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Humanist funerals focus on the separation from the dead person and the grief that people feel. Remembering the good deeds and life experience of the deceased helps this grief. The focus on the deceased and the life that they have lived.

A candle might be lit to remind people of the way the dead person affected their own lives. There is no religious content and no suggestion that the person lives on except in the memories of the friends they have left behind and in the effects of their good works.

Secular death rites

The coffin is welcomed into the place of the service and the celebrant will welcome the mourners. The mourners will often listen to or join in with the favourite music of the deceased.

A close friend or relative will usually share important events from the life of the dead person, to show how much difference that person made to family, friends and the community. Some people might include a few religious elements, like a familiar prayer or a religious symbol.

Many people do not believe a strong element of religion is desirable, especially if the deceased did not follow a particular religion. The main focus of secular death rites is to celebrate the life of the deceased, and not refer to any beliefs about what happens in the afterlife.

As there is no set plan, each funeral can differ. Below is an example of the order of a humanist funeral:

• opening music
• welcome the mourners
• reflection on life and death from a non-religious point of view
• tribute outlining the personality and life and of the deceased person
• readings, eg usually non-religious poetry or texts
• reflection – a chance for the mourners to think about the deceased person
• committal – this is when the curtains are closed on the coffin or when the casket is lowered into the ground
• final words, eg thanking the mourners on behalf of the deceased person
• closing music (non-religious)