Australia is home to many different cultures and religions. Just as there are religious funerals in Australia there is also the option of having a non-religious funeral. This article is provided by Sydney Coffins. Sydney Coffins is a memorial product and funeral provider in Australia, specialising in unique and personalised coffins, caskets and funerals.
There are many options for creating a funeral for a person who is not religious. A non-religious funeral could also be referred to as an ‘atheist funeral’, ‘agnostic funeral’or a ‘humanist funeral’.
A non-religious funeral is a way to have a dignified farewell and a celebration of a life for a person who has passed away. They encompass a life in a celebratory way but also recognise the difficulty in saying goodbye.
What happens at a non-religious funeral?
For those who have lived without religion or who want a funeral which is not related to religion, a non-religious funeral is an option available in Australia.
Non-religious funerals can be as you decide. A non-religious funeral is the same as any funeral option, however, without the religious traditions, and guidelines used. For example, religious readings, themes, and songs are not apart of a non-religious funeral.
There may also be a wake held after a non-religious funeral where there is an opportunity for people to come together and share memories.
Non-religious funeral etiquette
Some non-religious funerals will focus on celebrating the life of a person and take on a tasteful more enjoyable experience using a less traditional approach. Many non-religious funerals are a balance acknowledging the achievements and personality of the deceased in a positive and uplifting way but also addressing the sadness of their passing.
People might wear colourful clothing and music player could be uplifting and joyful. The etiquette of the funeral will be dictated by the family of the deceased and the mourners who will attend the funeral are informed about this usually in the funeral invitation before the funeral.
Where does a Non religious funeral take place?
Generally, a non-religious funeral can take place almost anywhere as it does not require a religious location. Even an outdoor setting is an option.
The location depends on the family of the deceased as well as the funeral home. It can be at a funeral home hall or at a event hall in at a cemetery. However, the options are wide.
It also depends on how much you would like to spend on the funeral.
Is a non religious funeral a good option for me?
For those who have lived without religion or who want a funeral which is not related to religion, a non regligous funeral may be an option.
Sometimes a religious person might also prefer a non religious funeral as they prefer to arrange their own religious ceremony after a burial side funeral or cremation only funeral in order to say money.
How much does a Non-religious funeral cost?
The cost of a non-religious funeral depends on the elements that make up the funeral. For example, the cost of the memorial products, the location of the final resting place, will the funeral have catering afterward? Will additional cars be hired to transfer people to the cemetery? All these factors contribute to what the cost of the non-religious funeral will be. Sydney Coffins offers a non-religious funeral starting from $4,900. View this here.
What is a civil celebrant? And what is their role in a non-religious funeral?
In religious funerals, there is often a religious representative who is in charge of delivering the funeral service by following tradition and religious guidelines. For example, a priest, or a minister in Christianity. However, for a non-religious funeral, there is also a need for a person who can deliver a funeral service. A civil celebrant is usually this person who has the task of delivering the service.
Your chosen funeral home will often provide a civil celebrant for a funeral. However, you are also able to find a civil celebrant of your choice. Or, you can even deliver the funeral if you wish. However, it is advised to leave this responsibility to professionals due to many factors.
How do l plan a non-religious funeral?
It is as easy to plan a non-religious funeral as it is to plan a religious funeral. Contact a funeral home and explain the type of funeral you want. It can be as easy as saying you would like a non-religious funeral. Funeral homes are equipped to cater for non-religious funerals just as well as religious funerals. Sydney Coffins offers a non-religious funeral starting from $4,900. View this here.