Non-religious funerals

You may already have a specific person in mind to lead the funeral service, but if not, we are here to assist you. We take the time to understand your preferences and values, and based on that, we can suggest a suitable non-religious funeral leader for you. Our network includes a diverse range of non-religious funeral leaders who vary in approach and character. Our goal is to find the right fit for you, ensuring a personalised and meaningful service.

We understand that some families may not feel the need for a formal funeral leader. In such cases, we have extensive experience in supporting families to lead more informal funerals in their own unique way. We believe in flexibility and providing support that aligns with your preferences.

Non-religious funeral leaders are often known as civil celebrants or humanist celebrants. Humanist celebrants typically do not include prayers, hymns, or religious references in their services, as they strongly believe in the absence of a higher power. On the other hand, civil celebrants are generally more flexible and can incorporate prayers or religious references if desired.

One of the wonderful aspects of non-religious funerals is the freedom to create meaningful rituals that resonate with you and your loved ones. There are no set rules or prescribed ways of doing things, allowing for a truly personalised and engaging experience. We embrace the opportunity to co-create these unique farewells and eagerly anticipate your input and ideas.

Finding a leader for a non-religious funeral

We work with a few different non-religious funeral leaders and once we have found out a bit about you we will pair you with the most appropriate person.

When planning a funeral the officiant will speak to you and your family about the person that has died. Usually they’ll visit you at home.

It is helpful for the officiant to learn as much as possible about the person who has died, so that the funeral tribute really captures their life and personality.

These types of funeral concentrate very much on the person that has died, their life, their achievements, their interests and passions and their relationships.

A funeral can be a very spiritual occasion even if there is no particular named faith.

Elements of a non-religious funeral ceremony

Regardless of the choices you make, the funeral ceremony will be a unique and heartfelt tribute that reflects the individual’s personality and celebrates the time you shared together.

A funeral ceremony can encompass various elements, including:

1. Music: You have the option to incorporate live music performed by musicians or pre-recorded music that holds special meaning to the person being honoured.
2. Tributes: These can take the form of written pieces crafted by the funeral leader based on their understanding of the deceased, or they can be written by friends and family members and delivered by either the individuals themselves or the funeral leader.
3. Funeral Poems and Readings: We have a collection of beautiful poems and readings that can be suggested or you may have specific pieces in mind that hold significance to your loved one and can be included.
4. Silence: Moments of silence can be observed during the ceremony, allowing for personal reflection or silent prayers for those who have faith.
5. Small Rituals: Personalised rituals, such as laying flowers, lighting candles, releasing doves or balloons or any other meaningful gesture unique to your family, can be incorporated to create a deeply personal and meaningful ceremony.

Furthermore, if you have specific ideas or concepts in mind, we encourage you to share them. There are no rigid rules or limitations when it comes to designing a funeral ceremony. It is an opportunity to create a deeply personal and authentic tribute that resonates with your family and honours the life of your loved one.

Incorporating your values and beliefs

For families who desire a touch of faith in the funeral ceremony, even if they don’t attend church regularly, we collaborate with accommodating ministers who can tailor the service to include as much or as little faith as desired. They ensure that the funeral aligns with the wishes, values and beliefs of the departed and their family.

Inclusive of diverse beliefs, we have incorporated elements from various faiths, such as Pagan, Buddhist, Quaker and Hindu references, into funeral services.

Moreover, cultural links that form an integral part of an individual’s identity can always be honoured and included in the ceremony.

We are here to provide guidance and support for families who wish to lead their own ceremonies or write heartfelt eulogies and tributes. Our team is committed to assisting you in creating a meaningful and personalised farewell.

Ceremony venue choices

Non-religious funerals can be conducted in various locations. While many are held in crematoriums or cemetery burial chapels, there are additional options to consider.

We have organised ceremonies in diverse settings, including families’ own homes and gardens. These unique venues allow for a more personalised and meaningful farewell.

Alternatively, you may have a specific location in mind that holds significance due to the cherished memories shared with your loved one.

We are delighted to announce that we now have our own dedicated ceremony space at our new funeral home in Sydney, providing an additional venue option for your convenience.

In some cases, families we have supported have expressed a desire for a more intimate and informal gathering, foregoing a formal ceremony altogether. Their preferences range from simply sitting and listening to music, sharing memories in an informal manner or even reflecting on personal memories in silence.

At Eco Funerals, we understand that every individual and family has unique needs and wishes. Our commitment is to provide the support and arrangements that align with your specific preferences. Whether you desire a formal ceremony, an informal gathering or any other customised approach, we are here to assist and accommodate your requests.