Religious vs. Non-religious Funerals

The way we bid farewell to loved ones is a reflection of not only who they were but also the values, beliefs, and traditions they cherished. Funerals are a deeply personal service that honours the deceased and provides loved ones with solace and closure. When it comes to planning a funeral, it’s important to understand the different options available so you can choose the right one for you and your family.

During this difficult time, one significant consideration you have to think about is whether the ceremony should be religious or non-religious. Ultimately this decision is down to the personal wishes of the deceased or their family, however, understanding the distinctions between the two can help you choose the right approach for your funeral needs and personal beliefs. 

Here at Heart of England, we believe that everyone should get the funeral they deserve, that’s why we have put together everything you need to know about the difference between a religious and non-religious funeral so you can make an informed choice.

What is the difference between a religious and non-religious funeral?

Although the meaning behind both types of funerals remains the same, the main differences lie in the rituals, beliefs and customs represented through the ceremony. Whether you choose to have a religious or non-religious ceremony is all down to the wishes of the deceased which are usually laid out in a will or relayed to the next of kin or close family member prior to passing. Below, we will discuss the key differences between each funeral type so you can choose which option is best suited to you.

Religious funerals

Religious funerals are the most common types of services and are usually considered to be more formal. The elements of the service are central to this type of traditional funeral, with the ceremony typically tailored to reflect the practices of a particular faith, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, or Hinduism.

A religious service is held in a place of worship or crematorium and is led by a priest or spiritual leader who will officiate the ceremony and offer comforting words based on religious beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. This ceremony will involve a combination of prayers, hymns and sacred readings from a specific religion alongside a eulogy and readings from close friends and family. Most religious funerals tend to place emphasis on the afterlife, whether that be focusing on going to heaven or experiencing new life through reincarnation, as a way to offer comfort to those grieving.

Non-religious funerals

As they are not closely associated with any specific religious beliefs, non-religious funerals will differ from traditional religious services, however, they can still include religious or spiritual elements in their ceremonies if that is what you wish. 

A non-religious funeral is typically a humanist service that includes none or very little religious content throughout, meaning they do not include the typical prayers, hymns or bible passages you would find at a religious service. Instead, a non-religious funeral will celebrate the life of the deceased, focusing on what made them special, including anecdotes and readings about personal connections and memories.

This type of service is led by a celebrant and can be conducted in a variety of locations including historic venues, outdoors or in people’s homes, as opposed to a church where a traditional service would be held. A celebrant can help you organise the funeral, support loved ones and create a personalised service that reflects the family and the deceased wishes. 

What do you call a non-religious funeral service?

A non-religious funeral service is often referred to as a humanist funeral or a celebrant funeral. This type of service allows loved ones to celebrate the life of the deceased for those who come from a non-clergy background. These services are conducted from a humanist perspective, emphasising the importance of the individual’s life, focusing on their accomplishments and fond memories, without religious elements.

What is the format for a non-religious funeral? 

The format of a non-religious funeral can vary as they are personalised to fit the wishes of loved ones. Before a non-religious funeral, a celebrant will take the time to get to know the friends and family of the deceased before the funeral and work with you to arrange a personalised order of service that reflects their values, beliefs, and preferences. Officiants will listen to the family, gently prompting them to give information about the deceased, this time together will allow the celebrant to tailor the service to what the deceased was like as a person and how they would want to be remembered. Following this, when it comes to planning the service, the typical order of events will proceed as follows:

• Welcoming guests and opening remarks – The celebrant will welcome attendees and set the tone for the service, acknowledging the loss and outlining how the ceremony will flow.
• Reflection on the deceased’s life – The officiant will then take time to highlight the achievements of the deceased, focusing on their character and the legacy they are leaving behind.
• Readings and poems – There will then be a time for reflection with various readings to be spoken either by the celebrant or attendees. These can be religious if you desire but often will focus on particular quotes or poems that resonate with the deceased and hold meaning for the family.
• Music – Often there can be songs played upon entering the funeral and periodically throughout and as a farewell at the closing of the service. These songs are typically favourites of the deceased or ones that friends and family feel reflect the tone of the service best. For inspiration on picking the right music for the service, head over to our blog on ‘what are the best funeral songs’ to help you pick the best one.
• Tributes and sharing – This is often a time for family members or close friends to read a eulogy and share any personal anecdotes and memories of the deceased. If applicable, the celebrant may read pre-recorded messages or tributes.
• Commemoration – This is a time for a symbolic act such as lighting a candle or sharing a slideshow of photos, providing a moment of unity and reflection for attendees.
• Closing remarks and final goodbye – Finally, the celebrant will conclude the ceremony by thanking attendees and sharing a farewell message along with information on post-service gatherings. There will then be a procession to the burial or cremation and a moment of silent reflection before leaving.

Due to the personalised nature of a non-religious funeral, the framework for each service will be unique to the individual and can be adjusted to fit the preferences of the family and the wishes of the deceased.

Arrange a funeral unique to you at Heart of England

If you’re looking for further information on arranging a funeral service, whether it be religious or non-religious, get in touch with our team of friendly funeral directors today to find out how we can help you. From providing bereavement support to talking you through the process of planning a funeral, we’re here to support you during this difficult time.