Civil funerals are for everybody, regardless of religious beliefs. It aims to reflect the wishes and values of the deceased and their family, and not by the beliefs of the person conducting the funeral, such as a minister.
Civil Funerals
The service
With no set format, a civil funeral service can be as lavish or simple as preferred. It should aim to reflect the personality of the person who has died and can include readings, poetry, songs and any other symbolic acts of remembrance.
The service will be written and conducted by a funeral celebrant, who will partner with the family or friends to design a ceremony that is personal and unique to the deceased’s life. Tributes are often arranged such as a video or slide show alongside readings and music, allowing time for reflection.
Prayers, hymns and other traditional funeral elements may be included if requested but are not necessary within a civil funeral service. The main focus is to say goodbye to the individual who has passed and celebrate them with dignity and love.
Civil celebrants
Your celebrant will spend time with you and the family of the deceased person, in order to get to know what they were like, they will often ask about the following:
– The style and tone of the ceremony
– Music, readings, poetry, songs and any other personal elements to make it reflective of the person’s life
– Who will be included in the ceremony, such a who wants to speak in front of the mourners at the funeral
– Understanding the person who has died, such as asking for key events and stories about their life
– Contributions to the service from further afield, such as messages from colleagues, childhood friends and anyone else who wishes to provide insight
