might include:

• Music chosen by the family
• An introduction from the humanist officiant
• A tribute or eulogy about the person’s life
• Readings, poems or literary extracts
• Personal stories and memories
• Contributions from family members or friends
• Photographs or video tributes
• A moment for quiet reflection
• A final farewell or committal
• Music as the coffin leaves

The officiant will normally speak with family members before the funeral to learn about the person who has died. This helps them create a service that feels personal rather than generic.

Is a Humanist Funeral Religious?

No. Humanist funerals are non-religious.

A humanist approach generally focuses on the life that the person lived, the relationships they formed and the memories shared by those who knew them.

This does not mean that a humanist funeral cannot acknowledge someone’s spirituality or personal beliefs. Families can discuss their wishes with the officiant, although a humanist ceremony itself does not follow a particular religious tradition.

If you would prefer a funeral that includes some religious elements without following a fully religious ceremony, a celebrant-led service may also be an option. Gaunts of Kidderminster works with religious, non-religious and other professional officiants to help families choose an approach that feels appropriate.

What Is the Difference Between a Humanist Funeral and a Religious Funeral?

The main difference is the role of religion within the ceremony.

A religious funeral will generally follow the traditions and beliefs of a particular faith. It may include prayers, religious readings, hymns and other established rites.

A humanist funeral does not follow a religious structure. Instead, the ceremony is created around the individual and their life.

Neither option is inherently better than the other. The right choice depends on the wishes of the person who has died and their family.

Who Conducts a Humanist Funeral?

A humanist funeral is usually conducted by a humanist officiant.

The officiant works with the family before the funeral to learn about the person who has died. They may ask about their personality, interests, relationships, achievements and important memories.

Using this information, they prepare and conduct a ceremony that tells the person’s story and gives family and friends an opportunity to say goodbye.

At Gaunts of Kidderminster, we work with professional humanist officiants and can help families choose the right person to lead their service.

Can You Have a Humanist Funeral at a Crematorium?

Yes. A humanist funeral can take place at a crematorium.

Many crematorium chapels can accommodate non-religious funeral services, allowing families to choose their preferred music, readings, tributes and other personal elements.

The available time and facilities will depend on the crematorium. Some crematoriums also have media systems that allow families to display photographs, play music or show videos during the service.

Your funeral director can discuss the available crematoriums and help you understand the options for the service.

Can You Have a Humanist Burial?

Yes. Humanist funerals are not limited to cremation.

A humanist service can take place before a burial at a cemetery, churchyard or natural burial ground. Gaunts of Kidderminster can help families consider different burial options, including natural burial.

For families looking for a more natural setting, a natural burial can take place in locations such as woodland or meadow burial grounds. The rules around coffins, memorials and flowers will depend on the individual burial ground.

What Can You Include in a Humanist Funeral?

One of the main benefits of a humanist funeral is the opportunity to make the service highly personal.

Music

Music can be an important part of remembering someone. You could choose their favourite songs, music associated with an important period of their life or something that reflects their personality.

Readings and poems

A reading does not have to be religious. You could choose a poem, passage from a book, lyrics or another piece of writing that has meaning for the family.

Eulogy or tribute

The main tribute gives the officiant an opportunity to tell the story of the person’s life. Family members or friends may also wish to give their own tribute.

Photographs and videos

Photographs can provide a visual celebration of someone’s life and can be displayed during the service. Some crematoriums also offer facilities for displaying images and videos.

Personal touches

There are many other ways to personalise a funeral. Gaunts of Kidderminster can help families consider options including personalised coffins, unique funeral transportation, dress codes, colour schemes and personalised printing.

You can choose as much or as little personalisation as feels appropriate.

How Long Does a Humanist Funeral Last?

There is no fixed length for a humanist funeral.

The duration will depend on the location and the elements included in the ceremony. A crematorium service may have a set time, while a service held elsewhere may offer greater flexibility.

The number of readings, tributes, pieces of music and contributions from family and friends can also affect the length of the ceremony.

When arranging a humanist funeral, your funeral director and officiant can help you plan the service within the time available.

Can Anyone Have a Humanist Funeral?

Yes. You do not need to have been a member of a humanist organisation to have a humanist funeral.

A humanist funeral may be appropriate for someone who was non-religious, atheist, agnostic or simply preferred a funeral that focused on their life rather than religious beliefs.

Ultimately, the funeral should reflect the wishes of the person who has died and their family.

Is a Humanist Funeral the Same as a Celebrant Funeral?

Not exactly.

Both humanist officiants and celebrants can conduct personalised, non-religious funeral services, but there can be differences in their approach.

A humanist officiant generally follows a humanist, non-religious philosophy and creates a ceremony focused on the life of the person who has died.

A celebrant can offer a more flexible approach and may conduct religious, non-religious or partly religious ceremonies depending on their beliefs and the family’s wishes.

If you are unsure which is right for you, your funeral director can explain the options and help you find an officiant who suits your requirements.

How Much Does a Humanist Funeral Cost?

There is no single cost for a humanist funeral because the price will depend on the arrangements you choose.

The cost can include the funeral director’s professional services, coffin, transportation, crematorium or cemetery fees and the fee for the officiant.

Additional choices, such as personalised stationery, flowers, additional transport or particular funeral arrangements, can also affect the overall cost.

At Gaunts of Kidderminster, we offer both funeral packages and bespoke funeral arrangements to suit different preferences and budgets.

Our team can provide a no-obligation quote based on your requirements.

How Gaunts of Kidderminster Can Help

Choosing the right type of funeral is a very personal decision. If you are considering a humanist funeral, you do not have to make all the arrangements yourself.

At Gaunts of Kidderminster, we have been providing funeral services for more than 125 years and have experience supporting families from different backgrounds, faiths and cultures. Our team can help you arrange a funeral that reflects your loved one’s personality, wishes and life.

We work with professional humanist officiants who can create a warm and personal non-religious ceremony, while our funeral directors take care of the practical arrangements.

Whether you are considering a cremation, burial or natural burial, we can discuss your options and help you create a meaningful farewell.

To discuss arranging a humanist funeral in Kidderminster, contact Gaunts of Kidderminster. Our funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for advice and support.

Frequently Asked Questions