Humanist funerals mark the passing of a loved one by balancing the sadness and the sense of loss with a celebration of the life that was lived and is now ended.  This is achieved with thoughtful reflections from family and friends interspersed with music and appropriate, well-chosen words from the celebrant.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Disclaimer: Please note that these questions and answers are for general information purposes only.

 

The answers are correct to the best of our belief and knowledge at the present time, but are not

 

definitive. Different celebrants take slightly different approaches, so please speak to a celebrant if

 

you have a particular query or concern.

​​

As an ever increasing number of people adopt secular philosophical life stances, they opt to

 

celebrate the life of their loved one and express their sadness at the loss of that person by choosing

 

a Humanist funeral service.​

 

​

Q: What is a Humanist Funeral?

​

A: Humanist funerals focus on the person who has died, balancing the sadness of loss with a

 

celebration of the person’s life.

​

If possible, the celebrant will meet the family or friends who are organising the funeral, and

 

together they will plan a meaningful ceremony. Otherwise, the ceremony can be arranged

 

by telephone or skype. The celebrant will take the time to learn as much as possible about

​

the person who has died, and the family will usually contribute readings or music. These

​

contributions will often be reflective, capturing the essence of the person who has died. The

 

celebrant will lead the ceremony, using appropriate words at the beginning and end, with

 

dignity and warmth.

 

​

Q: Where will the funeral be held?

​​

A: Humanist funerals can be held in any suitable venue: in a crematorium, at the graveside, in

 

the funeral parlour, at a hotel, a community hall, in gardens, a woodland, a marquee or a

 

private home. One option is to have a short ceremony at the graveside, and then a

 

celebration of the person’s life in a venue such as a hotel or hall. The funeral director should

 

be able to advise you about suitable venues in your locality.

 

​

Q: When can the funeral be held?

​

A: Humanist funerals can be held at any time. In the case of a cremation, it is useful to arrange

​

the funeral as the last cremation of the day, or to book two consecutive slots, in order to

 

allow sufficient time for a full ceremony. The ceremony will normally last at least 40

 

minutes, so allowing up to one hour is advisable.

​

 

Q: Some of the family are religious – can their beliefs be included?

​

A: Humanism acknowledges the right of all to people to choose and practise their own

 

philosophical life stance, and it is important to us that everyone is included in a funeral

 

ceremony.  While the celebrant cannot say anything religious, the funeral can include a

​

minute’s silence during which all mourners can consider the life of the deceased and grieve

 

according to their own custom.  While Humanist funerals are by definition secular, that is,

 

non-religious, some celebrants may on occasion agree to prayers being spoken aloud by

 

religious mourners.

 

 

Q: How much does a funeral ceremony cost?

​

A: Humanist celebrants are accredited by the HAI but operate as independent service providers

​

so do not have a fixed fee rate – please discuss with your celebrant. Typically you can expect

 

a guideline fee in the region of €250 (this includes a €25 contribution to the HAI). Fees may

 

vary from celebrant to celebrant, particularly if the venue is some distance from them as

 

they will incur travel costs.

 

Some of our celebrants are VAT-registered and, as such, need to add 23% VAT to their fees.

 

 

Q: Can I arrange my own funeral?

​​

A: People often ask if they can arrange their own Humanist funeral, so that they can be sure

​

that their funeral will fit with their own convictions. Most celebrants would be very

 

favourably disposed to discussing your funeral ceremony with you. You should make sure

 

your wishes are known to whoever will be making the funeral arrangements. We would

​

advise you to put your wishes in writing.