Non-religious funerals are no different from religious ones. However, with the religious element out of the way, non-religious funeral services tend to focus on celebrating the deceased’s lifetime while recollecting special moments and achievements. These funerals are also meant for the bereaved as well as relatives and friends to pay their last respects and say their final farewells.
Planning a Non-Religious Funeral
Without having to take into account the requirements imposed by religion or religious beliefs, the bereaved family will have a lot of free play in planning a non-religious funeral service to give the deceased a memorable farewell. A well-planned funeral should be a celebration of the deceased life on Earth, taking into account his personality, lifestyle and family and ethnic traditions. It should be meaningful to those who know him well and one where the bereaved can say with absolute certainty that “this is what Papa (the deceased) would have wanted if he were still around.” It is, after all, the immediately family’s tribute to the deceased and is done in acknowledgement of the impact that his life has made in the lives of his family and friends.
However, from our experience, most families are usually ill prepared when death occurs; death is after all a taboo subject and few will have discussed funeral plans with the deceased while he was alive. In additional, during times of grief, even the simplest of decisions can prove difficult. And because there is no religious leader to turn to for advice on funeral matters, having an experienced Funeral Director around is always helpful.
The Order of a Non-Religious Funeral Service
While there are no fixed rules or format for a non-religious funeral, there are some common aspects such as the presence of music that is appropriate and respectful of such a serious occasion, a welcome reading or inspirational readings and quiet moments for funeral attendants to have a private thought about the deceased.
Must a Non-Religious (Free Thinker) Funeral Be Grand?
While having a grand funeral is important to some, grandness and meaningfulness are two different things altogether. A simple funeral. well arranged, can, at times, be more personal and meaningful than a grand one. No amount of money can make up for the thought and personal touches that go into planning a meaningful funeral.
At Holy Spirit Bereavement, you can expect nothing but our best. In short, you will have a stress-free funeral, with everything down to the finest details taken care of. Unless a grand funeral is requested for by the bereaved family, our primary concern will always be on the minute details that will make the funeral meaningful for everyone. Our suggestions will be practical, and prices kept affordable.
