A civil funeral reflects the beliefs and wishes of the deceased and their family, rather than the ideals of the person conducting the ceremony. This approach makes a civil funeral different to either a humanist service, which is devoid of religious content, or the completely religious offering from the clergy.

The private views and convictions of the civil funeral celebrant will not preclude any particular content from the ceremony. Their views regarding religion are irrelevant - the service is about your beliefs and your wishes - your choice!

This type of funeral service can be held almost anywhere and, accepting that we are demanding more choice in how we say goodbye, is becoming very popular. Whether it is held in a crematorium, a woodland burial site or other venue, a ceremony can include a hymn or a prayer (some like a little religion on these occasions) to accompany a highly personal tribute. Add some favourite music – how about doves, a bagpiper, balloons? It's up to you entirely.

A unique ceremony for a unique person.