Amy Lee Bristol and Somerset Celebrant
Funeral Ceremonies
Humanist funeral ceremonies are non-religious celebrations of life that honour the unique journey and legacy of a person. Rather than adhering to traditional religious rituals, Humanist ceremonies focus on compassion, reason, and respect, whilst paying tribute to the life of the individual and that wonderful experience we all share- that of being human.
As with all my ceremonies, my funerals provide a meaningful space where friends and family can be personally involved and acknowledge the impact the person has had on the world and the people around them.
The writing and delivery of every ceremony celebrates a life lived. It is the ultimate story to tell, and oh, how I love telling it!
Nowadays you have so much choice about how you choose to organise your loved one’s big send off. You can find out much more about Humanist funerals and memorials on the Humanists UK website.
Below are some of the ways I can write and deliver a beautiful send off.
Your Ceremony Choices
A Crematorium or Burial Ground Ceremony
A Humanist cremation service is a deeply personal and meaningful way to say goodbye, focusing on the life, values, and memories of the person who has died. Unlike religious ceremonies, a humanist service is non-religious and shaped entirely by the wishes of the family and the story of their loved one.
My process is that once I am booked as the celebrant for your ceremony, I meet with you to find out about the person we are saying goodbye to, and write an entirely unique ceremony, telling their story. I can also include:
Eulogies and Tributes – Heartfelt words that celebrate the life, personality, and impact of the person who has died.
Readings and Poetry – Carefully chosen words that offer comfort, reflection, and remembrance.
Music – Meaningful songs that reflect the individual’s life and taste.
After we have had a chat, and if you would like to book me for your ceremony, please tell your funeral director you would like to use me and they can liaise with me. They are very used to this- you are welcome to use any celebrant you like for your ceremony.
A Venue or Place of your Choosing
A funeral, memorial, or celebration of life ceremony, can be held anywhere; family homes and gardens, pubs, fields, care homes, beaches, fields, hills; anywhere you can imagine. You can combine this with sprinkling or interning ashes, or not. Anything goes.
If you feel this suits you, you can choose a direct cremation- an increasingly popular option. Direct cremations have the added benefit of giving you more time to plan your ceremony, whilst being a cost effective option. Your ceremony will also not be subject to the same time or space constraints as ceremonies in a crematorium or burial grounds. Local funeral directors can help you with this, or you can find information on the internet.
There are no rights or wrongs at a humanist funeral. I will work with you to produce just the right ceremony; be that uplifting and celebratory, dignified and sombre, or a combination of both. As with crematorium ceremonies, I can include eulogies, tributes, poems, readings, music or any other symbolic acts you would like.
If you think this might be the best option for you then please get in touch and I will help you in any way I can, without obligation
A Pre-Planned Ceremony
Thinking about your own memorial ceremony may feel difficult, but planning ahead can be a deeply cathartic and empowering experience. It ensures that your wishes are known and that your ceremony reflects the life you’ve lived, your values, and the way you’d like to be remembered.
I understand that this can feel overwhelming, but I am here to guide you through the process with warmth, understanding, and sensitivity. Whether you have a clear vision of your ceremony or simply want to explore your options, I will help you shape a service that is personal, meaningful, and just as you would like it to be.
Together, we can discuss the tone and style of your ceremony, (whether it’s simple and intimate or a larger celebration of life), the readings, music, and tributes that matter most to you any special touches that reflect your personality, passions, and beliefs.
If you’d like to start this conversation, I am here to listen, support, and help you put your wishes into place with care and compassion
If you think that a humanist ceremony might be for you
I offer a free consultation session in person or online for you and I to get to know each other and make sure we’re a great match