Memorial Booklet

The order of service for a humanist funeral

A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony led by a celebrant and built around the story of the person’s life. Humanists UK publishes an example structure, with the caveat that there are no rules about what must be included or in what order.

The Humanists UK example

  1. Introductory music
  2. Words of welcome
  3. Thoughts on life and deathFrom a non-religious perspective.
  4. The tributeThe story of the person’s life and personality; the heart of the ceremony, lasting up to 15 minutes.
  5. Readings of poetry and prose
  6. ReflectionPrivate thoughts, in silence or with music. Religious guests may use it to pray.
  7. The committalThe curtains close or the coffin is lowered. Humanists UK also calls this the farewell.
  8. Closing words
  9. Final music

Worth knowing before you print

  • A humanist funeral lasts on average about 20 minutes to half an hour; a double crematorium appointment can be booked for more time. (source)
  • Hymns can be included where they reflect the person, but not as an act of worship. (source)
  • The celebrant can deliver all the readings and the tribute if the family prefer not to speak, and families receive a printed copy of the tribute. (source)
  • In the US, the Humanist Society endorses Humanist Celebrants who lead memorials among other ceremonies. (source)

What to put in the booklet

  • Name the celebrant on the running order, and the family and friends giving tributes or readings.
  • The reflection is a natural place to print a short poem in full, so guests can read it in the quiet.
  • Check the length with the celebrant before adding more music or readings: Humanists UK puts an average ceremony at about 20 minutes to half an hour.

Start a booklet with this running order already filled in. Change, add or remove any part.

Start with the humanist funeral running order

Sources

Checked on September 28, 2026.