Humanist funerals, memorials, interment or scattering of ashes

FAQs

Humanist funerals are bespoke, and truly reflect the personality of the person who has died. Friends and family share memories as a starting point but the person who has died is placed at the centre of everything. The structure and what you say/do is up to you. I will offer you support, advice, and run your ceremony. Humanist funerals do not include any religious acts of worship. For more information, check out this article from Humanists UK.

Not at all. You need to choose the service that is right for you. The majority of funerals these days are cremations, but if you decide on a burial (cemetery or woodland) I can help you with that.

With funerals, memorial services, and interments/scattering of ashes, we will meet to discuss your wishes for the ceremony and how you would like to remember the person who has died. I will ask you the questions to bring out the stories of their life. Following our meeting, I will write a draft service and send it to you for review. I will then conduct your ceremony, liaising with all key people – including the funeral director, tech manager (as needed), venue, and any speakers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Afterward, I will provide you with a presentation copy of the ceremony script (hard and soft copy).

It can be useful to think about a few things to help you get ready for our meeting. Is there anyone who would like to speak at the funeral? What music would you like to include? Are there any readings or poems that you would like? Would you like to include any special rituals or gestures, like placing a flower on the coffin? I’ll come to our meeting ready with a checklist of things that we need to cover.

As a humanist celebrant, I would not lead any acts of worship. However, if there is something of particular religious significance to you, I am happy for a family member or friend to take ownership of that and make it part of the service.

For my humanist funeral celebrant service, £220. Memorial services are £350. An interment or scattering of ashes is £75. For funeral pre-planning my charge is £50. With all services, there is an extra cost for travel outside of 40 miles. My fees are set within the recommended range of Humanists UK.

At memorial services, you won’t have a funeral director, so I take care of the whole day for you, acting as MC and taking care of the logistics. The extra work and responsibility are reflected in the price.

I’m based in Cambridge but work across East Anglia and Essex, including Huntingdon, Peterborough, Ely, Newmarket, Royston, Harlow, Epping, March, and Bury St Edmunds. There is an extra charge for travel outside of 40 miles.

Email me at alex@alexcolliscelebrant.co.uk or call me on 07587 297657. Alternatively, you can speak to your funeral director and let them know that you would like me to look after your ceremony – the funeral director will then let me know how to contact you. I’m always happy to answer any questions and have a no-obligation chat so do get in touch.