How to Plan a Non-Religious Funeral

For many people who choose cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, a non-religious funeral is a chance to plan a personalized service without the boundaries of religious norms.

But if the deceased didn’t leave specific wishes, it can be harder to know what to do, especially when it’s your first funeral and you’re consumed with grief.

To make it easier, here are some tips for holding a non-religious funeral that honors the memory of your loved one:

Choose a venue

The first step in planning a non-religious funeral is deciding where it will be held. It sets the tone for what type of service it will be. Some options include a funeral home, a community center, or a private venue such as a park or a home.

Consider somewhere meaningful to your loved one that can comfortably accommodate your guests.

Pick the music and readings.

Music and readings can add a touch of emotion and personalization to the funeral. Choose songs or poems meaningful to the deceased or those attending the funeral. You can also ask friends or family members to contribute their own music or readings.

Consider any cultural or personal traditions.

Suppose the deceased had specific cultural or personal traditions that they wanted in their funeral. In that case, it is important to honor those wishes. This could include specific rituals or customs, such as a native prayer or a particular type of food or drink.

Choose a speaker or speakers.

Next, you will need to decide who will speak at the funeral. This could be a family member, a close friend, or even a professional speaker. You might want to consider having multiple speakers share different memories or perspectives.

It’s also a good idea to discuss the content of the speech with the speaker beforehand to ensure that it is appropriate and respectful.

Send out the obituary.

Once you have the details of the funeral planned, it’s time to invite friends and family to attend. Be sure to give people enough notice to make arrangements, and consider offering a range of ways for people to RSVP or send their condolences.

If there are special instructions you want attendees to observe, such as dress code or specific event on the agenda, be sure to include them in the announcement. This will prepare everyone for what to expect, especially those used to traditional funerals.

Allow for flexibility

It is important to remember that the funeral is a time to honor the memory of your loved one, but it is also a time of grief. Be open to making changes or accommodations as needed, allowing flexibility in the planning process.

Holding a non-religious funeral can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one’s memory and celebrate their life. By considering these tips and planning ahead, you can create a memorable and respectful funeral that truly reflects your loved one’s unique personality and spirit.

We offer personalized funeral services and cremation services in Phoenix, AZ. Call us if you need a funeral home to work with you to arrange the unique send-off that befits your loved one’s personality.