Thinking about the funeral

Arranging a funeral can be a distressing and painful experience when you are faced with making important decisions about the kind of ceremony to choose. At a time when levels of emotion are running high you may struggle to think clearly about the most important question: 'What kind of funeral do you want?'

There are many factors that influence the type of ceremony you choose, such as cultural and religious traditions, personal preferences and costs, or the clear wishes expressed by the person who has died.

If you think you would like a Civil Funeral Ceremony the following information may help you decide.

What is a Civil Funeral?

A Civil Funeral is a ceremony based on the wishes, beliefs and values of the person who has died and their family and/or friends.

It may include some hymns and prayers, but equally it may have no religious content. The ceremony has no link to any religious persuasion of the celebrant. The inherent flexibility of a civil ceremony makes it ideal for families who would like a service that is very individual, reflecting the character of the person who has passed away. The ceremony can be held almost anywhere you wish, with the exception of churches or other religious buildings. It can be adapted for cremation or burial, and is perfectly suited for green burial grounds such as Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground and Nature Reserve, Fairspear Natural Burial Ground or Olney Green Burial Ground. 

What will the ceremony contain?

A personal tribute to the person who has died will be carefully written by the celebrant in partnership with family. This will be the central and most important component around which the ceremony will be built. The tribute can be delivered by the celebrant or alternatively by a family member or friend.

There are a wide range of readings, poetry and music that can be included in the ceremony, - perhaps things that have a special meaning for the person who has died.

The celebrant can offer suggestions and advice on all the options available and help you to consider how the selections can be arranged and presented. This may include friends or family members who wish to read or pay tribute at the ceremony.