Non-Religious & Humanist Funeral Service Guide
Create a meaningful, personal celebration of life that reflects your loved one's values, without religious rituals. Learn how to structure a secular ceremony that honors their memory.
What is a Non-Religious Funeral?
A non-religious (or secular/humanist) funeral is a celebration of life that honors the deceased without reference to religious beliefs, clergy, or spiritual doctrines. Instead, it focuses on the person's character, achievements, relationships, and the impact they had on those around them.
These services are increasingly popular and offer complete flexibility to personalize every element to match the individual's life and values.
Key Principles of Non-Religious Funerals
- Person-centered: The focus is entirely on the individual — their personality, achievements, hobbies, and relationships
- Secular: No religious prayers, hymns, or spiritual references (unless the family chooses to include them)
- Flexible: Complete freedom in structure, music, readings, and tone
- Authentic: Reflects how the person actually lived, their humor, values, and quirks
- Inclusive: All attendees participate equally; no clergy required
Typical Service Structure
Our 8-page non-religious template provides a flexible framework:
- Welcome & Introduction — A family member or friend welcomes guests and introduces the service
- Opening Music or Moment of Reflection — Their favorite song, piece of music, or a moment of silence
- Life Story & Biography — Key milestones, achievements, and defining moments
- First Reading or Poem — A meaningful poem, quote, or passage (from literature, philosophy, or a personal writing)
- Tributes & Memories — Family and friends share favorite stories and memories
- Second Reading or Reflection — Another poem, quote, or reading that captured their spirit
- Celebration of Life — Photos, videos, or a summary of their legacy
- Closing Words & Farewell — Final reflections on their impact and life lesson
- Music & Reflection — Final song or piece of music
Music Choices for Secular Services
Music sets the tone and doesn't need to be religious. Popular options include:
- Their favorite songs: A track they loved, even if it's modern pop, rock, or jazz
- Classical pieces: Elgar, Debussy, Satie, or other instrumental works
- Folk or world music: Reflecting their heritage or interests
- Meaningful modern songs: "In My Life" by The Beatles, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
- Natural sounds: Ocean waves, birdsong, or rainfall if they loved nature
Meaningful Readings & Poems
Without religious texts, consider:
Philosophical Quotes
- Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, or Stoic philosophy
- Maya Angelou, Rumi, or modern poetry
- Quotes from thinkers or writers the person admired
Secular Poetry
- "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" — Dylan Thomas
- "Death is Nothing at All" — Henry Scott Holland
- "The Journey" — Mary Oliver
- "Remember" — Christina Rossetti
Literature & Other Writings
- Passages from their favorite novels
- Poems or essays they wrote
- Letters they wrote to loved ones
- Their own philosophy or life lessons they shared
The Role of a Humanist Celebrant
Many families choose a Humanist Celebrant to lead the service. These are trained professionals (not clergy) who:
- Interview the family to understand the person's life and values
- Write a personalized, warm, and meaningful eulogy
- Structure and conduct the entire service
- Ensure the ceremony reflects the individual authentically
Celebrants are available through organizations like the British Humanist Association and can work within any budget.
Personalizing Your Non-Religious Service
1. Tell Their Story
A non-religious funeral is the perfect time to tell the full, authentic story of their life — their passions, quirks, challenges they overcame, and the relationships that mattered most.
2. Include Their Values
Highlight what they stood for: environmentalism, social justice, education, family, creativity, adventure, or kindness. Show how these values shaped their life.
3. Incorporate Their Interests
If they were a gardener, include flowers and nature themes. If they loved travel, show photos from their journeys. If they were funny, share their humor.
4. Let Everyone Contribute
Invite family and friends to share memories, read a poem, or play a song. This creates a collective celebration rather than a formal ceremony.
5. Add Visual Elements
Photos, video montages, artwork, or displays celebrating their life make the service more personal and engaging.
Planning Your Non-Religious Service
- Decide on a celebrant: Humanist, family member, or friend to lead the service
- Choose the venue: Crematorium chapel, community hall, garden, or meaningful location
- Plan the structure: Decide on opening, music, tributes, readings, and closing
- Gather materials: Photos, videos, music tracks, poems, and quotes
- Write tributes: Plan what will be said and by whom
- Print your order of service: Distribute to guests so they know what to expect
✨ Tip: Your order of service can be as casual or formal as you like. Some families prefer traditional formatting; others use photos, colors, and creative layouts. Make it reflect your loved one's personality.
Creating Your Non-Religious Order of Service
Our flexible non-religious template accommodates any structure you choose:
- Add your loved one's name and years
- Share their life story and values
- Include your favorite poems, quotes, or readings
- List music selections and speakers
- Add photos, favorite sayings, or personal touches
- Download and print at 300 DPI
Create Your Non-Religious Order of Service →