# Humanist funerals

> A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony led by a trained humanist celebrant. It focuses on the life, personality and relationships of the person who died, with tributes, music and readings chosen by the family, and no hymns or prayers — though a quiet moment of reflection lets religious guests pray privately. It can be held anywhere, with burial or cremation.

Source: https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/humanist/ — FuneralFinder

## Key facts

- **Who leads:** A humanist celebrant — e.g. accredited by Humanists UK, or Humanist Society Scotland
- **Content:** Life story, tributes, music and poetry; no religious content
- **Where:** Crematorium, natural burial ground, hotel, village hall, garden or home

## What to expect

The celebrant meets the family to learn about the person and writes a unique ceremony around their life story. Humanist funerals are increasingly popular in the UK and suit people who lived without religion but want a meaningful goodbye.
Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

## Etiquette

- **What to wear:** Whatever the family asks — often bright colours.
- **What to say:** Share a memory; there are no set words.
- **Flowers:** Welcome, unless donations are requested.

## FAQs

### Can you have hymns at a humanist funeral?

Humanist ceremonies don’t include hymns or prayers, but many include a moment of quiet reflection so that religious guests can pray privately.